Tradesman Lyrics – Zach Bryan

English 895 August 25, 2023
"Tradesman" is a song written and performed by Zach Bryan. The lyrics delve into themes of authenticity, longing for a simpler life, and a desire to find meaning and fulfillment through genuine work and experiences. The song's narrative is expressed through a series of verses and choruses, each offering a different perspective on the central themes. Let's break down the meaning of the lyrics paragraph by paragraph. ...Read More

Tradesman Lyrics

[Verse 1: Zach Bryan]
No one on this side of town
Knows a good place for a boy to drown
They look at me so strange when I talk
I wish I was a tradesman
Learning from some beat down old layman
On some hillside they ain't named yet
Sleeping next to mountain fire smoke

[Verse 2: Zach Bryan]
And everyone lately's scaring me
It's all backdoor deals and therapy
The only callous I've grown is in my mind
I wish I was a tradesman
Playing with some tuned up tired string band
Somewhere out by the badlands
Way past closing time

[Chorus: Zach Bryan]
So if you wanna trade, I'd say its a hard earned mile
Wanna sweat likе hell, throw a hammer down
And know that the old feeling of a fivе o'clock smile
And know I didn't take no easy way out

[Verse 3: Zach Bryan]
There's something more that I need
Than accolades and sympathy
Fatiguing in the summer heat
While they smoke big cigars
So give me something I can't fake
That rich boys can't manipulate
Something real that they can't take
'Cause, Lord, I'm not your star

[Chorus: Zach Bryan]
So if you wanna trade, I'd say its a hard earned mile
Wanna sweat like hell, throw a hammer down
And know that the old feeling of a five o'clock smile
And know I didn't take no easy way out

[Outro: Zach Bryan]
And everyone lately's scaring me
It's all backdoor deals and therapy
The only callous that I've grown is in my mind

Submitted by  Rollteam

Last Update: August 25, 2023

Tradesman Lyrics Meaning

"Tradesman" is a song written and performed by Zach Bryan. The lyrics delve into themes of authenticity, longing for a simpler life, and a desire to find meaning and fulfillment through genuine work and experiences. The song's narrative is expressed through a series of verses and choruses, each offering a different perspective on the central themes. Let's break down the meaning of the lyrics paragraph by paragraph.

[Verse 1]
In this verse, the singer reflects on feeling like an outsider in his current surroundings. He mentions that no one in his part of town seems to know where a good spot is for someone to metaphorically "drown" – implying that he feels disconnected from those around him. The lines about being looked at strangely when he speaks and the desire to be a "tradesman" suggest a longing for a different path, perhaps one involving manual labor and craftsmanship. The imagery of a "beat down old layman" and a hillside with no name evokes a sense of anonymity and simplicity that the singer seems to yearn for.

[Verse 2]
In this verse, the singer continues to express his discomfort with his current environment. He mentions feeling scared by the actions of those around him, who engage in secretive dealings and therapy – possibly alluding to a world of manipulation and insincerity. The singer contrasts this with his own experiences, highlighting that the only "callous" he's developed is in his mind. This could refer to emotional toughness or a hardening of his thoughts, possibly as a result of the struggles he's facing.

[Chorus]
The chorus captures the essence of the song's message. It speaks to the idea that if someone is willing to engage in honest labor and put in the effort, there's a sense of satisfaction and accomplishment that comes with it. The notion of sweating and working hard, symbolized by "throwing a hammer down," is juxtaposed with the idea of achieving a genuine, content smile at the end of a hard day's work. The chorus emphasizes the value of taking the difficult path and not opting for the easy way out.

[Verse 3]
This verse delves deeper into the singer's yearning for authenticity and meaning. He expresses a need for something more than superficial recognition and sympathy. He's fatigued by the shallow experiences of the "summer heat" and contrasted them with the image of wealthy individuals smoking cigars – possibly symbolizing a life of luxury and ease. The singer seeks something real and unmanipulated, something that can't be taken away by those who possess power and influence.

[Chorus]
The chorus is repeated, reaffirming the importance of hard work, genuine effort, and the sense of fulfillment that comes with it. It's a reminder that the singer is willing to go the extra mile and forego shortcuts to attain a sense of authenticity and satisfaction.

[Outro]
The outro echoes the sentiment expressed in the second verse – a feeling of unease caused by the actions and behaviors of those around him. The repetition of "backdoor deals and therapy" emphasizes the singer's discomfort with the current state of affairs. The mention of the "callous" grown in his mind underscores the mental toll this environment has taken on him.

In summary, "Tradesman" by Zach Bryan is a song that speaks to the longing for authenticity, meaningful work, and a genuine sense of accomplishment. It critiques a world of superficiality, manipulation, and privilege while championing the value of hard work, sweat, and the sense of pride that comes from taking the challenging path. The song's lyrics paint a vivid picture of the singer's desire for a life that's not swayed by the allure of an easy way out or the pressures of a disingenuous society.

This is the end of "Tradesman Song Lyrics" by Zach Bryan. If you discover any mistake in the song text, please send the correct lyrics by using the Contact Us form.

Official Music Video

Watch on YouTube


Cast & Crew

  • Artist / Band
  • Producer(s)
  • Zach Bryan
  • Writter(s)
  • Zach Bryan
  • Released On
  • August 25, 2023

Zach Bryan Songs


Zach Bryan Albums


FAQs & Knowledge

Who is the singer of "Tradesman" song?

"Tradesman" song is sung by Zach Bryan.

Who is the lyrics writer of "Tradesman" song?

"Tradesman" song lyrics written by Zach Bryan.

Who is the music producer of "Tradesman" song?

"Tradesman" song music composed & produced by Zach Bryan.

When was "Tradesman" song released?

"Tradesman" song was released on August 25, 2023.