Zach Bryan - Billy Stay

[@katelyneddleblute6824]

My grandpa had dementia and passed in his sleep In January. The last part of this song always makes me cry. I love this song so much

[@jackiejacques3768]

I am 68 yrs old and never heard this song until my.daughter played it! Now I am hooked. Absoutely beautiful😊

[@americanchampion111]

Ppl have difficulty sometimes putting a label on Zach Bryan. I classify him as pure music and gives me hope for the future. Especially with the other crap I hear on the radio

[@iHitSnooze]

Sometimes things don't need a label. He is his own category and I think that's what makes him special.

[@bryceballer01]

@@iHitSnoozeWhat kind of category is he considered?

[@Joey-kw6lm]

This song just completely breaks me down my Grandpa got Covid in 2020 he died in a hospital with no family around him no one to hold his hand no one to be by his side. They wouldn’t let me in the hospital to say goodbye to him. I called him over the phone to say goodbye. Still breaks my heart to this day. I just wanted to be there.

[@shawnab8484]

I’m so sorry so many didn’t have a chance to say goodbye and that hurts the worse. My heart is with you❤

[@em9361]

I am so sorry. I wish they had let you.

[@jackherrmann586]

When you hear that harmonica in a Zach Bryan song you already know you’re about to listen to something special

[@gavin4237]

Yep

[@robeskii]

i dont know if i've ever heard a bad song with harmonica

[@shauncry9310]

I was gonna comment this

[@melomaniacjane2260]

They're all special

[@jennahesse2680]

The only 😅

[@bradenloveland8191]

Who knew an artist could put out a two hour album while at the same time each song is pure gold. American Heartbreak is a beautiful journey. Thank you zach Bryan.

[@srey1968]

Zach is the best songwriter to come out of the US since Dylan. I hope he gets the recognition he deserves. He's a genius. Perhaps he doesn't even realise that yet himself.

[@vincentreyes6154]

As much as I love Zach Bryan (he's truly a modern legend) there is a LONG line of great songwriters between him and Bob Dylan. Jim Croce, James Taylor, John Denver, George Strait, Bill Anderson, Brad Paisley, Ricky Skaggs, Steve Wariner, Vince Gill, Johnny Cash, Vladimir John Ondrasik III (Five for Fighting), Scotty Weiland (Stone Temple Pilots), James Hetfield (Metallica), Glenn Frey (Eagles), Robert Hunter (Grateful Dead), John Mayer, Billie Eilish, Alec Benjamin, Wesley Schultz and Jeremiah Fraites (Lumineers), Pat Monahan (Train), Tyler Childers, Colter Wall, Sturgill Simpson, Jason Isbell, Evan Felker (Turnpike Troubadours) etc. (Then there are modern guys who succeeded and/or were inspired by Zach Bryan. Wyatt Flores, Sam Barber, Dylan Gossett, and Zach Top to name a few. And that's just country songwriters) All really good songwriters. Some of which Zach Bryan took inspiration from. Not to diminish from ZLB, but there is a plethora of great songwriters who succeeded Dylan and preceded Bryan.

[@rosewheeler9185]

His music has been on a loop since I’ve found him. Why this man not known in every household in America is beyond me.

[@LarryBill-ei8kh]

Hello Rose how are you doing hopefully you are doing good??

[@haileymitri9348]

He is now

[@joetaylor5113]

Lost my grandfather February 22 and he was starting to not know where he was at or who was around him but the night before the ambulance took him out of the house he provided for our family since 1970 I had to take him to the ER. Even though he was half out of his mind he talked about how much he loved my grandmother and how lucky he was to have her. Shit hit me hard. To have a love like that is something not many of us get to know. They were married 66 years when he passed. What a great man Barney Taylor was I’m sad all of you didn’t get the honor of knowing him.

[@Puncheons84]

This is the best piece of songwriting on the album but will probably be the most Underappreciated.

[@calebgilbreath6116]

I don’t know, “this road I know” Is a pretty good one.

[@bantzyyy]

Just feel like I finally have to comment this. Zach Bryan has been my favorite artist for years now, but this song struck an entirely different nerve with me. I’ll give a little insight to a story to tell. My grandfather this last year has struggled with dementia immensely. His name is William (or also known as Billy). My grandmother and him met in the 60s, I’m unsure if the exact year was ‘65. But it still strikes haha. I’ve shown my mom this song, as well as my grandmother. They’re both in love with it. I know this all might sound hard to believe, especially with the internet nowadays. But I can’t stop listening to this for my own reasons. Zach can speak to any soul through any song, but this one just hit a different level of realistic and realization. Thank you for everything you do for your listeners.

