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.”
Washington Lilacs
Zach Bryan Lyrics
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But came back clean on the other side
Lord knows that I didn't treat you well
But you'll be treated like a queen
Tonight
So darlin', won't you lie back
And just let an old flame warm you
And Lord knows you're not the old you
So babe, just pack your things
And I swear that we won't come back
You're about as pretty as those Washington Lilacs
I roll up with a killer in my hand
And I'll never claim
To be better than I am
You look like a killer in that dress
So I guess my aim is to be your man
So darlin', won't you lie back
And just let an old flame warm you
I know I'm not the same me
And Lord knows you're not the old you
So babe, just pack your things
And I swear that we won't come back
You're about as pretty as those Washington Lilacs
So darlin', won't you lie back
And just let an old flame warm you
I know I'm not the same me
And Lord knows you're not the old you
So babe, just pack your things
And I swear that we won't come back
You're about as pretty as those Washington Lilacs
The lyrics to Zach Bryan's song "Washington Lilacs" tell the story of two people who have been through difficult times, but are reconnecting in a moment of warmth and affection. The singer acknowledges that he has not treated the other person well in the past, but promises to treat them like a queen that night. There is a sense of mutual understanding between the two, that they are not the same people they once were, but are still drawn to each other. The metaphor of the Washington Lilacs adds to the beauty and nostalgia of the moment, evoking the fragrant and colorful spring blooms that signify new beginnings.
The singer's admission of his own shortcomings and desire for redemption is a common theme in Zach Bryan's music. His songs often explore the dark and difficult aspects of life, but also offer a sense of hope and redemption. "Washington Lilacs" is particularly poignant in its exploration of past mistakes and the possibility for forgiveness and new beginnings. The song's gentle melody and intimate lyrics create an atmosphere of quiet longing and tenderness.
Line by Line Meaning
You look like you've been through hell
You have gone through unimaginable tough times.
But came back clean on the other side
But emerged stronger, resilient, and with a sense of purity after experiencing those tough times.
Lord knows that I didn't treat you well
Acknowledging that you were mistreated in the past.
But you'll be treated like a queen
But I promise to treat you with utmost respect, and love and care for you as a queen deserves.
Tonight
In this moment, I want to make things right.
So darlin', won't you lie back
I want you to relax and trust me.
And just let an old flame warm you
Rekindling the spark of our old love that once existed.
I know I'm not the same me
I realize that I have changed since we were last together.
And Lord knows you're not the old you
I also realize you've gone through changes since the last time we were together.
So babe, just pack your things
Let's leave this place and start afresh.
And I swear that we won't come back
Promise to leave our past behind and not repeat the same old mistakes.
You're about as pretty as those Washington Lilacs
Comparing the beauty of the lilacs to the beauty of the person, expressing how truly beautiful you are.
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Zachary Lane Bryan
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind