Won't Be Around

Won’t Be Around is a visually powerful and emotionally unflinching short film that transforms Terry Blade’s lead single into an act of both protest and heritage reclamation. Rooted in the traditions of early American country and blues, the video unfolds in pastoral, sharecropping landscapes where descendants of African-American sharecroppers stand defiantly—not laboring the land, but claiming their presence with dignity and strength. Terry Blade’s direction brings stark symbolism to the frame: Black suits stand for racial endurance and professionalism, while presence without toil becomes a radical statement of resistance. The simple yet visceral imagery underscores the song’s narrative of liberation—leaving an abusive relationship, whether personal or systemic, and refusing to return to the shackles of obligation or oppression.

Critics praised the video’s emotional gravity and aesthetic clarity. One commentator noted the raw storytelling, observing how Blade’s voice carries “immense weight… piercing right through the heart.” Others drew attention to the haunting minimalism, where space and stillness amplify the song’s message of resolve and self-authorship.

The video also earned significant acclaim across the festival circuit, being featured at Tribeca and the Vienna, Berlin, and Prague Independent Film Festivals, among others. It garnered prestigious awards including the Summit Creative Awards (Gold for Video under $5K, Silver for Direction/Editing), California Music Video Awards (Social Justice & Hope, Best Cinematography, Best Fashion & Makeup), and top honors at Bare Bones, Moondance, and Prague film festivals—underlining its resonance as both an artistic statement and a political reclamation.