Country singer Zach Bryan releases new political song criticizing ICE
Zach Bryan has rapidly ascended to country music stardom, impressing audiences with his distinctive mix of Americana, introspection, and heartfelt romance that has captivated countless fans. While typically steering clear of political themes in his music, the 29-year-old may be on the cusp of a shift in his approach as he delves into the current political climate, voicing concerns about the diminishing American dream and condemning the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids occurring nationwide under President Donald Trump’s administration.
In his song aptly titled “Bad News,” a snippet that Bryan shared on his Instagram on Oct. 3, he touches on the ominous presence of ICE enforcement. The lyrics speak strongly of the discord and despair faced by families caught up in the raids: “And ICE is gonna come, bust down your door /Try to build a house no one builds no more /But I got a telephone /Kids are all scared and all alone.” This newfound political commentary is a sharp turn for Bryan, who has historically shied away from political discussions and adamantly insisted that his music does not convey political messaging. Despite this, many of his fans have assumed his political leanings due to the alignment of popular country music with conservative values in recent times, with the exceptions being artists like Maren Morris, Tim McGraw, and Kacey Musgraves.
Though Bryan previously expressed admiration for President Trump and has been photographed with the controversial leader, he also holds revered musician Bruce Springsteen in high regard, hailing him as “One of the greatest men to ever exist.” This unexpected pairing is further substantiated by Springsteen’s appearance at some of Bryan’s concerts, as well as being featured on Bryan’s 2024 album, The Great American Bar Scene. Bryan’s admiration for Springsteen has inevitably left an indelible mark on his music, especially evident in his latest track where he channels the protest spirit mastered by “The Boss” in his iconic songs like “Born in the U.S.A.” and “My Hometown.”
The new song appears to have generated mixed reactions among Bryan’s fanbase, sparking discussions and debates across social media. Notably, country singer John Rich, known for his conservative views, took a sly shot at Bryan’s potential venture into politically charged territory, alluding to a possible collaboration with the Dixie Chicks, another country act with a history of political activism. Conversely, although some fans have expressed disappointment and disapproval, there are voices of support emerging, like Michelle Kinney from The Seneca Project, encouraging more artists to address pressing social issues with unwavering conviction and artistry.
In the backdrop of heightened immigration enforcement measures under the Trump administration, Bryan’s poignant lyrics strike a chord, reflecting the fears and anxieties faced by families subjected to these raids. The dramatic spike in immigration actions has stirred outrage and compassion among various sectors of society, shedding light on the human toll and injustices that haunt these aggressive approaches. Bryan’s decision to vocalize his concerns through his music signals a growing awareness and engagement with the socio-political climate, mirroring the sentiments of many music aficionados advocating for artists to leverage their platforms for positive change.