"Need a Favor" is a song by American musician Jelly Roll, released on December 9, 2022, as the lead single from his ninth studio album Whitsitt Chapel (2023). Jelly Roll co-wrote the song with Rob Ragosta, Joe Ragosta and Austin Nivarel, the latter of whom produced it. The song was sent to country radio on February 13, 2023.
Composition and lyrics "Need a Favor" is a country rock song which centers on a man being on the verge of losing himself and praying for God to do him a favor, but also admitting he does not deserve it and hoping to repent for his past actions. Jelly Roll sings in the chorus, "I only talk to God when I need a favor / And I only pray when I ain't got a prayer / So, who the hell am I, who the hell am I / To expect a Savior o-o-oh / If I only talk to God when I need a favor / But God I need a favor / Amen... Amen".
Critical reception Lesley Janes of The Nash News wrote, "The combination of rock and country is easy to find on this song. He speaks with raw authenticity that it's impossible not to believe every word he sings. Everyone needs a helping hand at times, and Jelly Roll is able to capture that perfectly on this track. The line, "Who the Hell am I to expect a savior," brings true humility to the forefront." Jess of Taste of Country wrote, "Both sonically and lyrically, the song feels like a prime track for the soundtrack of an upcoming Yellowstone episode."
Live performances Jelly Roll performed the song at the 2023 CMT Music Awards. He also performed the song with Wynonna Judd at the 57th Annual Country Music Association Awards.
Accolades +Awards and nominations for "Need a Favor" Organization Year Category ResultPeople's Choice Country Awards2023The Song of 2023The Music Video of 2023Country Music Association Awards2023Single of the Year Music Video of the Year Billboard Music Awards2023Top Rock SongIHeartRadio Music Awards2024Rock Song of the Year CMT Music Awards 2024 Video of the Year Male Video of the Year CMT Performance of the Year Academy of Country Music Awards2024Single of the Year
Charts
Weekly charts + Weekly chart performance for "Need a Favor" Chart (2023–2024) Peakposition Australia Hitseekers (ARIA) 19 New Zealand Hot Singles (RMNZ) 17
Year-end charts + 2023 year-end chart performance for "Need a Favor" Chart (2023) Position Canada (Canadian Hot 100) 81 US Billboard Hot 100 34 US Adult Top 40 (Billboard) 47 US Country Airplay (Billboard) 5 US Hot Country Songs (Billboard) 8 US Hot Rock & Alternative Songs (Billboard) 3 US Rock Airplay (Billboard) 6 + 2024 year-end chart performance for "Need a Favor" Chart (2024) Position US Billboard Hot 100 64 US Adult Contemporary (Billboard) 39 US Adult Top 40 (Billboard) 22 US Hot Country Songs (Billboard) 26 US Hot Rock & Alternative Songs (Billboard) 11
Certifications
References