There seems to be this stigma behind country music that it only pertains to hick town hillbillies with big guts, long beards and tractors. Country music can only be about beer, girls, and trucks, right?

I’ll be the first to admit that I utterly refused to listen to country music until the age of 14. I sat restlessly in my friend’s car over the course of a gruesome three hour road trip while she forced me to listen to her Luke Bryan Pandora station. It was dreadful. Weeks passed, however, and I found myself listening to this newfound genre more and more until I knew the words to every song on the radio. It became a new lifestyle.

There is so much to learn from country music. It teaches you to be kind and humble. It teaches you to have faith and trust His plan. It teaches you that love isn’t a fairytale. It teaches you that relationships require work from both sides. It teaches you to be independent and that it’s okay to be single. It teaches you to be patriotic about your country. It teaches you to enjoy the beauty in the world. It teaches you to embrace the “now” because time goes by too fast. But hey, sometimes it teaches you that all you need is a beer.

Garth Brooks taught me that it’s okay to have friends in low places. Sometimes it’s good to take a break from high society. Rascal Flatts told me to follow the broken road, no matter the destination. It will lead you to where you need to go. Luke Bryan told me to drink a beer, but really he was saying that it is important to take a break, sit on a pier, and remember those that you’ve lost. Carrie Underwood instilled to all women and humans that cheating is never acceptable. Maybe he’ll think before he cheats after you take a Louisville Slugger to both headlights and slash a hole in all four tires. Martina McBride emphasizes the importance of being aware of abuse. Miranda Lambert reminded me to go home and see my family every once in a while. There are so many memories back in the house that built me. Tim McGraw told me to always stay humble and kind. Lauren Alaina explained the significance of taking the road less traveled. Sam Hunt made me feel better about that breakup in a small town. Blake Shelton taught me how to spell, he sure has a way with words. Thomas Rhett just wants everyone to die a happy man.

To all those that don’t understand these lessons within country music, maybe this genre isn’t for you. Whether angry, sad, happy, or in love, there is always a song to fit every need.

Give it a shot, “hick” music isn't too bad. Just remember this:

God is great, beer is good, and people are crazy." - Billy Currington