
'Boys of Faith' is the title track of American singer-songwriter Zach Bryan's third EP, which was released on 22 September 2023. The song is a collaboration with folk artist Bon Iver, and features an appearance from Bryan's chocolate Labrador, Jack Daniels. The track explores the power of enduring friendship, the passage of time, and shared experiences that bond people together. It's a stirring ode to resilience and the belief that together, we can overcome any challenge.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Type of work | EP |
Artist | Zach Bryan |
Featuring | Bon Iver, Noah Kahan |
Genre | Folk, Americana |
Theme | Friendship, passage of time, shared experiences, nostalgia, success, loyalty, resilience |
Track listing | 1. "Sarah's Place" (featuring Noah Kahan) |
2. "Boys of Faith" (featuring Bon Iver) |
What You'll Learn
Zach Bryan's collaboration with Bon Iver and Noah Kahan
Zach Bryan's 'Boys of Faith' is a soul-stirring ode to enduring friendship, the passage of time, and the shared experiences that bond people. The song, featuring Bon Iver, captures the essence of coming of age, the highs and lows of chasing dreams, and the profound impact of faith and loyalty among close friends.
The narrative weaves a tale of struggles and the beauty of holding on to belief in the face of adversity. It speaks of reuniting with old friends, making ends meet, and finding meaning and purpose in life. The chorus, with its repetitive homage to "Them boys of faith", serves as an anthem to the loyalty and strength found in shared belief and genuine connections.
The collaboration between Zach Bryan, Bon Iver, and Noah Kahan came about as Bryan teased new music in September 2023, posting a trio of new songs on Instagram. This included snippets of songs featuring both Bon Iver and Kahan, tagged in the posts. Bryan's caption mentioned being grateful for "them boys of faith", alluding to the EP's title and the featured artists.
The EP 'Boys of Faith' was released on September 22, 2023, and includes five songs with collaborations from both Bon Iver and Noah Kahan. The title track, "Boys of Faith", features Bon Iver in an "autumnal Americana" song with a "tumbling chorus" and "hearty voices sprawl over strings, piano and affecting percussion". Another track, "Sarah's Place", features Noah Kahan in an "uptempo barnburner" that reminisces on a past relationship.
The collaboration between these artists has been well-received by fans, with many praising the blend of their voices and the powerful message of the song "Boys of Faith". Some listeners have expressed a desire to hear more of Bon Iver's vocals in the song, but overall, the response has been positive, with the song described as a "gateway" to Zach Bryan's music for some listeners.
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The song's meaning
"Boys of Faith" is a song by American singer-songwriter Zach Bryan, featuring Bon Iver. It is the title track of Bryan's third EP, "Boys of Faith", which was released on 22 September 2023. The song is a soulful ode to enduring friendship, shared experiences, and the power of belief in the face of adversity.
The song's lyrics paint a vivid picture of reunion and shared struggles, with a sense of urgency and a yearning for progress. The chorus, with its repetitive homage to "Them boys of faith", serves as an anthem to loyalty and the strength found in shared belief. It captures the essence of coming of age, chasing dreams, and the profound impact of faith and friendship.
In the song, Bryan reminisces about reconnecting with old friends and trying to make ends meet during a challenging year. He references specific places, such as Pineville, and sets a scene with details like the freezing cold, capturing the fleeting nature of time. Despite the struggles, there is a glimmer of hope and a belief that even those who are often overlooked can find meaning and leave a lasting impact.
The song also acknowledges the role of these friends in Bryan's musical success. He recalls taking photos in Kentucky and those same pictures ending up on a billboard in New York City, promoting one of his releases. This adds a layer of nostalgia and gratitude to the song, as Bryan recognises the support and belief that his friends have provided throughout his journey.
"Boys of Faith" combines Bryan's distinct lo-fi, DIY sound with Bon Iver's ethereal, experimental style. The layering of their voices, with Bon Iver providing haunting higher harmonies, gives the song a striking depth. The weighty electric guitar, ambient piano keys, and understated drum beat create a euphonic soundscape that enhances the emotional impact of the lyrics.
Overall, "Boys of Faith" is a deeply resonant narrative that speaks to the heart of anyone who has found strength in friendship and hope in dark times. It is a tribute to the power of shared experiences, resilience, and the belief that together, we can overcome any challenge.
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The song's lyrics
The title track of Zach Bryan's 2023 EP, 'Boys of Faith', is a collaboration with Bon Iver. The song is an ode to enduring friendship, the passage of time, and shared experiences that bond people together. The lyrics are autobiographical, outlining how Bryan has been spending time with a group of his old friends.
