I’m cutting ties with things that bind my heart to this world
I love you and I’m willing but I cannot keep you, girl
Philly by the morning and Ohio by the night
The thing about a long rope is you can’t hold on too tight
Wooden floors and coffee cups
Stepped on and all used up
But I reckon that’s what morning are for
And everyone thinks they know me now
In these close-minded leave-me towns
But I’m too young to even know myself
There’s wheels running down the interstate
Lord, I’ll wait another day, ’cause I ain’t close to you
There’s time ticking on the interstate
And Lord, I hate that I ain’t close to you
And all my friends have moved away
Some got jobs and some got saved
They talk to me like I am still that kid
The fighting, fiendin’ Okie son
The restless, reckless, hopeful one
Who once was proud of everything he did
Do you remember twenty-five
Long legs and loving time?
Seems like ten lifetimes ago
I’m cutting ties with things that bind my heart to this world
I love you and I’m willing, but I really have to go
There’s wheels running down the interstate
But, Lord, I’ll wait another day, ’cause I ain’t close to you
There’s time ticking on the interstate
I’m fighting fate
And, Lord, I hate that I ain’t close to you
I’m cutting ties with things that bind my heart to this world
I love you and I’m willing, but I cannot keep you, girl
Philly by the morning and Ohio by the night
The thing about high hopes is you can’t hold on too tight
Letting Go and Life on the Road
In “Ticking,” Zach Bryan crafts an intimate narrative about the bittersweet journey of moving forward. The lyrics reflect a deep struggle between love and the call of the open road. Bryan masterfully explores the tension of wanting to stay close to someone you love, while feeling compelled to chase new horizons. The recurring imagery of the interstate and ticking time highlights both distance and the urgency of change, painting a vivid picture of life in constant motion.
Searching for Identity and Belonging
The song delves into themes of self-discovery and nostalgia, as Bryan reminisces about his younger days and the friends who have moved on. There’s a palpable sense of longing—not just for a person, but for a feeling of home and purpose. Through reflective storytelling, he captures the universal challenge of growing up and outgrowing places and people, while still holding onto hope and high expectations for what lies ahead.
Song Credits
Artist: Zach Bryan
Songwriter: Zach Bryan
Release Year: 2024