[@libbywallace1]

Your comment is a beautiful story, thank you for commenting. Hearing these stories is such a beautiful thing. Thanks again;

[@orsenialohman2463]

Beautiful song ! Take a listen to " William and Wanda by Cody Jinks , if you have not heard it , if you like Jinks music but , it's a beautiful sad sad song

[@breannawebbstudent409]

So we’ll written! I feel the same. It feels like we’ve lived it too, and lost Billy too.

[@Masonjar94]

As my grandparents grow older this songs makes me more emotional every time I hear it. Zach just doesn’t miss ever.

[@WeaponX1234]

Same bro

[@jackiejacques3768]

A real tear dripper. Love it.

[@jbroge]

Dude this made me cry. It’s beautiful.

[@jakereed2117]

Half grown broke me down too

[@hewassuchaniceguy.7453]

Half grown is incredible. I got dealt a shit family. Took me too long to realize it

[@Sillygoose24]

This song makes my mom cry every time she hears it. Her Billy is gone, and every single lyric fits their love and life story perfectly. Quite a special song g

[@ChildishLumbino]

this song never fails to make me cry a little. miss you nana, you're in a better place disease free for eternity

[@Lindz3118]

This song.... specifically the line where he says "you don't know your own name, but you know mine." Gives me goosebump. This man is so incredibly gifted. I have listened to American Heartbreak over and over and over.., every single time it's emotional, moving and fantastic. Just incredible.

[@hollistouffer5855]

1,000% agree. Where did that come from? There is a spirit speaking through this young man. Hope he can handle it.

[@lush0330]

When an artist can make you feel the sadness but also the pure love between the two characters in the song, that is a gift from God. The song makes me smile because what a life they must have shared together. The song makes me sad because he doesn’t remember all the things that make life worth living. Unbelievable…

[@STH-tn8zd]

I lost one grandpa to cancer and the other to Alzheimer's. Recently my dad was diagnosed with stage 4 Cancer. I just to have one more moment, one more memory with each of them

[@loganmorrill8827]

All of my great-grandparents had dementia and Alzheimer’s and now my grandma has it. this song makes me cry every time such a powerful song.

[@dillonsolley2597]

My grandfather drowned while fishing when I was younger and we took care of my grandma up until she passed, this song tugs at my heart as my grandpas name is Billy. Amazing song😢

[@meccaernst2482]

Lost my grampa to Alzheimer's a couple years back. He was so strong, a pioneer in Alaska. He was someone we all looked up to. I can't imagine how hard it was for him to lose himself and his independence.

[@agentelvis81]

This was the first song off the album that made me weep, but I felt it coming well ahead of time. Beautiful.

[@cinnamanstera6388]

Was listening through the album while flying high above Northern Quebec today. Billy "going home in his sleep" made me suddenly burst into tears. Had to keep wiping tears away to keep an eye on the instruments. Thanks Zach for some unexpected sniffles at 11K feet.

[@lebryantjordanson]

This song already creates a vivid narrative in your mind and you wouldn't really need a music a video. But I would still love to see one for this song. I feel like it would be so wholesome

[@daltonhardman9643]

This song is my favorite by Zach. It came out 5 days after my grandpa Billy passed away and it just makes me think of him and how great of a man he was

[@joshuawalton8518]

if America's heartland had a voice it would sound a lot like Zach Bryan's. this man's talent is as rare as it is beautiful.

[@DamienCarroll-vs1kb]

This is by far my favorite song by this man. My grandma has dementia an in a old folks home and my memory is shit at 24…. Hurts almost knowing it’s coming 🤦‍♂️

[@mattfugate6151]

My grandma has severe Alzheimer’s disease. I get this on a level not yet mentioned. Ugh. “You don’t know your own name but you know mine.” I felt that so much I balled. Poet. I freaking adore this so much

[@rhysannis5786]

right! my heart goes out to you man

[@clarkshomeimprovements8697]

This has become my favorite song.. so darkly sweet. My favorite song has been whiskey lullaby since (I think) 2004, the day it came out. You have replaced my almost 20 year favorite. Beautiful.

