By John Q. Hosedrinker 
Grammy-winning songwriter Brett James, known for writing hits like Carrie Underwood’s “Jesus, Take the Wheel,” died in a plane crash in Franklin, North Carolina. The small aircraft, registered under James’ legal name, crashed into a field, killing all three people on board. James, who collaborated with numerous megastars and had over 500 songs on albums selling over 110 million copies, was elected to the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2020. The National Transportation Safety Board is currently investigating the cause of the crash.
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Brett James, Grammy-winning ‘Jesus, Take the Wheel’ songwriter, dies in North Carolina plane crash, and it’s hard not to feel a wave of, well, *something*. Maybe it’s that classic, biting irony we all love to dissect. You know, the kind Alanis Morissette tried to capture, though, let’s be honest, she missed the mark a little. Regardless, the news is a stark reminder of life’s unpredictable nature. The initial reports were a bit vague, and the absence of details about the passengers on board certainly left room for speculation.
It’s now clear that all three people on the plane tragically perished, a detail that was added to the news article later on. The story’s evolution really highlights how quickly information changes and how important it is to get it right. The fact that Brett James was piloting the plane adds another layer to the tragedy. It’s a devastating situation, and my heart goes out to everyone affected.
And then there’s the song itself. The phrase, “Jesus, Take the Wheel,” is now inextricably linked to the man and the event. It was undoubtedly his most famous work, the one that etched his name into the annals of music history, and earned him a Grammy. It makes sense that news outlets would highlight that fact. It provides context. The song was everywhere and still resonates with so many people. It’s easy to see why CNN, or any news outlet, would want to connect his legacy to his most successful creation.
Some might argue about the choice of the song title to be used as a descriptive note within the story. However, within the context of the story it’s impossible to ignore, given its obvious connection to the event. It’s understandable that the irony of it all isn’t lost on anyone. In this case, the juxtaposition between the song’s plea for divine guidance and the circumstances of his death is impossible to overlook. It’s a dark moment, a stark reminder of life’s unpredictability.
Of course, the discussion of “Jesus, Take the Wheel” and irony naturally brings up Alanis Morissette and her song, “Ironic.” Let’s be clear: rain on your wedding day isn’t irony. Missing a flight because you were late to a conference is not irony, either. Irony involves the opposite of what’s expected or intended, or saying one thing while meaning another. The real irony, as some have pointed out, is that the song “Ironic” itself lacks true irony. It’s more about unfortunate coincidences and the random cruelties of fate.
The irony in this situation is far more profound. There’s a tragic dimension to the fact that a man known for a song about relinquishing control found himself in a situation where, ultimately, he could not. The song was a huge success, and some would argue it defined a whole generation. It’s easy to see why people might be quick to comment on the almost too-perfect juxtaposition, the way real life seems to mirror the themes of his most famous song.
Ultimately, while there may be some light moments and thought provoking analysis within the circumstances, it is first and foremost a tragedy. The comments, memes, and discussion will continue for a time, as they are natural. It’s a loss for the music world and for the families and friends involved. Remember, behind the song, the Grammys, and the news headlines is a real person, and that’s the true tragedy here. The flag might not be at half-mast, but a little respect is in order.