How Zach Bryan Wrote Something In The Orange Lyrics And What They Mean

The power of lyrics to convey emotions and tell stories has always been a fascinating subject.

And one artist who has caught our attention is Zach Bryan, a rising star in the country music scene.

Zach Bryan is one of the most exciting and authentic voices in country music today.

His debut album, American Heartbreak, was a huge success, reaching the top 10 of the Billboard 200 and earning rave reviews from critics and fans alike.

One of the standout tracks from the album is Something in the Orange, a heartbreaking ballad that showcases Zach’s raw emotion and storytelling skills.

In this article, we will explore the meaning of Something in the Orange lyrics and meaning, as well as how you can listen to more of Zach Bryan’s songs.

Introduction to Zach Bryan and His Music

Born and raised in Oklahoma, Zach Bryan is a singer-songwriter who first gained attention by uploading videos of himself singing original songs and covers on YouTube.

With his authentic voice and storytelling style, Bryan quickly gained a loyal following. In 2019, he released his debut album, DeAnn, which showcased a mix of folk, country, and rock influences​.

Bryan’s breakthrough came with his 2022 album American Heartbreak, which debuted in the top 10 of the Billboard 200 and received praise for its deeply emotional lyrics.

One track that stood out was “Something in the Orange”, a ballad that highlights Bryan’s ability to pull listeners into the depths of his feelings.

With haunting melodies and evocative lyrics, this song is a shining example of Zach Bryan’s storytelling mastery​​.

The Writing Process Behind “Something in the Orange”

Zach Bryan wrote “Something in the Orange” during a reflective moment while sitting in Wisconsin, watching the sun set.

The idea for the song came to him as he stared at the orange sky, and the imagery of the orange hue became the song’s driving force.

According to Bryan, the colour orange symbolised both the hope of reconciliation and the painful realisation that love was slipping away​.

Bryan’s writing process is as raw and unpolished as his performances. He doesn’t overthink his lyrics; instead, he lets his emotions guide him.

This spontaneity is evident in “Something in the Orange”, where each lyric seems to flow naturally from his lived experiences​.

The Meaning of “Something in the Orange” Lyrics

“Something in the Orange” is a story about heartbreak, regret, and the emotional tug-of-war between holding onto hope and accepting that a relationship is over.

The lyrics, “Something in the orange tells me we’re not done”, reflect the narrator’s wishful thinking, hoping that the orange hues of the sunset will somehow signal that their love can still be saved​.

However, as the song progresses, the tone shifts, and the narrator starts to come to terms with the fact that their love may never return.

The poignant final line, “Something in the orange tells me you’re never coming home,” delivers a crushing realisation—that hope is not always enough​​.

The song perfectly captures the bittersweet emotions of wanting to believe things can work out, even when you know deep down they won’t.

The Dual Versions of “Something in the Orange”

Interestingly, Zach Bryan recorded two different versions of “Something in the Orange.”

The first version is more polished, with atmospheric strings and fuller production, giving it a sweeping, cinematic feel.

This version is the one most people are familiar with​.

The second version, often referred to as the Z&E Version, strips the song back to just Bryan, his guitar, and harmonica.

It has a raw, live performance feel that showcases his vocals in a more intimate setting​​.

Fans love this version for its simplicity and the emotional vulnerability it brings to the forefront.

Both versions have their merits, but the acoustic version holds a special place for those who prefer a more intimate, stripped-down sound.

How Zach Bryan Uses Imagery and Emotion

Zach Bryan has a unique way of using imagery to evoke powerful emotions in his listeners.

In “Something in the Orange,” the recurring image of the orange sunset becomes a symbol for the fading of a relationship.

The colour orange represents both the ending of the day (or relationship) and the faint hope that tomorrow might bring something new.

The song’s simplicity in language makes it relatable, yet the depth of its emotion strikes a chord with anyone who has ever felt the sting of lost love​.

Bryan’s ability to tap into universal feelings of love and loss is what sets him apart from other artists in today’s country music scene.

His lyrics might seem straightforward at first glance, but their emotional depth leaves a lasting impact.

It’s this authenticity that has allowed him to connect so deeply with his fans​.

So, What’s Next for Zach Bryan?

“Something in the Orange” isn’t just a standout track in Zach Bryan’s discography—it’s one of those songs that grabs you by the heartstrings and doesn’t let go.

But if you think this song is all Bryan has to offer, think again. His storytelling runs deep across other fan-favourites like “Heading South” and “Crooked Teeth”, each showcasing his raw emotion and ability to turn life’s quiet moments into gripping musical experiences.

What makes Zach Bryan so special is his ability to bring authenticity to everything he touches.

Whether it’s the reflective sadness of “Something in the Orange” or the soulful grit of his other hits, Bryan knows how to craft stories that resonate with listeners.

If “Something in the Orange” moved you, then there’s plenty more to explore in Zach Bryan’s growing catalogue.

The power of his music lies in its simplicity, honesty, and the way it taps into emotions we’ve all felt at some point.

And let’s be honest—he’s only just getting started.

If you enjoyed this article, you may also like to read our other articles on music analysis:

• Interpreting the Meaning Behind Kate Bush’s Running Up That Hill Lyrics
• The Hidden Messages and Symbolism in Billie Jean Lyrics
• The Hidden Meanings And References Behind The Lyrics Of Lizzo’s About Damn Time
• Jelly Roll’s Raw Cry for Help: Save Me Lyrics Dissected

Zach Bryan Something in the Orange Lyrics

It’ll be fine by dusk light I’m telling you, baby
These things eat at your bones and drive your young mind crazy
But when you place your head between my collar and jaw
I don’t know much but there’s no weight at all

And I’m damned if I do and I’m damned if I don’t
‘Cause if I say I miss you I know that you won’t
But I miss you in the mornings when I see the sun
Something in the orange tells me we’re not done

To you I’m just a man, to me you’re all I am
Where the hell am I supposed to go?
I poisoned myself again
Something in the orange tells me you’re never coming home

I need to hear you say you’ve been waitin’ all night
There’s orange dancing in your eyes from bulb light
Your voice only trembles when you try to speak
Take me back to us dancing, this wood used to creak

To you I’m just a man, to me you’re all I am
Where the hell am I supposed to go?
I poisoned myself again
Something in the orange tells me you’re never coming home

To you I’m just a man, to me you’re all I am
Where the hell am I supposed to go?
I poisoned myself again
Something in the orange tells me you’re never coming home

If you leave today, I’ll just stare at the way
The orange touches all things around
The grass, trees and dew, how I just hate you
Please turn those headlights around
Please turn those headlights around