Country music artist Zach Bryan recently found himself at the center of a social media storm following the release of a polarizing song snippet, prompting him to address the controversy and clarify his intentions. On Tuesday, October 7, Bryan took to Instagram Stories to explain that the lyrics in question—specifically those referencing police as “cocky motherf—ers, aren’t they?” and Immigration and Customs Enforcement with “ICE is gonna come bust down your door”—had been “misconstrued.” He urged listeners to await the full song for a complete understanding, stating that it offers a context that “hits on both sides of the aisle.” Bryan also highlighted that the song was written months prior and even shared as a snippet three months ago without similar public outcry.

Bryan’s Instagram message, prefaced with “pls f—n read this” and “On the ‘new’ song,” underscored his belief that the incident exemplified how “divisive a narrative can be when shoved down our throats through social media.” He articulated his profound love for the United States and its people, asserting that the song’s core message is about unity and healing divisions. “When you hear the rest of the song, you will understand the full context that hits on both sides of the aisle. Everyone using this now as a weapon is only proving how devastatingly divided we all are. We need to find our way back,” he wrote, advocating for a return to common ground.

The snippet’s lyrics drew significant criticism, including a denouncement from the White House. Spokesperson Abigail Jackson issued a statement filled with Bryan’s song titles, declaring, “While Zach Bryan wants to Open the Gates to criminal illegal aliens and has Condemned heroic ICE officers, Something in the Orange tells me a majority of Americans disagree with him and support President Trump’s great American Revival. Godspeed, Zach!” Additionally, Tricia McLaughlin, the assistant secretary of public affairs to the Department of Homeland Security, advised Bryan to “stick to ‘Pink Skies,’ dude,” referencing his hit song.

In response to accusations of being anti-American, Bryan reiterated his patriotism, stating, “I served this country, I love this country and the song itself is about all of us coming out of this divided space.” He presented himself not as a politician, but as a “29 year old man who is just as confused as everyone else.” The intensity of the backlash left him feeling both “embarrassed but kind of scared.” Bryan emphasized his neutral stance on radical political ideologies, affirming, “Left wing or right wing we’re all one bird and American. To be clear I’m on neither of these radical sides.” He acknowledged that words can be misconstrued and expressed his ongoing effort to do his best, despite feeling scrutinized and disoriented by the public attention. He concluded by expressing pride in serving a country that upholds freedom of speech and conversation.