Country music sensation Zach Bryan is one of a new breed of country music artist that is forsaking the genre’s roots in classic American values and embracing left-wing politics, a shift made evident by the lyrics of one of his hit songs that condemns Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) for doing their job to enforce federal immigration law.
The lyrics that started the firestorm for Bryan say, “My friends are all degenerates, but they’re all I got, the generational story of dropping the plot. I heard the cops came, Cocky motherf—–s, ain’t they?” He then goes on to sing, “And ICE is gonna come bust down your door, try to build a house no one builds no more, but I got a telephone, Kids are all scared and all alone.”
Given that the vast majority of country music fans lean to the political right, Bryan’s song, “Bad News,” has alienated a huge portion of his listeners and they have been very outspoken in their criticism of the tune. One person in particular was not pleased at all with the track and former Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem let her feelings on the matter be known.
Conservative commentator Benny Johnson asked Noem what she thought about the song and she had a message for Bryan. “I hope Zach Bryan understands how completely disrespectful that song is, not just to law enforcement but to this country, to every single individual that has ever stood up and fought for our freedoms.”
“He just compromised it all by putting out a product such as that attacks individuals who are just trying to make our streets safe,” she said, adding, “Zach, I didn’t listen to your music. I’m happy about that today. Today, that makes me very happy that I never once gave you a single penny to enrich your lifestyle. I am going to go out and probably download some Jason Aldean, John Rich, Kid Rock, and Jon Pardi songs.” The former secretary then said she was going to boycott Bryan’s music.
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Lots of folks in the comment section of Johnson’s X post on the statement shared Noem’s sentiments. One person shared a quote from legendary KISS bassist Gene Simmons, who said, “I think celebrities should basically shut their pie holes and do what they do best; act, sing, tap dance, juggle balls, and do all that kind of stuff.”
“Zach Bryan also insulted those immigrants who respected our laws and followed the process for legal immigration. My wife was one of them. He disrespects our laws and our country. My wife is a country music fan. She said she will not listen to his music any longer,” another user commented. One user replied, “Proud to say I never gave Zach Bryan a minute of my ears either.”
Someone else wisecracked, “He can tour with the Chixie Dicks.. He Bud Lighted himself.. Blocked on my Spotify.” Another user slammed Bryan for his lyrics, saying, “Zach’s gonna be broke soon. He doesn’t know his audience. On the bright side, he will make a great warm-up act for The Dixie Chick’s at The Knox County Fair.”
Featured Image: screenshot from embedded video