The song begins with a metaphor of a "high tide" rising, symbolising change and the rapidity of this change in Bryan's life. The lyrics also convey a sense of urgency and a yearning for progress, with references to getting up early and trying to make ends meet. The mention of Pineville and the cold sets a vivid scene of reunion, tinged with the realisation of ageing and the fleeting nature of time.
The chorus, with its repetitive line "Them boys of faith", serves as an anthem to loyalty and the strength found in shared belief. It emphasises how genuine connections and support can uplift individuals during low points, suggesting that faith among friends is a lifeline.
Bryan also expresses his gratitude to his friends for their unwavering support and belief in him, even when he had doubts about his future. He acknowledges that despite their different paths and successes, they remain "Them boys of faith".
The song concludes with a reflection on the meteoric rise of Bryan's success and how this group of friends has been there through it all, from simple moments in Kentucky to achieving dreams, such as making it onto a billboard in New York.
'Boys of Faith' is a deeply resonant narrative that captures the essence of coming of age, chasing dreams, and the profound impact of faith and loyalty among close friends.
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The song's sound and structure
The songs on Zach Bryan's EP "Boys of Faith" showcase a range of sounds and structures that reflect the artist's emotional depth and versatility. The title track, "Boys of Faith," featuring Bon Iver, is described as "autumnal Americana," with a tumbling chorus and hearty voices sprawled over strings, piano, and affecting percussion. The collaboration brings together Bryan's soulful vocals and Bon Iver's haunting higher harmony, creating a striking depth to the song. The song begins with a weighty electric guitar, coupled with ambient piano keys, before their combined voices emerge, drenched in reverb. The song's structure builds to an emphatic, euphoric bridge, showcasing the technical prowess of both artists.
"Sarah's Place," featuring Noah Kahan, is described as an uptempo barnburner that bittersweetly reminisces about a past relationship. The song has a mid-tempo feel and wistful lyrics that mourn a lost love while expressing relief that the former partner is in a better place. The song also includes nostalgic elements, such as references to the empty drive at Sarah's place and the lover's empty picnic chair in the yard.
The EP also includes "Deep Satin," a previously unreleased fan favourite deep cut, co-produced with Eddie Spears. While specific details about the song's structure are scarce, its inclusion as a fan favourite suggests a strong resonance with listeners.
Bryan's songwriting and production skills are evident throughout the EP, with each song telling a story and evoking a range of emotions. The sound and structure of the songs on "Boys of Faith" showcase Bryan's ability to collaborate with diverse artists while maintaining a cohesive and impactful listening experience.
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The song's popularity and critical reception
"Boys of Faith" by Zach Bryan, featuring Bon Iver, was released on 22 September 2023. The song is an ode to enduring friendship, shared experiences, and the passage of time. It captures the highs and lows of chasing dreams and the impact of faith and loyalty among close friends.
The song has received positive critical reception for its narrative that speaks to the heart of listeners who have found strength in friendship and hope in dark times. It has been described as a "deeply resonant" and "soul-stirring" tribute to friendship and resilience. The song's cyclical nature and the constant struggle to rise above challenges have been highlighted as powerful themes.
The title track, featuring Bon Iver, has been particularly popular and is expected to become Bryan's second Billboard Hot 100 No. 1. The collaboration has been praised for its haunting harmonies, striking depth, and the layering of the two artists' voices. The song showcases Bryan's exploration of a more folk-inspired sound, with Bon Iver's shape-shifting vocals moulding seamlessly with Bryan's.
However, some listeners have expressed a desire for more Bon Iver in the song, feeling that the collaboration fell short of showcasing the full potential of both artists. Despite this, the song has still been described as "beautiful" and "great," with Bon Iver's vocals adding value to the track.
Overall, "Boys of Faith" has been well-received by both critics and fans, with its themes of friendship, loyalty, and resilience resonating strongly with listeners. The song's popularity has further solidified Bryan's position as a talented songwriter and collaborator in the music industry.
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Frequently asked questions
"Boys of Faith" is a song about enduring friendship, the passage of time, and shared experiences that bond people together. It captures the essence of coming of age, chasing dreams, and the impact of faith and loyalty among close friends.
"Boys of Faith" is by American singer-songwriter Zach Bryan, featuring Bon Iver. It is the title track of his 2023 EP of the same name.
"Boys of Faith" is a tribute to friendship and a testament to resilience. It speaks to the heart of anyone who has found strength in friendship and hope in dark times.
"Boys of Faith" has been described as "autumnal Americana". It combines Zach Bryan's alt/indie country style with Bon Iver's experimental, enigmatic sound.