East Side of Sorrow Zach Bryan Lyrics
by Sona | Updated Aug 27, 2023
East Side of Sorrow Zach Bryan Song
"East Side of Sorrow" by Zach Bryan is a poignant and introspective song that delves into the depths of human emotions, addressing themes of loss, pain, resilience, and the quest for understanding. Through its evocative lyrics, the song creates a vivid narrative that resonates with listeners on a profound level.
The opening lines, "Eighteen years old, full of hate, They shipped me off in a motorcade," immediately set the tone for the emotional journey the song is about to take us on. The imagery of a young person brimming with anger and resentment, forced into a situation beyond their control, speaks to the harsh realities faced by many in times of conflict. The line "You don't even know what you're fighting for" captures the sense of confusion and disillusionment that often accompanies such circumstances.
As the song progresses, we are introduced to the personal toll of war: the loss of friends, the desperate prayers for survival, and the yearning for a connection to home. The lyrics, "I lost friends in the August heat, At night it was God I'd always meet," convey the haunting experiences that can scar a person's soul during wartime. The plea to God for guidance and protection encapsulates the vulnerability and desperation felt in the face of danger.
The central chorus, "The sun's gonna rise tomorrow, Somewhere on the east side of sorrow," acts as both a bittersweet reassurance and a symbol of hope. It underscores the idea that despite the hardships and pain, life continues to move forward. The sunrise on the "east side of sorrow" becomes a metaphor for the possibility of renewal and a fresh start, even after enduring the darkest of times.
The song also grapples with the aftermath of loss, capturing the heartbreak of losing someone dear. The lines "Heard your brother lost his mind in the city last fall, Was it his blood, or his conscious, or the alcohol" paint a vivid picture of a family shattered by tragedy and grappling with questions of responsibility and understanding.
Zach Bryan's lyrics also touch on the struggle of finding purpose and meaning in life's challenges. The lines "Do you ever get tired of singing songs, Like all your pain is just another fucking sing along?" speak to the weariness that can accompany pain and hardship, while the invitation to come home and the mention of music's healing power suggest a yearning for reconnection and catharsis.
"East Side of Sorrow" by Zach Bryan is a moving exploration of the human experience in the face of adversity. Its emotive storytelling, rich imagery, and contemplative themes make it a song that resonates deeply with anyone who has grappled with loss, pain, and the search for hope amidst despair.
East Side of Sorrow Zach Bryan Lyrics
Eighteen years old, full of hate
They shipped me off in a motorcade
They said, "Boy, you're gonna fight a war
You don't even know what you're fighting for."
I lost friends in the August heat
At night it was God I'd always meet
I said, "Lord, won't you bring me home
I've got women in the west I wanna hold."
And I lost you in a waiting room
After sleeping there for a week or two
Doctor said he did all he could
You were the last thing I had that was good
So I walked miles on the Tulsa streets
Light started beaming in from the east
6 AM and fucked up again
Asking God where the hell he'd been
He said the sun's gonna rise tomorrow
Somewhere on the east side of sorrow
You better pack your bags west
Stick out your chest
And then hit the road
The sun's gonna rise tomorrow
Somewhere on the east side of sorrow
Don't give it a reason to follow
Let it be, then let it go
Let it be, then let it go
Heard your brother lost his mind in the city last fall
Was it his blood, or his conscious, or the alcohol
Did the navy do him well or did he wind up sick
Like every other brave boy from these run down sticks?
Do you ever get tired of singing songs
Like all your pain is just another fucking sing along?
If you ever get the time come on home
I heard turnpikes back together and they're writing songs
He said the sun's gonna rise tomorrow
Somewhere on the east side of sorrow
You better pack your bags west
Stick out your chest
And then hit the road
The sun's gonna rise tomorrow
Somewhere on the east side of sorrow
Don't give it a reason to follow
Let it be, then let it go
Let it be, then let it go
Meaning of East Side of Sorrow Zach Bryan Lyrics
The song "East Side of Sorrow" by Zach Bryan delves into themes of loss, pain, introspection, and the search for meaning in the face of adversity. The lyrics tell a poignant story of a young individual who has been sent off to war at a tender age, with feelings of resentment and confusion. As the protagonist faces the horrors of war, he loses friends and grapples with the uncertainty of his purpose in the conflict.
The chorus, "The sun's gonna rise tomorrow, Somewhere on the east side of sorrow," serves as a powerful metaphor. It acknowledges that despite the hardships and pain, life goes on. The sunrise symbolizes hope and renewal, suggesting that even in the darkest moments, there's a glimmer of a better future.
The line "You better pack your bags west, Stick out your chest, And then hit the road" could be interpreted as a call to confront challenges head-on, to stand resilient and move forward despite the difficulties.
The verses also touch on personal loss, as the protagonist reflects on losing someone dear to them. The lines "I lost you in a waiting room, After sleeping there for a week or two, Doctor said he did all he could, You were the last thing I had that was good" convey a sense of helplessness in the face of death, as well as the idea that the person lost was a source of comfort and positivity in their life.
The song also explores the idea of returning home and seeking solace. The lines "If you ever get tired of singing songs, Like all your pain is just another fucking sing along? If you ever get the time come on home, I heard turnpikes back together and they're writing songs" suggest a longing for connection and healing. The reference to "turnpikes" could signify a return to a familiar place and a return to creativity and expression.
Ultimately, the lyrics of "East Side of Sorrow" evoke a deep sense of emotional struggle, resilience, and the search for meaning amid pain and loss. The recurring themes of hope, renewal, and the necessity of moving forward despite the hardships make it a poignant and relatable exploration of the human experience.
About Zach Bryan
Zachary Lane Bryan stands as an accomplished American singer-songwriter hailing from Oologah, Oklahoma. Having served in the U.S. Navy, he brings his unique life experiences into his music. His breakthrough album, titled "American Heartbreak," made a notable entrance by securing the fifth position on the U.S. Billboard 200 chart.
Bryan's birth took place in Okinawa, Japan, during his family's deployment with the Navy. However, he spent his formative years growing up in Oologah, Oklahoma. Notably, he is also the creative mind behind the song "Tourniquet," celebrated for its poignant lyrics.
East Side of Sorrow Song Details
Specification
Details
Song
East Side of Sorrow
Singer
Zach Bryan
Musician
Zach Bryan
Lyricist
Zach Bryan
Artist
Zach Bryan
Language
English
Song Genre
Folk/Country
Release Date
August 25, 2023
Album
Zach Bryan
East Side of Sorrow Zach Bryan Lyrics: FAQs
The song is sung by Zach Bryan.
The song was released on August 25, 2023.
The main themes are loss, pain, resilience, and the search for meaning in the face of adversity.
The song portrays a young individual's struggles with hate, loss of friends, and the uncertainty of purpose during war.
It signifies a yearning for reconnection and healing, often found in familiar places and through music.