Country music star Zach Bryan is defending his upcoming song Bad News after critics claimed its lyrics criticize U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids.
The 29-year-old shared a snippet of the song on Instagram last Friday, drawing widespread attention. In the preview, he sings:
“I hear the cops came, cocky motherf—–s, ain’t they?
And ICE is gonna come bust down your door, try to build a house, no bills no more,
but I got a telephone, kids are all scared and all alone.”
Another line references national symbolism:
“The bar stopped bumping, the rock stopped rolling, the middle fingers rising, and it won’t stop showing. Got some bad news. The fading of the red, white, and blue.”
Bryan Clarifies Song's Intent
In a follow-up Instagram post, Bryan emphasized that Bad News was written months ago and reflects his love for the country and its people.
“When you hear the rest of the song, you will understand the full context that hits on both sides of the aisle,” Bryan wrote.
“Everyone using this now as a weapon is only proving how devastatingly divided we all are. We need to find our way back.”
Bryan, a U.S. Navy veteran, stressed that the song is not political:
“I wasn’t speaking as a politician or some greater-than-thou a–hole, just a 29-year-old man who is just as confused as everyone else.”
He also addressed the public backlash:
“Left wing or right wing, we’re all one bird and American. To be clear, I’m on neither of those radical sides. … Everyone has a great day and I love every one of ya!!!”
Public Officials Criticize the Song
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem labeled the song as disrespectful, saying it undermines law enforcement:
“He just compromised it all by putting out a product such as that, that attacks individuals who are just trying to make our streets safe.”
Homeland Security Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin added a lighter jab, suggesting Bryan focus on his 2024 release, Pink Skies.
A White House spokesperson also weighed in, calling the song controversial and claiming most Americans would disagree with its message.
ICE Highlights Bryan's Music
Following Bryan’s Instagram snippet, Homeland Security shared a video of ICE operations on X (formerly Twitter), using another Bryan song, All Night Revival, in the background with the caption:
“We’re having an All Night Revival.”
Bryan Reflects on Scrutiny
In further Instagram posts, Bryan expressed the personal toll of the backlash:
“I feel like I’ve tried my hardest in so many ways, and it’s so hard to see where my bearings even are anymore. Been falling off a cliff while trying to grow wings at the same time.”
He also highlighted his pride in serving a country that allows freedom of speech, despite the recent controversies and online harassment.
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