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.”
Me and Mine
Zach Bryan Lyrics
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And I'll be pacin' in my room tonight tryna make some old scars bleed
Tryna write a plot line that you don't already know
'Bout the weekend crowd, or a reckless boy, or a girl from Ohio
They tell me I can sell my soul for a dream and a couple shows
I don't think they understand how deep loyalty goes
For some boys I got in a barn we built out of pure Douglas fir
Go on and tell me what you wanna
While me and mine, you'll all be gone
You can keep your name and burn the cash
Tell 'em I died singin' in these hills if they ask
I feel I've lived a thousand lives just to get right where I am
Some hurtful words and some Pabst on ice turn a child into a man
We started this thing grinnin' boys, I think we've gotta run
The radio man came to fuck it up as he boasts about number ones
Go on and tell me what you wanna
As me and mine, you'll all be gone
You can keep your name and burn the cash
Tell 'em I died singin' in these hills if they ask
Go ahead and make your money off a poor boy just like me
And I'll be pacin' in my room tonight tryna make some old scars bleed
Tryna write a plot line that you don't already know
'Bout the weekend crowd, or a reckless boy, or a girl from Ohio
The lyrics to Zach Bryan's song "Me and Mine" explore the idea of the music industry and selling one's soul for success. The first verse speaks to the idea of being taken advantage of as a poor musician, with the singer admitting that he will likely never make a lot of money from his music. Instead, he focuses on writing genuine songs that go beyond typical cliches about weekends and reckless behavior. The second verse delves deeper into the toll that the industry can take on an artist's creativity and loyalty. The singer expresses a deep love for his fellow musicians, and even the dirty barn they practice in, which contrasts with the shallow desire for fame and fortune that some become consumed by. Finally, in the chorus, the singer asserts his pride in his authentic music, even if it never reaches the mainstream, and expresses a willingness to die singing in the hills rather than selling out for fame.
Overall, the song delves into themes of authenticity, loyalty, and artistic integrity. It is a reflection on the challenges of navigating the music industry as a relatively unknown artist, and the potential temptation to sacrifice one's values for success. The singer ultimately rejects this temptation and embraces his own unique style, even if it doesn't fit within the typical mold of popular music.
Line by Line Meaning
Go ahead and make your money off a poor boy just like me
I am aware that people will try to take advantage of me because of my humble background and social status.
And I'll be pacin' in my room tonight tryna make some old scars bleed
I am trying to find inspiration for my music by revisiting my past and the experiences that shaped me, even if it hurts me emotionally.
Tryna write a plot line that you don't already know
I want to create something new and unique that hasn't been done before, even if it means taking risks and going against the norm.
'Bout the weekend crowd, or a reckless boy, or a girl from Ohio
I am tired of writing about the same generic topics and want to explore different themes and perspectives in my music.
They tell me I can sell my soul for a dream and a couple shows
I am being offered many opportunities to become successful in the music industry, but I am hesitant to compromise my values and integrity for fame and fortune.
I don't think they understand how deep loyalty goes
My loyalty to my principles and beliefs is more important to me than any amount of money or fame.
For some boys I got in a barn we built out of pure Douglas fir
I am proud of my humble beginnings and the hard work I put in to make my dreams a reality, even if it means starting from scratch in a makeshift studio.
Badly written songs next to horses' shit is what an Okie boy prefers
I would rather create honest, authentic music in a less-than-ideal environment than sell out and compromise my artistic vision for commercial success.
Go on and tell me what you wanna
I am not afraid to speak my mind and stand up for what I believe in, even if it means going against the norm.
While me and mine, you'll all be gone
My loyalty to my family and my roots will always remain, even when others come and go in my life.
You can keep your name and burn the cash
I would rather maintain my integrity and self-respect than compromise my values for the sake of money and fame.
Tell 'em I died singin' in these hills if they ask
I have a deep love and connection to the place I come from and the people who have supported me, and I want them to remember me for who I truly am.
I feel I've lived a thousand lives just to get right where I am
I have overcome many obstacles and hardships to reach my current position in life, and I cherish every moment and experience that has led me here.
Some hurtful words and some Pabst on ice turn a child into a man
I have learned many valuable lessons and grown as a person through the challenges and struggles I have faced, both emotionally and physically.
We started this thing grinnin' boys, I think we've gotta run
I am proud of the progress I have made and the people who have supported me along the way, but I know that there is always more work to be done and more challenges to overcome.
The radio man came to fuck it up as he boasts about number ones
I am frustrated by the commercialization and superficiality of the music industry, and the pressure to conform to certain standards of success and popularity.
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Zachary Lane Bryan
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind