One of my biggest passions is music. Though I enjoy a variety of musical styles, country music has always been a big part of my life. Whenever I listen to it, it takes me back to my roots and reminds me of how proud I am to be a Tennessean. Tennesseans are kind, caring, down-to-earth people, and they have interesting stories to share. Many of those stories have been transformed into country songs – songs that are enjoyed by a population reaching far beyond our Tennessee borders. And though our non-Tennessean neighbors may enjoy our country tunes, it is the true born-and-bred Tennessean who can relate to the stories being told and can appreciate them for their simplicity.
There are so many country songs that bring back memories – both good and bad – for me.
When I hear The Watermelon Crawl by Tracy Byrd, I am magically transported to Cotton Eyed Joe’s. I am surrounded by friends, have a beer in hand, and I’m watching dozens of line dancers decked out in 10 gallon hats, giant belt buckles, and cowboy boots. There is laughter, and not a care in the world.
Rascal Flatt’s Love You Out Loud reminds me of new love – that elated feeling experienced during the first few months of a special relationship. Feeling like you’re on top of the world. Wanting to share that joy with the masses.
Toby Keith’s Does that Blue Moon Ever Shine on You? brings back that aching feeling in the pit of my stomach. Lying in bed, missing that special someone, and wondering if he misses me too.
Looking back over the chapters of my life, I could compile a country soundtrack to reflect all the events and emotions I’ve experienced. After all, that’s what country music is about. It is laughter, love, and loss. It is life.
Challenge: Put together a country music soundtrack based on your life experiences and post it on your blog. I’ll be posting my soundtrack shortly.
April 2nd, 2007 at 10:09 pm
That’s a great idea!! I have been to Cotton Eyed Joe’s before. A few years ago I came to Knox for an xray convention. I think I got drunk and started calling the drink cockslapper to cocksucker!! The bartender laughed at me so hard when I would order that drink. I was in some kind of competition there but I was so drunk I barely remember it.
April 2nd, 2007 at 10:49 pm
Ooooh, I’ll need a while, but I can do that. Song #1? “I Love It” by Craig Morgan. It’s me.
April 3rd, 2007 at 9:03 am
that’s quite the challenge and I’m up for it…however it will take me awhile…I have always enjoyed country music above all that I listen to.
April 3rd, 2007 at 11:09 am
Of course, my blog title is derived from a country song. If you really want some incredible country music – and not this pop-inflected, pseudo-rock stuff that’s pouring out of Nashville right now – check out the complete Mercury recordings (a 2 disc set) of the Stanley Brothers and the Clinch Mountain Boys. True Tennessee music, with mountain roots and a touch of that “ole time religion.” (Ralph Stanley has performed at the Museum of Appalachia up at Norris.)
mytearsspoiledmyaim.blogspot.com
April 3rd, 2007 at 6:38 pm
heh
You know I would love to be part of these shenanigans, but listening to country music makes me want to pour bleach in my ears. I’ll cheer from the sidelines, though! ;-p
April 4th, 2007 at 9:58 pm
im thinking i might buy me that new buffett, straight, allen live cd. thems good listenens!
April 15th, 2007 at 10:12 am
What about a storyboard?
March 4th, 2008 at 12:00 pm
I used to never listen to country, but it’s changed a lot over the last ten years or so. And the cowgirls are hot!