If you aren’t already in love with country, that’s okay -- those of us who are will eventually convince you to change your mind because, let's be honest, what’s not to love? There is a country song that will express your feelings whether you’re happy, sad, in love, or just in the mood to party. Disbelievers argue that all country music sounds the same, but couldn’t the same be said for rap or techno music or even boy band pop music? The truth is country music is “American” music, and if you give it a chance, you’ll realize that there’s no other music in the world quite as great as country music.

“Country music is something that’s going to be around forever” -- George Strait

I sure hope he’s right, and here are ten reasons why.

1. The lyrics

Unlike popular rap music, country songs have lyrics that you can sing along to in front of your parents without worrying about what they may think. The lyrics come from the heart and are meaningful and real. Whether it’s an upbeat song about a day at the beach or a slow one about love or heartbreak, the lyrics are relatable and clever.

“Grabbed my guitar and strummed a couple cords and sang from the heart” -- Florida Georgia Line

2. It makes for the perfect summer jam.

Country music is summer music. There’s just no doubt about it. And who doesn’t love summertime -- no responsibilities, sleeping in, getting tan, going to the beach… Life just doesn’t get any better than that.

“Ain’t nothing wrong with getting my sun daze on” -- Florida Georgia Line

3. It’s the best music to dance and sing along to.

There’s just no helping it -- when country music comes on, your feet start tapping, and there’s nothing to do other than sing and move to the beat of the music.

“So damn easy to sing along” -- Jake Owen

4. Country concerts and tailgates are always a good time.

Dancing on truck beds, music blasting, red solo cups everywhere -- sounds like my kind of party! And the fun doesn’t stop there. Country music fans are some of the best fans around, and if standing on a lawn at an outdoor concert venue drunkenly singing at the top of your lungs with thousands of other people isn’t what summer is about, then I don’t know what is!

“There ain’t no party like the pre-party and after the party the after-party at the parking lot party” -- Lee Brice

5. It’s the perfect radio music.

Nothing feels quite the same as driving around on a warm summer day with the windows down and the country music up.

“We had no money and no place to go, all we needed was a radio” -- Darius Rucker

6. 'Murica

As Bill Monroe puts it, “Country music belongs to America.” There’s a certain pride that’s associated with country music -- country artists and listeners love the red, white, and blue, and want the world to know. Nothing says I love America like good old country music, and who doesn’t love loving their country?

“We were Jesus save me blue jean baby born in the USA” -- Kenny Chesney

7. Classics never get old.

The second “Chicken Fried” or “Wagon Wheel” comes on the radio, everyone’s face lights up, and there’s a reason. Unlike pop music that gets overplayed on the radio until the sound of it makes your ears bleed, country music never gets old.

“And she said play it again, play it again, play it again” -- Luke Bryan

8. Cowboy boots are cute.

I think this one speaks for itself. Who doesn’t love looking stylish in a cute pair of Ariats? Plus, they go with literally everything.

“From her cowboy boots to her down home roots, she’s country” -- Jason Aldean

9. And so are the cowboys.

I mean hello. Have you seen Luke Bryan or Jake Owen? Enough said.

“Save a horse, ride a cowboy” -- Big & Rich

10. It makes you appreciate life.

At the end of the day, country music makes you happy to be alive. It has a positive outlook on the world, and all of us need that positivity and a reminder to be thankful for what we have.

“Yea, it’s a helluva life” -- Frankie Ballard

So next time you’re looking for some music to make you feel good and you’re tired of hearing overplayed pop songs, switch over to a country station ASAP. You won’t regret it.