Alexa’s New Single ‘i’m okay’ Brings Hope and Healing
Insightful and profound, ‘i’m okay’ is essentially a voice for those struggling with mental health who frequently feel ignored or misconstrued
Korean-American pop sensation Alexa dropped her new single “i’m okay,” today. Inspired by her experiences, the artist penned a poignant anthem that speaks to the silence around mental health struggles. Alexa, who battles bipolar disorder, infuses her sound with honesty and vulnerability via an empowering tune—an emotionally charged statement of compassion and care for those facing mental health issues—urging listeners to shatter the judgments and shame associated with mental health and take on the road to hope and healing
Insightful and profound, “i’m okay” is essentially a voice for people in such predicaments who frequently feel ignored or misconstrued. “This song is a love letter to those struggling with mental health, and it comes from a place of honesty and understanding,” Alexa explains in the official press release for the song, adding that, having bipolar disorder herself, she understands the intricacies and difficulties of “facing your darkest demons.”
Lyrics such as “i’m okay, i’m okay/tell the doctor, stay away/I don’t wanna find out, don’t wanna calm down/let me start over” shed light on those challenges and inspire sufferers to embark on the healing process through offering a sense of solidarity and validation. It seeks to reassure individuals that they are not alone in their chaos by creating a collective resonance that can be consoling and uplifting. Alexa sounds strong and assertive in its cathartic notes, unleashing her pent-up emotions, her bold, impressive vocals, and the music arrangement emphasizing the profundity of how she feels and being most effective in the higher registers.
Her sentiments, weaved into the melody, offer aspiration to others who are grappling with similar conflicts. It induces an effective catalyst for audience engagement, building a sense of belonging and community as we all join in the artist’s emotions portrayed in the song. It seeks an inclusive environment where we feel empowered to ask for help. “More often than not, when approached with the question, ‘How are you?’ our default response is, ‘I’m okay.’ I want this song to show that the conversation doesn’t have to stop at ‘I’m okay,’ and that it’s okay to be honest and to seek help, when necessary,” says the 27-year-old.
“i’m okay” was released in the wake of Alexa’s remarkable performances on iHeart Radio’s Jingle Ball tour, where she was the first solo Korean artist to ever take the stage—a milestone that reiterates her rising prominence as a musician in the global community while also representing an important event in K-pop, illustrating its expanding popularity and international appeal. Alexa performed two unreleased singles during that time, including “i’m okay” and “sick,” receiving rave reviews from several quarters. Additionally, she gave listeners an early listen to “sick” on The Kelly Clarkson Show, hinting at her willingness to take risks in the artistic pursuits she continues to undertake when creating music.