Zach Bryan has proved his worth to be called one of the best country artists of the century through his chart-topping releases like “Something in the Orange” and “American Heartbreak.” In 2024, he released one of his greatest hits, “Pink Skies,” as part of his album of the same title. Although everyone was thrilled about the song’s success, Zach himself wasn’t that happy when he learned that his song was heading to Pop radio. On X (formerly Twitter,) he went on to express his frustration stating, “This is f**ked, I never approved this, why is Pink Skies at Pop radio.”
This is fucked, I never approved this, why is Pink Skies at Pop radio https://t.co/oTTYJMRLo7
— Zach Bryan (@zachlanebryan) May 29, 2024
Pink Skies can be considered one of Zach Bryan’s greatest hits, landing at the no. 1 spot on the all-genre iTunes charts upon its release. However, this good news comes with controversy. His label Warner Records, expanded its reach and sent it to Pop Radio, and Zach wasn’t happy – at all. In the same post, he said, “Pink Skies is not a pop song.”
PINK SKIES IS NOT A POP SONG
— Zach Bryan (@zachlanebryan) May 29, 2024
Written by Zach himself, Pink Skies is a song about the passing of a family matriarch, with her children coming back to town to send her off to rest. Some fans speculated that this song might be a tribute to Zach Bryan’s mother, who passed away in 2016.
Zach debunked these rumors saying “Pink Skies” is not about his story at all. It was just a mere project he wanted to take to showcase all the dynamics in a family. Since he put so much of his time and effort into making this song possible, it was insulting on his part when he found out his work had been showcased on platforms he didn’t approve of. But he did try his best to embrace his entrance into Pop radio even though he was not that thrilled about the decision. On X, he said, “guys you have to send songs to radio, like you have to be like, “yeah I’m okay with that” going which way or the other.”
Pink Skies wasn’t inspired by my story. Everytime I sing about someone dying people assume it’s about my mom, this definitely was not.
— Zach Bryan (@zachlanebryan) May 24, 2024
I just think all the dynamics in families are beautiful and interesting and generationally it’s a really cool thing
guys you have to send songs to radio, like you have to be like, “yeah I’m okay with that” going which way or the other
— Zach Bryan (@zachlanebryan) May 29, 2024
Meanwhile, his fans seemed to love the idea, considering it could expand Zach’s reach, which will garner him more listeners in the long run.