The True Meaning Behind 'Same Boat' By Zac Brown Band

Country folk group Zac Brown Band burst onto the mainstream music scene in 2008 with the hit single "Chicken Fried." Featuring lyrics like "Cold beer on a Friday night / A pair of jeans that fit just right / And the radio up," it's an upbeat bop that romanticizes the simple things in life. "Chicken Fried" also set the tone for what listeners could expect from the group: guitar harmonies, banjos, folksy whistling, and layered vocals about a good ol' down-home life. In fact, "Chicken Fried" is so emblematic of Zac Brown Band's whole vibe that fans might be surprised to learn the song was almost not even theirs to begin with.

Per Country Rebel, "Chicken Fried" was written by Zac Brown and songwriter Wyatt Durrette, but the duo offered it to country legend Alan Jackson, who wasn't sure it was a fit for him at the time. As Jackson told The Boot, "Man I just had a song about cornbread and chicken, and I had a song about bologna. Every album I've got has these songs about food, so I just don't think I want to do one about chicken fried right now." Ultimately, it was his loss, as "Chicken Fried" hit No. 1 on Billboard's country charts. And most recently, ZBB is building on its success with another feel-good tune called "Same Boat," which was written during the COVID-19 pandemic. Here's what it's all about.

COVID-19 has been a dark cloud over the world, but one of the silver linings is the fact that lockdown inspired countless country stars to double down and be more creative than ever. Country songs that emerged since 2020 run the gamut from silly, like Big & Rich's "Stay Home," to hopeful, such as Luke Combs' "Six Feet Apart." Likewise, Zac Brown Band's "Same Boat" is inspirational, reminding listeners that no matter what they're struggling with, people worldwide are experiencing similar situations. As Zac Brown sings in the chorus, "We're all in the same boat / Fishing in the same hole / Wondering where the time goes," and "You can't judge a man / 'Til you walk a country mile in his shoes."

In the song's official press release, Brown shared that "Same Boat" speaks to the universal truth that we're not as different as we might think. "It's about how we all go through the same things, all together," the hitmaker said (via Taste of Country). "It is a chance to be able to remind people to be positive, be good to each other, and show empathy. You don't know what it's like to walk around in someone else's shoes. We're all human beings. Let's spread some love around and show kindness to each other." Forget COVID — this message transcends the pandemic, and is one we should all take to heart every day.

According to Taste of Country, Zac Brown Band is set to perform "Same Boat" throughout their Comeback Tour, which takes place this fall after the coronavirus sidelined the group's plans. And it's fitting that the upbeat tune will feature heavily in their set, since it heralds the beginning of a more hopeful time for everyone. "We couldn't be more excited to get back out on the road and share our new music with our fans," Brown told the outlet about the tour. "It's been a long, difficult year for everyone, and we're fired up to be reuniting with our crew, get back on tour and celebrate a brand-new world."

However, the time spent in lockdown wasn't all bad, as it birthed plenty of unique songs, though Brown feels "Same Boat" might just be the group's crowning glory. "This last year, I played my guitar at home more than I ever have ... it put me in the headspace to want to write," he expressed to Audacy. Of "Same Boat" and the upcoming album, Brown added, "We have never had an album more epic than this one ... I'm excited. This is definitely our masterpiece so far." Fans will have to wait until the album drops on October 15 to determine whether it's worth all the hype.