Released: 2020
Zach Bryan’s ‘November Air’ is a heartfelt tribute to a mother figure, painting a vivid picture of nostalgia, longing, and appreciation. It’s a poignant tale of love, sacrifice, and the passage of time, steeped in country music’s rich storytelling tradition.
The song opens with a mother reminiscing about her youthful days, when she was a captivating dancer. The ‘western wind’ is a metaphor for the spirit of youth and freedom, which she hopes to experience again. The ‘cowboys’ who ‘didn’t stand a chance’ symbolize the men who were smitten by her charm.
The lyrics ‘Said his life took most of you, Gave you twice and the day was through’ suggest the sacrifices she made for her family, particularly her husband. The phrase ‘it all turned out awfully fair’ reflects her acceptance of her life’s course, despite its hardships.
The chorus ‘No one was there’ could imply the loneliness she might have felt as her children grew up and moved away. Yet, she finds solace in the ‘cold November air’, a symbol for the passage of time and the changing seasons of life.
‘Two kids ’bout 23 when the sun sets you’ll never see’ paints a picture of her children growing up and leaving home. The phrase ‘yellin’ Supper from the yard’ is a common country expression for calling the family to dinner, further emphasizing the familial bond.
The verse ‘And all you ever wanted was to see your children fly, Maybe one day they’re stars’ reveals her selfless love and aspirations for her children. The inability to ‘drive your own car’ could signify her growing old and dependent.
The repeated ‘Dear Ma’ verses are letters from the children to their mother, expressing their experiences and longing for her. The phrase ‘You could take a worthless poor boy from the flats, And make him mean something’ shows the transformative power of a mother’s love.
The song concludes with a repeat of the opening verse, bringing the narrative full circle. It’s a powerful testament to the enduring influence of a mother’s love, and a reminder of the fleeting nature of time.
