Zac Brown Band - "Highway 20 Ride"
By: Matt Bjorke
“I ride east every other Friday, if I had it my way, the day wouldn’t be wasted on this drive. I want so bad to hold you, so many things I haven’t told you, but your mom and me couldn’t get along…”
These are the words that start off the somber, reflective ballad “Highway 20 Ride.” Melodic and acoustic (with a stellar fiddle solo by ), this is a song written for and about a man who hates the fact that he and the mother of his child couldn’t get along enough to make their relationship work. Rather than be all ‘poor, poor pitiful me’ about the situation, Zac uses the song as a way to teach his son how much he does love him, even as he ‘slowly dies inside every time he turns the truck around’ the other way, after dropping the child off to his mother.
After three tempo-filled chart-topping hit singles that showcased the band’s sense of humor and ability to spin tales of everyday life, “Highway 20 Ride” is the song that should, for once and all, cement the Zac Brown Band’s status as the best band in country music. Their songs are real, organic and most of all, easily relatable. “Highway 20 Ride” is the kind of song that shows to fans and those skeptical about Zac Brown Band’s ability to make something that isn’t tempo-filled and ‘fun’, that they can do these songs with as much skill.
The story of “Highway 20 Ride” may start out heartbreaking but by the end of the song, it’s touching because it finds Zac explaining to his child why he continually did what he had to do, so that he could spend time with his child. While the single may not top the charts like “Toes” or “Chicken Fried” did, it does finally give country music their ‘new Alabama.’
You can support the Zac Brown Band by purchasing this single at Amazon | iTunes.
READER'S COMMENTS
otis says:
Posted: Thursday, August 26, 2010
i love this band.they have not just great lyrics,but are very talented musicians as well.i went through the same,driving every other weekend to see my son.im a muscian and songwriter myself.that song hit me like a rock.i could feel the tear rolling down my face.thats the signiture of great writers.i predict zack and his band will be up on the charts,walking away with a lot of awards,for as long as they are here.they remind me of alabama,they write heart felt music,as well as good ol country kickin down home nusic.im happy for zack,and his entire band.its no easy life.but those guys are laughing all the way to the bank.good luck,we wish them well.otis,from massachuttes.
Virginia says:
Posted: Monday, March 29, 2010
I agree with who said above that Zac is the son and telling about his pain as the son left behind and he's reading what his father wrote, and it is he and his father at the last scene. His mother was alone; it was he in the prom scene; he's not old enough in this to have a son prom-going age.
understanding says:
Posted: Monday, February 8, 2010
this song sounded just like my dad's life and mine. I don't see jim much. He has lived in another state my whole life and drives on the highway for two hours when he comes up to see me. We don't have that good of a relationship but I know he does have good intentions.
says:
Posted: Saturday, November 28, 2009
From a story Zac told at an intimate venue, He is the son in this story and Wyatt the co-writer is the Father. Zac's parents were divorced and Wyatt has a son and is divorced so they were sharing the experience from the different perspectives.
Sam says:
Posted: Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Awsome song in my opinion the zach brown band is one the best country acts out there anymore. Really no offense but if you look at both of their singles and their debut albums they should have taken group of the year from lady antebellum. Their music is at a different level and this song is no different. It's a great choice for a fourth single and show their ability to sing a ballad. Their cover of Jolene is awsome. Keep it up hope their next album is just as good.
says:
Posted: Wednesday, November 18, 2009
zac, i just want you to know, i feel you on this song.
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