Look at me, so damaged and destroyed
With this world’s plans and its ploys to take me out
I’m on a highway directly to the moon
With no plans on stopping soon
I’m leaving town
Them Christian’s are talking so often of coffins
No Heavens could top this moment now
My foot out the window and my flask halfway full
I may have to pull over soon
I can’t afford a motel, but the floorboards will work well
And I’ll sleep there til tomorrow afternoon
And I’ll get on the road again, had another chance at fittin’ in
Fittin’ in to kids like me is dyin’
And I know when I’m with you
After one shot or 22 and a cigarette
I feel like flying I’m flyin’
But them Christian’s are talking so often of coffins
No Heavens could top this moment now
I’ve searched and I’ve found to get to that ninth cloud
You must trek through some dark and troubled grounds
So may we all
Just once or twice
Once in this life, just look around
Usually I’m a wreck
But the hard times were just a step
To get where I am on this ninth cloud
We’re singing, feeling good again
Just passed 3:04 AM
And I’m talking like the sun will never rise
But the sun will crest the trees and bring this devil to his knees
As it outlines the silver in these skies
Them Christian’s are talking so often of coffins
No heavens could top this moment now
I’ve searched and I’ve found to get to that ninth cloud
You must trek through some dark and troubled grounds
So may we all
Just once or twice
Once in this life, just look around
Usually I’m a wreck
But the hard times were just a step
To get where I am on this ninth cloud
Riding Through Darkness: A Journey to the Ninth Cloud
Zach Bryan’s “Ninth Cloud” captures the struggle of navigating life’s hardships while searching for moments of genuine elevation. The lyrics paint a picture of a protagonist who feels battered by the world’s pressures, seeking escape on an aimless road trip. The motif of driving at night, flask in hand, evokes a sense of restless searching and fleeting solace. References to faith and mortality (“Them Christian’s are talking so often of coffins”) contrast with the song’s appreciation for the present moment, as if no heavenly reward could surpass the brief highs found here on earth. The recurring imagery of clouds and skies suggests that to reach a higher state of being, one must first confront and move through personal darkness.
Song Credits
- Artist: Zach Bryan
- Songwriter: Zach Bryan