Ever wondered how Zach Bryan crafts those raw, heart-wrenching lyrics that feel like they’re plucked straight from your soul? The secret might surprise you—and it’s something you can steal (yes, steal!) for your own songwriting.

In this article, we’ll dive into Zach Bryan’s lesser-known songwriting trick, break down how he uses it to create emotional depth, and show you how to adapt it ethically to elevate your own music. Ready to unlock the magic? Let’s get started.

The Power of Borrowed Stories

Zach Bryan’s secret weapon? He doesn’t just write from personal experience—he borrows stories from others. Whether it’s a conversation overheard at a diner or a tale passed down from a friend, Bryan weaves these fragments into his songs, creating a tapestry of universal emotions.

Take his song “Heading South,” for example. While it feels deeply personal, Bryan has admitted that parts of the story were inspired by people he met on the road. This technique allows him to tap into a broader range of human experiences, making his music resonate with a wider audience.

How to Steal Like a Pro

So, how can you use this trick without crossing ethical lines? The key is to transform what you borrow. Don’t just copy a story verbatim—reimagine it through your own lens. Add your emotions, your perspective, and your unique voice to make it yours.

For instance, if you hear a stranger’s story at a coffee shop, think about how it connects to your own life. What feelings does it stir in you? How can you twist the details to reflect your truth? This way, you’re not stealing—you’re creating something entirely new.

Examples to Inspire You

Let’s look at another Bryan classic, “Condemned.” The song’s vivid imagery of small-town struggles feels so real, you’d swear it’s autobiographical. But Bryan has hinted that some of the details came from stories shared by fans and friends. He takes these snippets and infuses them with his own poetic flair, crafting a song that feels both personal and universal.

This approach isn’t just for country ballads, either. Whether you’re writing pop, rock, or hip-hop, borrowing stories can add layers of authenticity to your lyrics.

Ethical Stealing: The Golden Rule

Here’s the golden rule: always respect the source. If you’re borrowing from someone’s life, make sure you’re not exploiting their pain or privacy. Transform the story enough that it becomes your own, and if possible, give credit where it’s due.

Remember, the goal isn’t to copy—it’s to create something that feels true to you while honoring the experiences of others.

Your Turn to Write

Now it’s your turn. Start paying attention to the stories around you. Listen to the conversations in line at the grocery store, the anecdotes your friends share, or the memories your family recounts. Then, take those fragments and make them your own.

As Zach Bryan shows us, the best songs aren’t just about one person’s story—they’re about the shared human experience. So go ahead, steal this trick, but use it wisely. Your next great song might be just one borrowed story away.

What story will you tell? The world is waiting to hear it.