Country music star Zach Bryan is stirring the pot with his new song teaser, taking a notable stance against U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The 29-year-old Oklahoma native addresses the political climate surrounding immigration in his upcoming single, “Bad News.”
Zach Bryan Critiques ICE in New Song Teaser
In a recent social media post, Bryan shared a minute-long snippet of “Bad News” on October 3. He captioned the video with a poignant phrase: “the fading of the red, white, and blue.” The lyrics include a direct reference to ICE, portraying the fear and anxiety surrounding immigration raids.
- Key Lyrics: “And ICE is gonna come bust down your door, try to build a house no one builds no more…”
- Release Date of Teaser: October 3, 2023
Responses to the teaser highlight the division among fans. Supporters on the right voiced concerns about Bryan’s message, fearing a critique of former President Donald Trump’s immigration policies. Conversely, left-leaning listeners praised his bold stance.
Zach Bryan’s Musical Journey
Since beginning his career on YouTube in 2017, Bryan has rapidly gained a substantial following. His personal storytelling and raw lyrical style resonate with audiences. His two most recent albums, “Zach Bryan” (2023) and “The Great American Bar Scene” (2022), have earned him both critical acclaim and commercial success.
As a U.S. Navy veteran, Bryan’s work reflects a combination of country and folk influences, capturing aspects of modern Americana. He recently achieved a significant milestone by breaking the record for the largest ticketed concert in U.S. history, surpassing George Strait’s previous record.
The Shift in Country Music Politics
Historically, country artists have tread cautiously when it comes to political commentary, fearing backlash from their fanbase. The Dixie Chicks faced intense criticism in 2003 for their political remarks about former President George W. Bush. However, the landscape is changing as younger artists and their followers increasingly embrace progressive values.
In a similar vein, Taylor Swift publicly entered the political arena in 2018, endorsing Democratic candidates. Her candid discussions about politics, especially in the 2020 Netflix documentary “Miss Americana,” illustrate the pressures artists face in publicly expressing their views.
With the recent escalation of immigration raids under Trump’s administration, Bryan’s lyrics resonate with many, illustrating both fear and hope. His willingness to engage in this controversial topic adds to the ongoing conversation surrounding immigration and its impact on American society.
