Joy Orleans Breaking Chains

“Got to free myself from the lies; got to sever the soul ties.”

The chorus in Joy Orleans’ latest song, ‘Soul Ties,’ reflects the singer’s message: work to free yourself from the chains that keep you in bondage.

Joy describes ‘Soul Ties’ as a spiritual, deep song, and part of her exodus.

“The theme of becoming free is attached to the work it takes to change your mindset first,” said the artist.

Dr. Joy Orleans is a third generation musician who started singing at the age of 2. From age 12 to 18, she traveled with her siblings in the band The Faithful Stars of Joy. She is a pastor’s kid, the second cousin of jazz pianist Fats Domino, creator of her own record label, founder of a church, a body positivity model, a collaborator with Donald Markowitz, a singer alongside the great Wolfman, and a manager of her children’s band, The Joy 5ive.

With that impressive well-earned portfolio and career, the stand-out factor is the positive empowerment and blessing her music pours out to others.

In ‘Soul Ties,’ Joy has written a powerful, beautiful song about becoming free from sinful lifestyles. The bold honesty in the lyrics, accompanied by the passion in the vocals is a combination of perfection.

“I wanted to write a song that reflected the place I saw society headed,” she explained. “During

Covid of 2020, I saw many people struggling with interpersonal relationships and trapped in

toxic cycles.”

The singer noticed people were using social media to express their issues. She related to the conversations, and it prompted her to study soul ties (emotional or spiritual connections.)

“I wanted to know what it was like to be tied to something that was not good for your spirit, flesh or person; whether that be a relationship, a job, or a mentality,” Joy explained.

"When I am interested in a subject, it is communicated in my music. That’s how the idea for the song 'Soul Ties’ began.”

The lyrics specifically speak of the lies of the enemy, and how those lies trick people into thinking their sinful actions are normal, fun, and not harmful.

“The reality is, even when we don’t think we are hurting somebody; we are hurting ourselves," Joy explained. “And it hurts the people attached to us.”

The singer’s desire is for ‘Soul Ties’ to empower people to take a stronger look at their lives, their activities, and to question themselves.

“What good is it doing for me? Is God proud of me? Is this feeding my spirit? Is this potentially harmful? These are the questions I believe the song can evoke in others,” states Joy.

The artist explained we share the risk of falling into the trap of conforming to the world, which is not beneficial to our soul.

“I want people to be seen and related to, because we all become stuck. There are going to be roadblocks and we lose our way,” Joy stated.

The singer wants people to not be afraid to be open in their shame and guilt, because the blood of Jesus covers it. He came to die for our sins.

“The closer we get to God, the more we want to be like God; and that’s what can transform us,” she said.

Joy explained during the times in her life when she drifted away, she had the Holy Spirit as her anchor. The Spirit would draw her back to God and she would be the prodigal son coming home.

“Knowing who I am in Christ sets me free and fills my heart with joy,” the singer said. “I can come back to the Father because He has never left me.”

The mother of five experiences God in her life daily and she desires to please God; and lives her days wanting to make God proud.

“I am a servant, and God is using me with my testimony, my life, and my light shining to help others."

Her church is called Enjoy Yourself Ministries, and it reflects her mission:

“Enjoy the journey and find joy in the journey, because the joy of the Lord is our strength.”

*Photo courtesy of artist