Released: 2024
Zach Bryan’s ‘High Road’ is a raw and emotive country song, dealing with themes of love, loss, and loneliness. It paints a vivid picture of a man grappling with his past, his relationships, and his own personal demons.
The song opens with the lines ‘Adderall and white-lace bras that makes you fall in love / You left your blue jeans in my pickup truck.’ Here, Bryan is referencing a romantic relationship, with the Adderall and white-lace bras symbolizing the allure and excitement of love. The mention of blue jeans left in his truck suggests a lingering presence of this past lover.
‘New York this time of year ain’t good for me / ‘Cause all my friends lack self-control and empathy.’ These lines reveal Bryan’s struggle with his surroundings and the people in his life. He feels out of place in New York, a city known for its fast pace and impersonal nature. His friends’ lack of self-control and empathy adds to his sense of isolation.
The chorus, ‘She’s bound to come back and haunt you forever / There’s ghosts in the windows and walls / I’ve waited by the telephone all fucking night / For someone that ain’t ever gonna call,’ speaks to Bryan’s longing and regret. The ‘ghosts’ are metaphors for past relationships and memories that continue to haunt him. The image of waiting by the telephone symbolizes his hope for reconciliation that never comes.
In the verse, ‘Remember telling me I was gonna hit the big time / You died, guess you told God it was true,’ Bryan seems to be addressing a mentor or loved one who has passed away. This person had faith in Bryan’s potential, and their death has left a profound impact on him.
‘Remember sittin’ on your porch, you talked about your old regrets / In Tulsa, while the bad things took your brain.’ Here, Bryan recalls a conversation about regrets and mistakes. The ‘bad things’ could refer to mental health issues, addiction, or other personal struggles.
The song concludes by repeating the opening lines, reinforcing the cyclical nature of Bryan’s experiences and emotions. Overall, ‘High Road’ is a poignant exploration of heartache, longing, and the struggle to find peace amidst life’s challenges.
