Walmart Song

The Zoo Crew, those groovy hippie DJs at THE ZOO radio station, are spinning the "Walmart Song" by Jesse Welles for their devoted Zoo Freaks. This track, officially titled "Walmart," dropped as a single on August 5, 2024, and it’s a raw, satirical folk gem that paints a vivid picture of the chaotic, absurd scenes one might encounter at a Walmart store. One striking lyric, “I saw a toddler eat a cigarette / On a cart of Keystone beer,” captures the song’s gritty, observational humor. According to Genius, the song’s lyrics resonate with listeners who’ve experienced the surreal atmosphere of big-box retail, blending dark comedy with social commentary. Welles shared on Instagram that the song was inspired by real-life moments he witnessed, saying, “It’s like a circus sometimes, and I just wrote what I saw.” The track’s viral success on TikTok came from its relatable depiction of everyday absurdity, with fans on r/JesseWelles praising its “John Prine-esque” storytelling.

Another tidbit about "Walmart" comes from its reception on social media platforms like Reddit, where users on the r/walmart subreddit shared it with enthusiasm, one calling it “the anthem for anyone who’s worked retail hell.” A fan on X posted, “Jesse Welles nailed the Walmart experience—equal parts hilarious and horrifying.” The song’s music video, which Welles posted on YouTube, features him strumming his trusty Stella guitar in the woods, a nod to his DIY ethos. In an interview with Saving Country Music, Welles mentioned that the song’s brevity—clocking in at just 2:34—was intentional to keep it punchy for social media, though he admitted on r/JesseWelles that he’s got longer versions he might release someday. The track’s raw energy and unpolished vibe have made it a favorite among Zoo Freaks, who vibe with its anti-corporate undercurrent.

Jesse Welles, born Jesse Wells on November 22, 1994, in Ozark, Arkansas, kicked off his musical journey in 2012 under the alias Jeh Sea Wells. Growing up in a small town with a turkey plant and a couple of gas stations, Welles was steeped in the gritty realities of rural life, which later fueled his songwriting. He started by posting homemade recordings on SoundCloud and Bandcamp, raw tracks that showcased his knack for storytelling. In 2012, he formed the band Dead Indian with Dirk Porter and Simon Martin, releasing two albums that blended rock and roots. By 2015, Welles had moved to Nashville to work with producer Dave Cobb, a pivotal moment that led to his 2018 debut album, Red Trees and White Trashes, under the mononym Welles. His early career also included fronting Cosmic-American, a short-lived band that performed on Fayetteville Public Television in 2016. Welles’ shift to folk protest songs in 2023, sparked by his father’s heart attack, marked a turning point, with viral hits like “Cancer” and “War Isn’t Murder” cementing his status as a voice for the everyman.

Fans can connect with Jesse Welles through his official website, where he shares updates and tour info. His social media presence is strong, with Facebook, Instagram, and X accounts where he posts snippets of new songs and engages with followers. The r/JesseWelles subreddit is a lively fan hub, with over 1,000 members sharing lyric collages, concert recaps, and discussions about his music. There’s also a Jesse Welles Fans Facebook group, where Zoo Freaks and other devotees swap stories about discovering his music and debate his Dylan-esque influences. These communities highlight Welles’ growing cult following, drawn to his unfiltered, poetic take on modern life.