You remember sittin’ there one rainy night in a well-used chair
Tellin’ me how well you used to dance
The western wind will come again
And make you feel like you did
When all those cowboys didn’t stand a chance
Said this life took most of you
Gave you twice and the day was through
You said it all turned out awfully fair
So tell me tales of all the times and all the seasons you got by
Breathin’ in that cold November air
No one was there
No one was there
When no one was there
Two kids ’bout 23, when the sun sets you’ll never see
If you were yellin’ “Supper” from the yard
And they grew old and sailed away
Call you on phones from far away
Wrote you novels on postcards
And all you ever wanted was to see your children fly
Maybe one day they’re stars
But there ain’t no leavin’ this small town this evenin’
You can’t even drive your own car
Through November air
Through November air
Through November air
Dear Mom, how’s it goin’?
Was the weather fair last week?
Dear Mom, they were wonderful
All the sights you’ll never see
And dear Mom, if I could hold you, I’d grab you by the arms
Tell you what it means
You could take a worthless poor boy from the flats
And make him mean something
Tell us what you wanted to, and all we did, we needed you
Your dreams were too small to care
But I’m always reminded, if you look hard you’ll find it
Memory gives warmth to right here
Through November air
Through November air
Through November air
Dear Mom, how’s it goin’?
Was the weather fair last week?
Dear Mom, they were wonderful
All the sights you’ll never see
And dear Mom, if I could hold you, I’d grab you by the arms
Tell you what it means
You could take a worthless poor boy from the flats
And make him mean something
You remember sittin’ there one rainy night in a well-used chair
Tellin’ me how well you used to dance
The western wind will come again
And make you feel like you did
When all those cowboys didn’t stand a chance
Reflecting on Memory and Maternal Love
“November Air” by Zach Bryan is a heartfelt ballad that explores themes of nostalgia, family, and the bittersweet passage of time. The lyrics paint vivid scenes of a mother reminiscing about her youth, contrasted with the adult lives of her children who have left home. Through references to old memories, empty chairs, and the longing for connection, Bryan captures the universal ache of growing older and the quiet heroism found in everyday maternal love. The recurring motif of November air acts as a metaphor for the chilly, yet comforting nature of memories—sometimes lonely, always lingering. The song ultimately honors all the unspoken sacrifices made by mothers, suggesting that their influence endures, even when separated by distance or time.
Song Credits
- Artist: Zach Bryan
- Songwriter: Zach Bryan