A little bit country

I love country music. I always tell people that I was raised on country sunshine (for anyone who knows country, that's a reference to a country song from long ago).

I love country music. So many people make fun of country or complain about it. But, come on! What other type of music can have such fantastic songs about fried chicken, a huge International Harvester tractor, an old Chevy Nova, long-haired country boys, or even red high heels.

I love country music. Some of the newcomers are more pop than country, but I still love the essence of country music. They sing about real life, an ideal life (for the most part), or a comfortable life. Some of the best songs are about mothers, dogs, and deep abiding love.

I love country music. In all other genres of music, the artists are known and expected to be arrogant, cocky, egotistical and flamboyant. Country music stars are patriotic, God-fearing, respectful, and grateful. Usually any flamboyance is done with humor--remember the sparkles of Porter Wagner or Dolly Parton's...ahem...assets? These are examples of flamboyant personalities that have become the topic of many jokes.

I love country music. Those songs tug at my heart or memories. Hearing Jim Reeves will always remind me of my grandma. Hearing "I'll Go To My Grave Loving You" from the Statler Brothers will always remind me of my mom. Listening to "Sneaky Snakes" by Tom T. Hall will always put a smile on my face as I think of my childhood. Tricia Yearwood's "Thinking About You" will always remind me of my first love. Her song, "On a Bus to St. Cloud" will always remind me of my first heartbreak. "Can I Have This Dance" will remind me of a love that I continue to seek. "Country Boy Can Survive" from Hank Jr. makes me yearn to be so independent and capable. And of course Lee Greenwood's "God Bless the USA" brings tears to my eyes as I reflect on America and her heroes.

I love country music. Of course there are some songs that are less than appropriate. Generally, those songs don't stay popular for long. The songs that do stay popular that are about the stereotypical topic of cheating often are filled with real feelings regarding the subject. Regardless, just like any other genre of music, there are immoral songs, but that doesn't negate the pure sound and goodness that country embodies.

I love country music. I love a variety of genres of music. But as a recent country hit says, it's like a pair of jeans that fit just right, or the touch of a precious child, or feeling the love of a mother. It's home and everything that it represents.