Songfacts®:

• In Zach Bryan's "Nine Ball," a son navigates the complex emotions surrounding his relationship with a gambling father. The song explores the faith and encouragement the father bestows, betting on his son's pool-playing success as a symbol of future accomplishment.
  
  Yet, beneath this seemingly positive support lies a tension, as the boy wrestles with feelings of responsibility and the unusual dynamic of his father's bets influencing his actions.
  
  Ultimately, "Nine Ball" paints a portrait of a father-son bond bound by an unconventional gamble, highlighting the intricate challenges and unspoken hopes that color their connection.
• The song was inspired by Zach Bryan's father's relationship with his own father. "My dad and me were drinking whiskey playing pool one night and he goes, 'man do I have a story for you.' Then he tells me about how my grandpa used to bet on him in pool games when he was just a kid."
• Zach Bryan wrote and produced "Nine Ball" himself crafting a roots-rock soundscape. The intro unfolds with a folksy Americana harmonica, its twang echoing a dusty porch swing, and a bluesy bass riff, setting the emotional tone for the rest of the song.
• "Nine Ball" is the opening track of Bryan's Boys Of Faith EP, which he recorded in a week-long studio retreat. Immersed in the creative space, Bryan poured his heart onto paper, filling a notebook with raw emotions and seeking inspiration from loved ones. Finally, a camping trip under the open sky brought him a sense of peace and optimism, fueling the EP's hopeful spirit.
• The song's music video follows the song's storyline. We see Matthew McConaughey embodying the role of a gambling-addicted father, slumped in a dive bar and using his young son as a means to win money. The son, gifted with a natural pool talent, hustles opponents at his father's behest. As the years pass, the video transitions to Tye Sheridan playing the grown-up version of the son, haunted by the memories of his childhood exploitation.
  
  Matthew McConaughey is primarily known for his acting in movies and TV shows, but he has had a few notable appearances in music videos. They include:
  
  "Walkaway Joe" (1992) by Trisha Yearwood: This early music video features McConaughey as the boyfriend, playing alongside Don Henley. It marked his on-camera debut, paving the way for his acting career.
  
  "Key West Intermezzo (I Saw You First)" by John Mellencamp (1996): While not exactly playing a character, McConaughey appears in this video alongside Mellencamp and other famous faces, enjoying a laid-back atmosphere in Key West.
  
  "Playing The Part" by Jamey Johnson (2010): McConaughey both stars in and directed this clip.