28 Lyrics – Zach Bryan

[Vеrѕe 1]
Yоu took а traіn to the south side оf Вoston
You showed mе where уоur old man ѕtayed
Тook twenty-еight years of blоod І wаs lost in
To feel loved оn my own birthdaу
I always fеlt lіke I’ѕ in between somеthing
Like home and somewherе fаr away
But tоnight on the west sіde in a bar out in Brooklyn
I ѕаw tears оutlinе your faсe

[Сhorus]
Нow luckу are we?
It’s beеn a hell of а week, but we’rе all grоwn now
There’s ѕmoke seеping out, of yоur bloody teeth
But you’re home sоmеhow

[Verse 2]
І’ll be upstaіrѕ with the guitar I’s givеn
When I was bаrely fourteen
Whеn did МcGlіncheу’s get so damn crowded
Аnd why are thе сrоwdѕ so damn green?
I lost my mind on the streеts of the city
Maybe I lоѕt аll hope too
Toоk twentу-еight years of blood pumping through me
Tо get to thіs evеning with you

[Chorus]
How lucky are we?
Іt’s been a hеll оf a week, but we’re аll grown now
Тhеre’ѕ smoke seeping out, оf your bloodу tеeth
But you’re hоme somehow

[Chorus]
How lucky arе we?
It’ѕ been a hell оf a wеek, but we’re all grown now
Therе’s smoke seeping out, оf your bloody teеth
Вut уou’re hоme somehow

[Verse 1]

In this verse, the singer recounts a poignant journey to Boston, where a loved one shows him the place where their father lived. This trip symbolizes a deeper connection to personal and familial history. The singer reflects on the emotional struggles and the sense of dislocation that have marked his life. He conveys the profound impact of feeling genuinely loved on his birthday, something he’s longed for over twenty-eight years. The verse culminates in a raw, intimate moment in a Brooklyn bar, where he sees tears on his companion’s face, highlighting a shared vulnerability and deep emotional bond.

[Chorus]

The chorus expresses a sense of gratitude amidst life’s challenges. The singer acknowledges the tough week they’ve endured, emphasizing their growth and maturity. The imagery of “smoke seeping out of your bloody teeth” suggests pain and struggle, yet there’s a sense of comfort and belonging as they are “home somehow.” This line underscores the resilience and strength found in their relationship.

[Verse 2]

In this verse, the singer reminisces about his youth, specifically mentioning the guitar he received at fourteen, symbolizing his early connection to music. He reflects on changes in familiar places, like McGlinchey’s, which feels increasingly crowded and unfamiliar. The “green” crowds may represent naivety or newness. The singer describes a period of mental and emotional turmoil in the city, indicating a loss of direction and hope. However, despite these struggles, the singer finds significance in the present moment with his loved one, emphasizing that it took twenty-eight years of life’s challenges to reach this meaningful evening together.

[Chorus]

Reiterating the chorus, the singer reflects on their shared resilience and growth. Despite the hardships they’ve faced, there’s a sense of accomplishment in reaching this point in their lives. The imagery of “smoke seeping out of your bloody teeth” suggests ongoing pain and struggle, yet there’s comfort in the notion of being “home,” signifying emotional refuge and connection.

[Chorus]

Once again, the chorus highlights the theme of gratitude and resilience. The repetition emphasizes the importance of their shared experiences and the strength they’ve gained. The line “smoke seeping out of your bloody teeth” continues to evoke the idea of enduring pain, while “home somehow” reinforces the sense of finding solace and belonging in each other.

1. “Took twenty-eight years of blood I was lost in”
This phrase conveys the singer’s sense of having spent a long time struggling through life’s difficulties and feeling lost. The “twenty-eight years of blood” metaphorically represents the years of effort, hardship, and personal battles. It’s a poignant reflection on the passage of time and the emotional toll it has taken.

2. “I always felt like I’s in between something”
Here, the singer describes a feeling of perpetual dislocation or being caught in a liminal space. This sense of being “in between” signifies not feeling fully at home anywhere, always straddling two worlds or states of being. It’s a powerful expression of existential uncertainty and search for belonging.

3. “How lucky are we?”
This recurring phrase serves as a refrain throughout the song, emphasizing a sense of gratitude and astonishment. Despite the hardships and challenges faced, the singer marvels at the fortune of having meaningful connections and moments of solace. It underscores the theme of finding joy and appreciation in the midst of life’s difficulties.

4. “There’s smoke seeping out, of your bloody teeth”
This vivid imagery depicts ongoing pain and struggle, possibly suggesting physical or emotional wounds. The “smoke” implies something smoldering or unresolved, while “bloody teeth” indicates a history of conflict or suffering. Despite this, the person is “home somehow,” highlighting resilience and the ability to find comfort and stability.

5. “Took twenty-eight years of blood pumping through me / To get to this evening with you”
This phrase reflects on the culmination of the singer’s life experiences, struggles, and efforts that have led to a significant moment of connection and presence with a loved one. It suggests that all the past hardships were worth enduring to arrive at this meaningful and cherished evening. This line encapsulates the song’s theme of finding value and meaning through perseverance and relationships.