Mighty long shifts are for working
Heavy dreams are for toting around
Let’s pretend there’s a place to go
Where I can lay this hacksaw down
And I’ve been trying all my damnedest
To get where a kind woman lies
Ten more hours to a twelve long shift
‘Til these woods turn to her eyes
The timber cuts so cleanly
Monday morning when the blades are sharp
I get a love song stuck in my head
And cut sequoia ’til it’s dark
If every hour’s fourteen dollars or a chance closer to her
Then I’m not just a working mule, I’m the finest of the herd
And I don’t know who she is or if she might exist
But if she does I swear to love I’m destined for that kiss
How’s a man get so homesick
For a face he’s never seen?
I close my eyes while sweating
And think of boys I could’ve been
But I know that it’s not over
‘Cause I can feel her here somewhere
Through these trees and melodies
That I’m belting to the air
If every hour’s fourteen dollars or a chance closer to it
The man I thought I’d be when I was just a kid
So I’ll just saw away and let them all fall to the ground
Hope to heaven someone hears me
Even though no one’s around
Mighty long shifts are for working
Quiet dreams are for toting around
Let’s pretend there’s a place to go
Where I can lay this hacksaw down
Finding Solace in Work and Dreaming
“Quiet, Heavy Dreams” by Zach Bryan paints a vivid picture of a laborer’s world, where long shifts and physical toil are intertwined with hope and longing. The lyrics explore the emotional weight of daily work, using the imagery of carrying “heavy dreams” and the desire for a place of rest—”where I can lay this hacksaw down.” Bryan contrasts the grind of manual labor with the gentle yearning for love and connection, evoking a sense of homesickness for a love not yet found. The song’s narrative reveals a deep sense of purpose, as every hour worked is seen as a step closer to something meaningful, whether it’s a loved one or a version of oneself imagined in youth. Through reflective storytelling and heartfelt melodies, Bryan captures the bittersweet tension between endurance and hope.
Song Credits
- Songwriter: Zach Bryan
- Release Year: 2020