“Heading South” is a song by American singer-songwriter Zach Bryan, released on September 30, 2019, as a single from his second studio album Elisabeth. Bryan wrote the song, and Leo Alba produced it. The song, recorded in his Navy barracks, gained significant attention in 2020, accumulating over 30 million plays on Spotify.
The lyrics tell the story of a dreamer facing rejection and hardship, who finds solace and understanding by heading south. The song explores themes of individuality, resilience, and the search for a place where one’s voice can be heard.
In this article, we’ll explore the message conveyed in the song’s lyrics.
Table of Contents
“Heading South” Lyrics Meaning
[Verse 1]
Was a boy who was a dreamer and he flew so high and proud
In a world full of people out to cut his young ass down
No one ever understood a single word he said
And they cast him to the wolves when he wasn’t well and fed
The first verse introduces a young dreamer who is misunderstood by the people around him. Despite his aspirations and unique perspective, he faces criticism and rejection. The imagery of being “cast to the wolves” suggests that he was abandoned or left vulnerable when he needed support the most. This verse sets the tone for the song, highlighting the struggles of being different in a conformist society.
[Verse 2]
Boys, we’ve got a riser, a riser in our midst
He will get the last laugh if it’s the last thing he did
And he used to roll around in that red-dirt mud
But now he’s skippin’ town and that riser’s out for blood
This verse shifts to a more defiant tone, referring to the boy as a “riser,” someone who refuses to stay down despite adversity. The phrase “out for blood” conveys his determination to prove himself and succeed against those who doubted him. The mention of “red-dirt mud” symbolizes his humble beginnings, while “skipping town” reflects his decision to leave behind a place that stifled his growth.
[Chorus]
Don’t stop goin’, goin’ south
‘Cause they’ll let you play your music real damn loud
Don’t stop headin’, headin’ south
‘Cause they will understand thе words that are pourin’ from your mouth
The chorus serves as both encouragement and a declaration of freedom. The repeated advice to “keep going south” suggests seeking a place where he can be himself and where his voice will be heard and appreciated. The south represents a metaphorical destination where individuality and creativity are celebrated, contrasting with the judgment he faced earlier.
[Verse 3]
Then that boy, he callеd his daddy to tell him what he did
As the masses screamed the lyrics of a messed-up kid
And then he told that old man he was never comin’ back
To be cut down again in a town like that
In this verse, the boy calls his father to share his success, as crowds now sing along to his songs—songs born from his pain and struggles. However, he also tells his father that he’s never returning to the place that once rejected him. This reflects both triumph and a sense of finality in leaving behind toxic environments or relationships.
[Verse 4]
Then he surely came to learn people come to watch you fall
He’s out to make a name and a fool out of ’em all
They’ll never understand that boy and his kind
All they comprehend is a fucking dollar sign
Here, the boy learns a harsh truth: people often take pleasure in watching others fail. Despite this, he is determined to rise above such negativity and prove them wrong. The line “all they comprehend is a fucking dollar sign” critiques a society that values profit over genuine art or individuality, emphasizing his disdain for materialism and shallow validation.
[Chorus]
So don’t stop goin’, goin’ south
‘Cause they’ll let you play your music real damn loud
Don’t stop headin’, headin’ south
‘Cause they will understand the words that are pourin’ from your mouth
The repetition of the chorus reinforces the central message: keep moving forward toward freedom and authenticity. It emphasizes resilience in pursuing one’s passions despite obstacles or judgment.
[Outro]
Don’t stop goin’, goin’ south
They will understand the words that are pourin’ from your mouth
Don’t stop goin’, goin’ south
‘Cause they’ll let you scream your music real damn loud
The outro reiterates the encouragement from the chorus but adds more emotional weight by emphasizing that in this new place (“south”), he will finally be understood and free to express himself loudly and unapologetically.
Deeper Meaning Behind “Heading South”
Zach Bryan’s “Heading South” is a powerful anthem of perseverance and unwavering dedication to one’s dreams. The song, which catapulted Bryan to viral fame, delves into the struggles and determination of a young artist pursuing his passion against all odds.
At its core, “Heading South” is a declaration of resilience in the face of adversity. The lyrics paint a picture of a dreamer who refuses to be beaten down by the world around him, despite facing criticism and doubt from others. The song’s protagonist is described as a boy who “flew so high and proud” in a world intent on cutting him down, symbolizing the challenges aspiring artists often face in their pursuit of success.
The recurring theme of “heading south” represents more than just a geographical direction; it’s a metaphor for pursuing one’s dreams relentlessly. In the song, Bryan emphasizes that going south means finding a place where one can freely express themselves through their art, where “they’ll let you play your music real damn loud” and “understand the words that are pouring from your mouth”. This imagery suggests that sometimes, chasing one’s dreams requires leaving behind familiar but unsupportive environments in search of places and people who appreciate and nurture one’s talents.
Bryan’s personal experience as a Navy serviceman turned musician adds depth to the song’s meaning. The frustrations and constraints he felt while serving inspired the initial lyrics, reflecting the internal struggle between duty and passion. This backstory infuses the song with authenticity, making it resonate with anyone who has ever felt trapped or misunderstood while harboring big dreams.
Ultimately, “Heading South” is an ode to staying true to oneself and one’s aspirations, regardless of the obstacles or naysayers encountered along the way. It encourages listeners to persist in their pursuits, to keep “heading south” towards their goals, and to believe in the power of their own voice and vision. The song’s enduring popularity and Bryan’s subsequent success serve as a testament to the universal appeal of its message, inspiring countless others to chase their dreams with the same fervor and determination.
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