PREMIERE: How Finally Leaving Behind a Toxic Relationship Inspired J.Antonette’s ‘Mean Well’

Do the people that keep hurting you actually mean well—or are they actually just plain mean?

That's a question rising country singer-songwriter J.Antonette asks in her emotional single, "Mean Well." Inspired by her own personal experiences, the song is about the pain of reckoning with your past, and making space for forgiveness in the present, and it's been a favorite of ours ever since it debuted last year.

Today, we were honored to get the chance to premiere the track's stunning music video. Check out the song on Spotify HERE, and keep reading to discover the new video, as well as our interview with J.Antonette on the powerful song and what its lyrics mean to her.

The Story Behind 'Mean Well'

J.Antonette: During the pandemic, I was in a toxic and emotionally abusive relationship. After the breakup, and the dust settled, I was able to see things clearly. I always try to see the good in people, but the truth is that some people like to pretend they "mean well," when the truth is they just know how to be mean very well.

I remember sitting with my co-writer Noah West during our writing session and feeling such a heavy weight from the trauma. While talking with Noah about what we were going to write about, I just said, "People do mean, well." And that's how the song got its start.

Also read about: Isla Rose's 'My Adeline' Is All About Protecting Her Younger Self

What 'Mean Well' Means

J.Antonette:  This song means that I finally removed my rose-colored glasses. I was finally able to see that person for who they were and how they treated me. It was my realization that not everyone has good intentions. This song is my aftermath of coming to terms with reality.

I hope others find healing, forgiveness (forgive the wrongdoer and themselves for not seeing it sooner) and allow personal growth to begin. There's a beauty in this lesson, although it's painful. There is sunshine after the rain and that is what this video is supposed to make you feel.

Also read about: How Olivia Penalva Took Control of Her Self-Image With New Single, 'Judge Away'

J.Antonette's Favorite Lyric

J.Antonette: My favorite lyric is, "Your words were like the rust on your Silverado, always ate away at my frame," because much like how rust eats away at a car frame, words can be incredibly damaging to the body and mind of a person. They linger and stay in someone's heart and mind long after an experience is over. I am sensitive. I let those words hurt me to my core.

Love learning the stories behind great tracks? Click HERE to read our interview with Cat Burns on her hit single, "Go."