[@Card57inal]

May 20th the day Zach blessed the world with his new album.❤️

[@kris-ub5dj]

I think of my grandma every time I hear this. My grandpa died In 06. she has dementia, but still talks about him like he's here💔

[@tobygrawe7186]

Almost made it through high school without ever crying in school. This song ended that streak

[@Steve-gq9ty]

This comment was great!

[@midnightturmoil9637]

Does it make anyone else wonder how a song so good could be so underrated?

[@fifigiraffe9981]

I don’t think he’s underrated, I think he just isn’t discovered yet

[@hewassuchaniceguy.7453]

I don't get it. Really don't. Boggles my mind. No reaction vids, nothing...

[@midnightturmoil9637]

Still super underrated

[@sjfamily1581]

The girl of 16 years two handsome sons, told me to listen to Zach. It reminded me of her and me, our family, friends and something I'd write. Down to the fine mf details its straight fucking weird. Next your sister going to die and you'll think you'll have one more chance with love of your life, even quit your klonopin and flushed the pipe, but you fuck it up again somehow. So now you up your drinking, cause you don't want life without love without her, but there isn't any left. You start feeling your heart turning colder than ever, but it's cowards way to take yourself, when you could make someones better.

[@leltrash5683]

It's awesome to see how far ZB has come. Got this song on repeat

[@MiguelMendez1227]

Billy won't you stay, we've been up all night Talking 'bout flowers from '65 That print on that dress that you always liked We were young enough to go out and dance at night We'd cross the street and you'd hold my hand Same man now that you were back then Young kids good for nothing but high hoping Broken, starving plastic ring Perfect for eloping Years went by fast, you were so good to me Our children have children, Billy, how could it be But ninety years is nothing to some kids like us So baby, stick around and tell a story just because Billy stay a while Lately, you've been slipping in and out Billy stay a child Tell me 'bout that girl you dreamed about Billy stay a while Tell me of the lovers who once were And Billy stay a child Tell me 'bout that girl and how you loved her Billy don't forget, won't you keep on tryin' I'll keep my ears open to keep from crying You're more handsome now than you were back then And I'm the same girl you fell for when we were kids If love was enough then you'd stay forever But I guess sometimes that the end is better 'Cause love turns to loss as the time goes by You don't know your own name but you know mine Billy stay a while Lately you've been slipping in and out Billy stay a child Tell me 'bout that girl you dreamed about Billy stay a while Tell me of the lovers who once were Billy stay a child Tell me 'bout that girl and how you loved her And you went back home in your sleep last night And I heard you whisper, "I love you, goodbye" But maybe your Heaven's 1965 With my hair in your face on a long summer drive To me you'll never be the times you forgot But all of our good times and flowers the you bought

[@mitchperrin2543]

She's so proud of you bro. And so are each and every one of us

[@katelyneddleblute6824]

Thinking of this song as the perspective of a elderly wife who's husband is dying and has alzheimers makes this song hit different

[@KirstenKilgore]

I have never really listened to this song until today. My grandma just passed away and Zach Bryan is getting me through.

[@anothermistake4024]

the cover of this album bring to me childhood memory, when we use to play in the fields all day...

[@bdoslayspdos6785]

Just here to say you deserve all the recognition and more no matter what. Stay strong we love you

[@brandonwallis3627]

This album is immaculate and this song exemplifies it

[@gilbertcochran5461]

This one hits home bad….I work in home health, and you see this everyday, and it’s both heartbreaking and scary, bc it could be you someday.

[@CHELITA1BONITITA]

My heart just broke to pieces again😭 my father passed a month ago . The Name Billy hits hard 💔

[@shawnab8484]

This song is so beautiful! Zach is nothing but a pure badass😎

[@nolanbeegle8931]

Man born of woman... with the poetic knowledge to deliver

[@tiffany5561]

Ohhhh my heart.... I can't find words.... Actually. I don't think they exist...

[@MikeWillers-fj6xm]

I LOVE THIS SONG IT IS AMAZING. Btw I’m going to the concert

[@Natalieeeeerose]

You are my favorite artist!!! I’m going to be at your concert in July!!!!🎉

[@fingers123cut]

This song had me from the moment it started, this man is amazing!

[@BrookieBBBB]

Ole boy CANNOT miss! ❤

[@dmitrikrosikio2684]

although not a perfect analogy, this song reminds me of my grandfather and how i wish my grandparents were still alive

[@CS-bz7un]

That last verse really is beautiful and sad at the same time

[@nicolehaywood5544]

He sings his story's so well.😊

[@mirandaquick8364]

This song made me feel so many different emotions

[@brandonscards372]

Wow Zach never misses!!!

