“Flying or Crying” is a reflection on youth, loss, and the bittersweet journey of life. This song is about the nostalgia and pain of growing up, losing innocence, and facing the harsh realities of the world. It’s about holding onto moments of joy amidst life’s inevitable challenges. Bryan seems to write from a place of personal experience, reflecting on the universal theme of navigating life’s ups and downs. The song’s essence lies in its raw, emotional storytelling, urging listeners to embrace both joy and sorrow in their lives.
Have you ever felt a song tug at your heartstrings and take you on a rollercoaster of emotions? That’s what Zach Bryan’s “Flying or Crying” does. It’s not just a song; it’s a journey through memories, feelings, and life’s unpredictable nature. Keep reading to see how Bryan weaves these emotions into his lyrics.
“Flying or Crying” Lyrics Meaning
“Flying or Crying” starts with an evocative image: “We’ll find a porch to hold us.” This line sets the stage for reminiscing about simpler times, a common theme throughout the song. It’s a callback to youth, where life was less complicated, and joys were found in small gatherings with friends.
The chorus, “We’d be flying or crying, talking ’bout the times we’ve spent living towards dying,” hits hard. It’s a stark reminder of life’s fleeting nature and how we oscillate between highs and lows. Bryan captures the essence of human existence – we are either soaring with happiness or plummeting into sadness, but always moving forward.
In the lines, “Don’t stop running boy, but don’t be naive, ’cause this world will burn and break you, worse than hearts like ours believe,” there’s a bittersweet warning. It’s an acknowledgment of the harsh realities of life, yet it also carries a message of resilience. The song tells us to keep moving, dancing through life, despite its challenges.
The verse about a “plainsman drunk and all alone” and a “boy with calloused hands with a mind set on leaving” introduces a character, possibly a metaphor for the songwriter himself. These lines delve into the themes of loneliness and the desire to escape, common feelings in the journey of growing up.
Bryan ends with a reflection on divine intervention, or the lack thereof, in the lives of “heathens from the flatlands.” It’s a raw look at the feeling of being forgotten or overlooked, yet finding solace in the fact that no one is truly alone in their struggles.
The Story Behind “Flying or Crying”
Zach Bryan’s “Flying or Crying” is more than a song; it’s a window into the soul of its creator. Written from a place of deep introspection, it reflects a state of mind that many of us find ourselves in at different points in our lives. Bryan, with his background and life experiences, brings a unique perspective to his songwriting.
This song seems to stem from Bryan’s own experiences of growing up, the challenges he faced, and the lessons he learned. The lyrics are steeped in nostalgia, suggesting a longing for simpler times. Yet, there’s also an acceptance of the complexities of adulthood. Bryan’s music often explores themes of love, loss, and the human condition, and “Flying or Crying” is no exception.
The lyric “Was I jumping from the rafters? When my buddies broke my fall” might be a metaphor for the support system we all rely on in our darkest moments. It reflects the importance of friendship and community, a theme Bryan often revisits in his music.
The song’s raw emotion and storytelling suggest that Bryan was in a reflective state of mind while writing it. He seems to be looking back on his life, pondering the choices he’s made, and the roads he’s traveled. This introspection is a hallmark of Bryan’s songwriting style, making his music relatable and deeply moving.
In conclusion, “Flying or Crying” is a song born out of personal experience, but it resonates universally. It’s a reminder that life is a mix of joy and sorrow, and that we should embrace both as part of our journey.