From a family with a long history of military service, Bryan was born in Okinawa, Japan, in 1996, while his family was deployed overseas. Growing up in the small town of Oologah, Oklahoma, Bryan started playing music at 14, when his father and grandfather bought him a Takamine guitar for his birthday. After learning to play and write lyrics, Bryan began to create his own unique sound.
Bryan describes authenticity as essential to his music: “I’ll always tell the truth in whatever I’m playing or singing.Whether it’s one of the hopeless love songs I sing or a story I wanted to put into a tune, just know at one point in time I was putting all my heart and all my thought into how my feelings and thoughts might be understood by other people.”
Heading South
Zach Bryan Lyrics
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He was a boy who was a dreamer and he flew so high and proud
In a world full of people out to cut his young ass down
No one ever understood a single word, he said
And they cast him to the wolves when he wasn't well and fed
But boys we've got a riser, a riser in our midst
He used to roll around in that red dirt mud
But now he's skipping town and that riser's out for blood
(If you're with me Red Rock?)
Don't stop goin', goin' south
'Cause they'll let you play your music real damn loud
Don't stop headin', headin' south
They will understand the words that are pouring from your mouth
(Thank you guys)
And that boy, he called his daddy to tell him what he did
As the masses screamed the lyrics of a messed up kid
And then he told that old man he was never coming back
To be cut down again in a town like that
Then he surely came to learn people come to watch you fall
But he's out to make a name and a fool out of 'em all
They'll never understand that boy and his kind
'Cause all they comprehend is a fucking dollar sign
So don't stop goin', goin' south
'Cause they'll let you play your music real damn loud
Don't stop headin', headin' south
They will understand the words that are pouring from your mouth
(Ah, and if you're with us tonight, I can't thank you enough)
(I don't deserve any of you)
So don't stop goin', goin' south (goin' south)
'Cause they'll let you play your music real damn loud
Don't stop headin', headin' south (headin' south)
They will understand the words that are pouring from your mouth
(Thank you guys so much for sittin' through the cold for me)
(I really appreciate it)
The song "Heading South" by Zach Bryan tells the story of a young dreamer who faced rejection and misunderstanding from those around him. Despite the challenges, the boy rose above and found success through his music, ultimately leaving his small town behind to pursue his dreams elsewhere. The chorus emphasizes the importance of heading south, both literally and metaphorically, as a means of finding understanding and acceptance for one's passions and talents.
The lyrics are filled with imagery that captures the struggle and triumph of the singer's journey. The line "In a world full of people out to cut his young ass down" illustrates the harsh reality that many artists face, with critics and naysayers seeking to tear them down, while the line "But now he's skipping town and that riser's out for blood" highlights the determination of someone who refuses to be held back or silenced. Throughout the song, we see the young dreamer take control of his life and his art, rising above the doubters and finding a new community of supporters who embrace his unique voice.
Overall, "Heading South" is a powerful anthem for anyone who has ever felt misunderstood or rejected for their dreams. It encourages listeners to keep following their passions, to seek out new horizons, and to never give up on themselves.
Line by Line Meaning
He was a boy who was a dreamer and he flew so high and proud
He was a boy with big dreams and ambitions, and he pursued them with utmost confidence.
In a world full of people out to cut his young ass down
Despite facing many obstacles and naysayers who wanted to bring him down, he refused to give up.
No one ever understood a single word, he said
His vision and ideas were often too abstract or unconventional for others to comprehend.
And they cast him to the wolves when he wasn't well and fed
When he was in a vulnerable state, he was abandoned and left to fend for himself.
But boys we've got a riser, a riser in our midst
But now, he's risen above his hardships and proven his doubters wrong.
And he will get the last laugh, it's the last thing he did
His success will be the ultimate revenge against those who doubted him.
He used to roll around in that red dirt mud
He came from humble beginnings and worked hard to achieve success.
But now he's skipping town and that riser's out for blood
Now that he's accomplished his goals, he's ready to leave and pursue new opportunities.
Don't stop goin', goin' south
Keep pushing forward towards your goals.
'Cause they'll let you play your music real damn loud
Those who support you will allow you to express yourself freely and boldly.
They will understand the words that are pouring from your mouth
Your message will be received and appreciated by those who are open-minded enough to grasp it.
And that boy, he called his daddy to tell him what he did
He wanted to share his success with his family and loved ones.
As the masses screamed the lyrics of a messed up kid
Despite being misunderstood by some, he gained a large following of fans who related to his music.
And then he told that old man he was never coming back
He made the tough decision to leave his hometown and never look back.
To be cut down again in a town like that
He refused to let his success be overshadowed by his past struggles and negative experiences.
Then he surely came to learn people come to watch you fall
He realized that some people are only interested in his downfall and will revel in his failures.
But he's out to make a name and a fool out of 'em all
He's determined to prove his doubters wrong and achieve even greater success.
They'll never understand that boy and his kind
His unique perspective and ideas will always be difficult for some to comprehend.
'Cause all they comprehend is a fucking dollar sign
Some people are only interested in his financial value and not his artistic talent or vision.
So don't stop goin', goin' south
Despite the challenges he may face, he must keep moving forward.
'Cause they'll let you play your music real damn loud
Those who truly support him will allow him to express himself freely and boldly.
They will understand the words that are pouring from your mouth
His message will resonate with those who are open-minded enough to grasp it.
Thank you guys so much for sittin' through the cold for me
He appreciates his fans' dedication and support, even in less than ideal conditions.
I really appreciate it
He is genuinely grateful for the love and support of his fans.
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Zachary Lane Bryan
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind