Sandpaper Lyrics

Sandpaper by Zach Bryan featuring Bruce Springsteen

• Artist: Zach Bryan
• Album: The Great American Bar Scene
• Track Number: 15
• Release Date: July 4, 2024
• Producers: Jacquire King & Zach Bryan
• Featuring: Bruce Springsteen
• Label: Belting Bronco Records, Warner Records

Annotations and Meaning

Sandpaper, a collaboration between Zach Bryan and Bruce Springsteen, addresses themes of love, sorrow, and resilience. The song weaves contemplative words with sad melodies to create a sincere story about the intricacies of relationships and the ongoing quest to find peace. Zach Bryan's opening lyric provides a tone of deep emotional meditation. The shape taken by the loved one when they lay down brings up thoughts of a love that was never fully realized. The fear of losing this person outweighs the fear of death, demonstrating the intensity of Bryan's emotional connection. The metaphor of the loved one being "outta this planet" refers to their tremendous impact on him. The chorus, with its picture of going uptown to clear his mind, compares the loved one to sandpaper—an irritating presence that clings tighter the harder he tries to let go. The changing seasons, from a long winter to a pleasant spring, represent the ebb and flow of his emotions. Despite attempts to soothe his emotions, the bond lasts for "twenty-seven seasons." Bruce Springsteen's stanza adds another dimension of depth by reflecting on previous experiences and the passage of time. He recalls northern thunder as a metaphor for strong, young memories. The image of a pine tree outgrowing the rain represents personal development and tenacity. Springsteen's offer to build a roof to hide beneath represents a protecting, caring presence, stressing the notion of long-lasting love. The chorus is repeated with Springsteen's forceful voice, emphasizing the song's fundamental metaphor of love as sandpaper—an everlasting, abrasive force that forms and connects over time.

Lyrical Analysis

The lyrics of Sandpaper are rich in metaphor and emotional depth. Bryan's initial lyric expresses the depth of his sentiments through the images of a loved one's shape and exceptional impact. The fear of losing this person outweighs all other anxieties, highlighting the deep bond. The chorus's metaphor of the loved one as sandpaper successfully conveys the enduring, binding character of their presence. The seasonal iconography emphasizes the cyclical nature of emotions, with winter indicating hardship and spring representing regeneration. The frequent attempts to "smooth out" his emotions emphasize the continual battle to move on. Springsteen's verse complements Bryan's introspection with thoughts on personal development and tenacity. Northern thunder and pine tree imagery create nostalgia and strength. His pledge to construct a protected roof emphasizes the notion of unwavering love and support. The final chorus, sung by both performers, brings the song's themes full circle, highlighting love's enduring, binding nature and the continual path of emotional development.

Technical information

Jacquire King and Zach Bryan produced Sandpaper, which combines country, Red Dirt, and Americana themes. The instrumentation consists of bass guitar, baritone guitar, percussion, and synthesizer, resulting in a rich, layered sound that heightens the song's emotional effect. The use of Bruce Springsteen's legendary voice lends depth and resonance to the song. Bryan and Springsteen's lyrical tale and emotional delivery make Sandpaper a profound exploration of love, sorrow, and survival. Their collaboration adds depth and authenticity to the song, resulting in a gripping narrative that connects with listeners on many levels.