Jay Allen’s Blank Stares
In 2018, Jay Allen wrote a song for his mother who passed away from Alzheimer’s at only age 54, titled “Blank Stares.” A video of him performing the song live went viral with over 300 million views on Facebook, and has been featured on ABC World News, People TV, People Magazine, Pickler & Ben, Forbes, and Taste of Country, among others.
At the heart of Jay’s song is a search for connection with his mother, but that connection can be represented in many ways: the connection between a father and daughter, between boss and employee, between team.
leader and
Oh how do I get you back If I could only seal the cracks you’re slipping through Wish I didn’t feel so helpless when it comes to helping you Hold on So I keep holding on To every little memory made of you and me Every little glimpse of who you used to be I know you’re still in there Deep down somewhere I swear I still see you Between the blank stares
But there’s also the longing for someone who is no longer there. Jay’s experience and his mother’s struggle with Alzheimer’s is a perfect reminder of why we work in senior living—we are looking for ways to make our golden years better. Everyone gets older, that’s a fact of life. Jay reminds us that the work being done in senior living has a real impact on people’s lives, whether we know it or not.
Since the release of Blank Stares, Jay has helped raise $35 million to fight the disease and continues to perform at charity events across the country for the Alzheimer’s Association.
It’s the first thing that I think about When I wake up and when I lay down It’s the last thing I feel crawling through my mind I’m still trying to understand it Sitting next to you holding your hand And hoping you won’t fade away this time
There’s a voicemail that I keep I listen to it, just to hear you speak “Hey Son” turns to silence just like that You know I love you walking by Like you saw the phone in your hand and you didn’t know why It’s crazy how you come and go so fast
Listen to Jay’s story in Episode 44 23
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