Released: 2020
Zach Bryan’s ‘Crooked Teeth’ is a gritty, emotionally charged country song. It tells a tale of love, betrayal, and revenge, all set against the backdrop of rural America. The song’s lyrics are rich with imagery and metaphor, painting a vivid picture of the protagonist’s journey and inner turmoil.
In the opening verse, Bryan sings about making a drive ‘down past the Texas line’ to ensure that a man he ‘dumped off of a river bridge’ is indeed dead. This sets the stage for a narrative filled with conflict and tension. The ‘two fill-ups’ refers to the amount of gas needed for the journey, indicating a considerable distance.
The ‘muddy red river floor’ and ‘river bridge’ are common symbols in country music, often representing a place of secrets or hidden truths. The fact that the man supposedly climbed out of the river suggests that he survived, adding a layer of suspense to the story.
The chorus introduces the phrase ‘one eye and crooked teeth’, which is repeated throughout the song. This could be a physical description of the man Bryan is seeking, or it could symbolize the ugliness and corruption he sees in him.
In the second verse, Bryan reveals that he ‘lost [his] bride to the finest man’, suggesting that his wife left him for another man. The phrase ‘his knees were already blown’ could imply that this man was crippled or weak in some way, adding a sense of irony to the situation.
Love is described as a ‘mighty drug’ and a ‘mightier disease’, emphasizing its powerful and potentially destructive nature. This reflects Bryan’s bitter feelings towards love, likely due to his wife’s betrayal.
The line ‘floatin’ past the barge with one eye and crooked teeth’ suggests that the man Bryan is seeking has met a grim fate, possibly at Bryan’s hands. This could be a metaphor for the man’s downfall or demise.
In the third verse, Bryan sings about riding ‘through Colorado on a rocky stretch of road’, symbolizing his emotional journey. The ‘telephone poles’ could represent isolation and loneliness, reinforcing the sense of solitude in his journey.
The phrase ‘brass through crooked teeth’ is a metaphor for bullets, suggesting that Bryan is prepared to take violent action. This shows his determination and willingness to seek revenge.
Overall, ‘Crooked Teeth’ is a deeply evocative song that explores themes of love, betrayal, and revenge. Through vivid imagery and metaphor, Bryan crafts a compelling narrative that resonates with listeners, showcasing his storytelling prowess and deep understanding of country music tradition.
