Zach Bryan, an emerging star in the country music scene, has captivated audiences with his raw, emotional lyrics and unique sound. His song “Something in the Orange” is a testament to his songwriting prowess, weaving a tale of love, loss, and longing against the backdrop of a sunset. This article will delve into the lyrics of this poignant track, exploring its themes and the story it tells.

Verse 1‍

The song begins with the lines:

“It’ll be fine by dusk light, I’m tellin’ you, baby These things eat at your bones and drive your young mind crazy But when you place your head between my collar and jaw I don’t know much, but there’s no weight at all”

Here, Bryan sets the scene at dusk, a time often associated with endings. The protagonist is trying to reassure his lover (and perhaps himself) that everything will be alright. The mention of things eating at one’s bones suggests deep-seated worries or problems that are hard to shake off. Yet, in the presence of his loved one, these burdens seem to lighten.

Verse 2

The second verse reads:

“And I’m damned if I do and I’m damned if I don’t ‘Cause if I say I miss you, I know that you won’t But I miss you in the mornings when I see the sun Somethin’ in the orange tells me we’re not done”

Bryan captures the dilemma of expressing feelings knowing they might not be reciprocated. The protagonist misses his lover, especially in the mornings when he sees the sun - another symbol of beginnings and endings. The orange hue of sunrise (or sunset) gives him hope that their story isn’t over.

Chorus
The chorus is a heartfelt plea:

“To you, I’m just a man; to me, you’re all I am Where the hell am I supposed to go? I poisoned myself again, somethin’ in the orange Tells me you’re never comin’ home”

The protagonist feels insignificant to his lover while she means everything to him. He’s lost without her and doesn’t know where to turn. The line about poisoning himself could refer to self-destructive behaviors or thoughts he’s fallen back into because of his heartbreak. Despite his hope, something tells him she’s not coming back.

Verse 3

In the third verse:

“I need to hear you say you’ve been waitin’ all night There’s orange dancin’ in your eyes from bulb light Your voice only trembles when you try to speak Take me back to us dancin’, this wood used to creak”

Bryan paints a vivid picture of longing for past happier times. The protagonist yearns for reassurance from his lover and recalls intimate details like the orange light dancing in her eyes and her trembling voice. He wishes they could go back to when they were dancing together.

“Something in the Orange” is a beautifully crafted song that takes listeners on an emotional journey through love and heartbreak. Zach Bryan’s evocative lyrics create a vivid narrative that resonates with anyone who has experienced love lost. The recurring motif of ‘orange’ - symbolizing both hope and despair - adds depth to this poignant tale.

Images by Via Instagram @zachlanebryan

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