[@jackpeters4930]

without a doubt my favourite, this dude is a damn vocab saint

[@maximusmartin2609]

This whole album is amazing

[@raymundomartinez7469]

Best song off of the album simply Pure

[@queenee30]

This brought me to tears

[@stevelassiter5492]

My mom and dad both were name Billy and Billie. They are both so missed

[@caseyshehan6184]

Only drops heat

[@jared797]

that moment you're crying and dancing at the same time.

[@AlyEber]

My great uncle Billy passed away today, I didn’t know him much at all but while the rest of my family is mourning, this song gives me some comfort.

[@haydenspencer2888]

lovely vibe. one of my favorites

[@planttheseed3296]

Jesus loves, Jesus saves. When you are down, he will lift you up. When you are up, plant the seed.

[@imblondedumb5275]

i absolutely love this song, i think it’s beautiful. im really struggling to understand who it’s from and who it’s to. i love the words and the story behind others though.

[@ts-wo6pp]

it's about a wife watching her husband (billy) die from alzheimer's.

[@imblondedumb5275]

@@ts-wo6pp thank you! i know i sound stupid but i was really struggling lol, that makes the whole story make so much more sense

[@ts-wo6pp]

@@imblondedumb5275 lol no worries didn't get it fully till the 3rd listen or so myself

[@austinlorenz5220]

It’s confusing to me too because in the chorus the narrator is asking about past lovers and girls he dreamed about but the verses make it seem like they’ve always been together since they were kids.

[@jewelzclark8048]

@@austinlorenz5220 When he’s talking “about the girl that you dreamed about” Billy is talking about his wife. Same thing with “the lovers who once were” it’s all Billy and his wife. Due to Alzheimer’s he may not always recognize her as his wife. So he tells her stories of the woman he loved even though his wife is the woman. Hope I didn’t make that more confusing lol

[@alexknight8910]

Please put all of your music on Apple Music you are all of our favorite!!!

[@flantixx5042]

I want to direct a music video for this song It has such good visuals it would be powerful

[@electricexploring9518]

This is really gold

[@ryanfeehan4217]

How I am supposed to remember all these songs to sing in the car on loud

[@kylermccall6661]

everone loves your songs keep it going your doing great

[@jameshendrickson8151]

From twelve views to twelve million I'll stay .

[@sharmekawhite9498]

Beautiful ❤️

[@scottbriggs85]

Beautiful Zach

[@hunterdel6559]

I know you might not see this but my name is Hunter im a massive fan of your music and last year the moment you said you were going to Edmonton I booked four seats for me my mom and my friends I’m coming to your concert tonight and was wondering if you could play Billy Stay it is my favourite song and I love the meaning of this song

[@devinclark4051]

An absolute favorite 😍

[@jakelandry5645]

This song makes me want to hold my wife and not quit.

[@strum8172]

Love this song

[@RobnMansions]

I can listen to this song and be fine. But when I sing along, especially with the ending, I get emotional and can’t sing anymore. And I don’t understand why, because I’m not emotionally hurting, I don’t think. 😂

[@urge489]

It's like the movie "The Notebook"but in a song

[@claudia.j5110]

Perfect 💐💐

[@tobystamps6202]

Apparently Zach Bryan made this about the notebook but instead of the women losing memory it’s about the man losing his. Really hits deep

[@michiganmadeoutdoors9699]

This song hits

[@karilemmons]

I’m not crying, you’re crying 😭

[@SeboltLawnLandscape]

Amazing song

[@dylanlewis4128]

Love it keep pushing

[@Snipzey_Productions]

Billy Staaaaaay🥹🥹

[@wjp247788]

I can’t even tell you my story!!

[@dylanarmstrong3620]

Correct me if I’m wrong, but is this song talking about someone with Alzheimer’s? That’s just what I kinda hear when he says “stay a child”

[@ronneypiester1633]

Tasty Tune

[@123hdi3ib]

This is sad

[@aidanmahony1488]

Is this song about the notebook

[@GoodxJ]

✌🏼

[@tomterpstra8644]

Legit 🤟

[@wjp247788]

Yea I’m billy

[@darlenereyna7032]

❤️

[@gillythakid2000]

🙏🏻🔥🤙🏻

[@kurtisdeakin]

My father has alzheimers... oh if only it were so simple.