'Appetite' by Zach Bryan – Lyrics & Meaning

Throughout his career, Zach Bryan has faced accusations of repeating certain sounds and themes too frequently and being too “samey”. ‘Appetite’, from his 2026 studio album, With Heaven On Top, serves as a resounding dismissal of any such criticism.

It finds the ‘Something in the Orange’ singer-songwriter reflecting on the pitfalls and challenges of fame, against a backdrop of galvanising horns and energising guitar riffs.

Bryan gives ‘Appetite’ an a big band feel, with his jaded, road-weary reflections cushioned by bright horns and angsty electric guitars. There's the introduction of gentle harmonies as the song progresses towards its fiery conclusion, with these presumably courtesy of New York artist, Grumpy, who has contributed extensively to With Heaven On Top. ‘Appetite’ is like nothing else in Bryan's catalogue, with this track showcasing his willingness to experiment with new sonics on this project.

‘Appetite’ finds Bryan at his most honest and open, with the Oklahoma native reflecting on his shortcomings and his prior reliance on alcohol. The curtain opens on our protagonist preparing for a show in north Arkansas, and he is having an existential crisis, as he wonders why he's performing for what he deems “blood money”.

The theme of drinking too much recurs throughout ‘Appetite’, and Bryan juxtaposes this with the lifestyle of his friends, who have grown up, gotten sober and settled down with families. It conveys a sense that, despite being immensely successful, in his personal life, our protagonist feels a little ‘behind’ his buddies, so to speak.

Although he comes across as grateful for his popularity and public renown, Bryan also reiterates that he does not value fame and all the “corny s***” that comes along with it.

When his friends raise the topic of children, our narrator replies that he is painfully aware of his negative traits, such as being prone to fighting, and he wouldn't want to pass this onto another generation. It's a tragic statement, but one that emphasises how far Bryan is willing to go in his pursuit of being truly vulnerable with fans.

“I've been out and I’ve been drinking, why am I always thinking
'Bout thing that really matter, like twin towers and satellites?
Everyone I know got older, told my drunk ass to get sober
Settle down and have some kids, be content with all of it

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What if I don't want children to grow up like their father?
Willing to stir shit up and start a fight, give themself up an appetite

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Why am I in Northwest Arkansas?
Playing shows to those who don’t care at all
With my money bloody, and my belt so tight
I work myself up an appetite

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I've been out and I've been drinking, cutting up my life in sections
I say I gotta act my age, shut the fuck up and get on stage
Together I pack my bags quickly, toothbrush, combs, and my dogs with me
Strong enough to handle this, fame and other corny shit

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'Cause what if I don't want children to grow up like their father?
Willing to stir shit up and start a fight, give themself up an appetite

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Why am I in Northwest Arkansas?
Playing shows to those who don't care at all
With my money bloody, and my belt so tight
I work myself up an appetite
Now, I work myself up an appetite

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What if I don't want children to grow up like their father?
Willing to stir shit up and start a fight, give themself up an appetite”

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For more on Zach Bryan, see below:

Zach Bryan

Artist