Highway boys on the road tonight
Got a gig out at the Ryman
Finally learned the hard way, that
All good things take time, friend
I heard they’ll pay a lost soul
To sing his songs true
That make a southern boy cry or
Turn a northeast man confused
And I awoke with a fever
Sweating oceans again
There’s mirrors in hotel rooms
But I do not recognize them
Maybe it’s the feeling that I, get in my sleep
That all the memories in my mind
Are only mine to keep
I wanna ride that K-10 to way back when
Sleep next to the river, hear it rushing again
Get my no good soul back to where it belongs
And do my best to keep truth in songs
Do my best to keep truth in songs
And all of my old friends miss having me around
But, highways work both ways
And I can’t stand the liars in town
If you need me you can find me
Slightly out of control
‘Cause Highway boys don’t rest
And don’t hang hats ’til their home
Highway boys on the road tonight
Got a gig out at the Ryman
They finally found out the hard way
That this sound I got is mine man
So, if you need me call
If you’re in love, fall
Just know that highway boys
Don’t stick around at all
I wanna ride that K-10 to way back when
Sleep next to the river, hear it rushing again
Get my no good soul back to where it belongs
And do my best to keep truth in songs
Do my best to keep truth in songs
Highway boys on the road tonight
Got a gig out at the Ryman
They finally found out the hard way
That this sound I got is mine man
The Restless Spirit of the Road
“Highway Boys” by Zach Bryan captures the nomadic heart of a musician shaped by life on the road. The song weaves its story around the longing for home, the bittersweet lessons of time, and the search for authenticity. Bryan’s lyrics portray the struggles of finding identity amid constant movement, reflecting on the cost of chasing dreams and the comfort found in returning to roots. The references to gigs at iconic venues like the Ryman and the desire to “keep truth in songs” highlight a deep commitment to honest storytelling. Through vivid imagery and heartfelt confessions, Bryan paints the journey of not just a musician, but anyone longing for purpose and belonging.
Song Credits
- Artist: Zach Bryan
- Songwriter: Zach Bryan