Zach Bryan Opens Up About His Exes and New Wife Samantha in Honest Tracks from His Latest Album Heaven on Top

ByEvan Caldwell January 9, 2026January 9, 2026

Brianna ‘Chickenfry’ LaPaglia, Zach Bryan, Samantha Leonard.
Credit :

Udo Salters Photography/Getty; Kevin Mazur/Getty for The Recording Academy; Samantha Leonard/Instagram

NEED TO KNOW

Zach Bryan released his new album With Heaven on Top on Jan. 9.
The musician’s lyrics seem to address his relationships with ex-girlfriend Brianna “Chickenfry” LaPaglia and wife Samantha Leonard.
The album also references his sobriety and his indecision about fatherhood.

Zach Bryan has laid bare his emotions in his latest album, With Heaven on Top, which debuted on January 9. The Grammy-winning musician’s sixth studio effort comprises 25 songs and offers insight into his feelings regarding his ex-girlfriend Brianna “Chickenfry” LaPaglia, his new wife Samantha Leonard, and a recent commitment to sobriety.

Among the standout tracks, “Skin” features Bryan expressing intense sentiments about his past relationship. The lyrics suggest a desire to sever ties with painful memories, as he proclaims, “I’m taking a blade to my own skin/And I ain’t ever touching yours again.” The song also touches upon themes of betrayal and gossip, hinting at LaPaglia’s past remarks about friends.

This lyrical content likely alludes to their tumultuous breakup, which was publicly announced in October 2024. LaPaglia, 26, has previously shared details about their relationship, including accusations of emotional abuse against Bryan. She notably has lyrics from his song “28” tattooed on her arm, symbolizing their complicated history.

With Heaven on Top.

WARNER RECORDS

While Bryan has not publicly addressed LaPaglia’s allegations, his song “Plastic Cigarette” appears to allude to their initial meeting in June 2023 in Queens, New York. The lyrics reflect on the complexities of their relationship, hinting at themes of good and evil intertwined in their past.

Additionally, the song “Slicked Back” contains references to Leonard, highlighting the contrast between the two women. “Used to know some folks who put it all online, but you paint landscapes in the evening time,” he sings, recognizing Leonard’s artistic nature.

Brianna “Chickenfry” LaPaglia at a premiere in Los Angeles in September 2025.

Amanda Edwards/Getty

In a more positive light, the album also celebrates his marriage to Leonard, whom he wed in Spain on New Year’s Eve. The song “Runny Eggs” recounts a journey to find a lady with “big old Spanish eyes,” referencing Leonard and their shared experiences during the Running of the Bulls in Pamplona.

The track “Slicked Back” serves as an affectionate nod to Leonard, with lyrics that underscore their connection: “You’re so cool in my living room/And when you talk trash with your hair slicked back.” Bryan’s admiration for her is palpable, as he expresses his wish to share life with her in the afterlife.

Johnathan’s personal reflections extend to the theme of parenthood in the song “Appetite,” where he grapples with societal expectations around settling down and raising children. “Everyone I know got older/Told my drunk ass to get sober, settle down and have some kids,” he sings, probing his own hesitations about becoming a father.

The lyrics also touch upon Bryan’s recent sobriety journey, which he announced in November after seeking help for a “toxic relationship with booze.” He even makes a brief reference to his legal troubles in the title track, prompting reflections on redemption and resolve.

Having recorded the album in Tulsa, Oklahoma, Bryan is gearing up for a world tour that will kick off in St. Louis this March. Fans can also look forward to an acoustic version of the album, set to release three days after the studio version.