“I Never Lie”: Zach Top’s Clever Hit Lands Him on the Billboard Hot 100

Zach Top’s rise to stardom reads like a country song in itself: raised on a farm in Sunnyside, Washington, with a backdrop of classic country music, and a family band at the tender age of seven. From those early days, where his siblings formed the nucleus of his first band, to his time in bluegrass groups, Zach Top’s musical roots run deep. But now, he's reached a new milestone that solidifies his place in the world of modern country music—his first-ever Billboard Hot 100 hit with the catchy, heart-tugging tune, “I Never Lie.”

Credit: Citizen Kane Wayne

At number 95 this week, “I Never Lie” has officially entered the Hot 100, marking a significant achievement not just for Top but for the country genre at large. The song, which has already garnered a passionate following at live shows and gone viral online, is more than just a hit. It’s a nod to Zach Top’s classic influences with a fresh twist that resonates with today's listeners.

From Farm to Fame

For Zach Top, it’s been a journey shaped by authenticity and hard work. Growing up on a farm, surrounded by country music legends like Merle Haggard and Willie Nelson, it’s no wonder Top’s sound has always had a strong old-school charm. His early love for music became a family affair, playing in a band with his siblings throughout his childhood, and that tight-knit familial bond shows in his ability to connect with audiences.

By the time he reached his twenties, Top was deep into the bluegrass scene, further honing his craft before making the move to Nashville in 2021. That shift to Music City was a game changer. Just a few short years later, Top cannonballed onto the scene with his album Cold Beer and Country Music, an ode to both traditional country storytelling and a modern, laid-back vibe that feels perfectly tailored to today’s audiences. “I Never Lie,” one of the standout tracks from the album, has quickly emerged as a fan favorite—and for good reason.

The Clever, Heartfelt Story Behind “I Never Lie”

On the surface, “I Never Lie” is a clever play on words wrapped up in the story of a man who runs into his ex, putting on a brave face and claiming to be better off since the breakup. But the genius of the song lies in its wit and subtext. The man tells his ex that he sleeps like a baby, shows up to work on time, doesn’t drink whiskey, and hasn’t felt lonely since she left. But there’s a catch: the song’s refrain reveals he “never lies,” hinting that maybe his claims aren’t as truthful as he wants to make them seem.

The chorus is sharp, memorable, and relatable—qualities that have no doubt helped drive the song to its newfound Hot 100 success:

I sleep like a baby

I never show up late for work

I don’t drink whiskey

I don’t know how it feels to hurt

Oh, and I ain’t been lonely since you said goodbye

I wish I could say I miss you, but you know I never lie

Zach Top’s ability to blend humor with heartache, to write lyrics that are as fun as they are poignant, sets him apart in the ever-evolving country music landscape. It’s this unique talent that’s propelled “I Never Lie” into the mainstream and landed it on the Billboard Hot 100.

A Brief History of the Billboard Hot 100

The Billboard Hot 100 is the gold standard when it comes to charting musical success. Launched in 1958, the Hot 100 ranks songs based on a combination of radio airplay, sales, and, more recently, streaming data. Over the years, it's become a cultural barometer, measuring the most popular songs across all genres, from pop to rock, R&B to country.

Country music has had a long and sometimes bumpy relationship with the Hot 100. In the early days, country songs rarely cracked the top ranks. But as the genre evolved, blending with pop and rock influences, country music stars began making more regular appearances. Hits like Dolly Parton’s "9 to 5" and Garth Brooks’ "Friends in Low Places" became chart fixtures, and more recently, crossover hits like Lil Nas X’s “Old Town Road” and Morgan Wallen’s “Last Night” have dominated the charts.

For Zach Top, making it onto the Hot 100 with “I Never Lie” is not just a personal triumph—it’s a signal that the classic sounds of traditional country still have a place in the modern mainstream. His entry at number 95 might be just the beginning of an even bigger wave.

What’s Next for Zach Top?

With “I Never Lie” climbing the charts and fans everywhere rallying behind him, Zach Top is riding high on a wave of well-deserved success. His album Cold Beer and Country Music continues to capture the hearts of country fans both young and old, proving that his unique blend of traditional country values and modern appeal has struck a chord.

It’s an exciting time for country music, and Zach Top’s breakthrough is further proof that Nashville’s next generation of stars is ready to leave their mark. As for what’s next? If “I Never Lie” is any indication, we can expect even more clever, heartfelt hits from this rising star—one who never needs to lie about his talent.