In the world of country music, I am just one of many fans. I fell in love with the music, the artists and the style. Most importantly though, I fell in love with the lessons, the stories and the truth behind each song.
Below is a list of seven songs that have all taught us a little more than we expected or helped us realize that country fan or not, these songs are relatable.
1. "Live Like You Were Dying" - Tim McGraw
Tim makes a powerful debut in 2004, with his song Live Like You Were Dying. After a man was told that death was in the near future, McGraw asked him just exactly what he did when he got that kind of news.
"I went skydiving
I went rocky mountain climbing
I went two point seven seconds on a bull named Fu Man Chu
And I loved deeper
And I spoke sweeter
And I gave forgiveness I'd been denyin'"
One day, I hope we all take advantage of the chance to live like we were dying.
2. "Don't Blink" - Kenny Chesney
Kenny helps us realize that time is precious . If we blink, we might just miss some of the most important moments in our lives.
"'Cause when your hourglass runs out of sand
You can't flip it over and start again
Take every breath God gives you for what it's worth."
3. "I Hope You Dance" - Lee Ann Womack
'I Hope You Dance' has been a classic song for belting out anytime, anywhere. It teaches us that we should be the best version of ourself for the sake of others.
"I hope you never fear those mountains in the distance,
Never settle for the path of least resistance
Livin' might mean takin' chances but they're worth takin',
Lovin' might be a mistake but it's worth makin',
Don't let some hell-bent heart leave you bitter."
When you get the chance to sit it out or dance, I hope you dance.
4. "Jesus, Take The Wheel" - Carrie Underwood
This song invites us to literally let go, and let God.
"Jesus take the wheel
Take it from my hands
Cause I can't do this on my own
I'm letting go
So give me one more chance
Save me from this road I'm on
Jesus take the wheel."
Underwood may have been on a physical road, losing control of her car, but this is also a metaphor to our lives and heading down the wrong path. It allows us to recognize that if given a second chance, we would choose to change our ways.
5. "My Wish" - Rascal Flatts
Rascal Flatts show us the power in wanting only good for others. Throughout the song, they root us on, encouraging us to be our best and to see the best in others.
"My wish for you
Is that this life becomes all that you want it to
Your dreams stay big, your worries stay small
You never need to carry more than you can hold
And while you’re out there gettin’ where you’re gettin’ to
I hope you know somebody loves you."
6. "From The Ground Up" - Dan & Shay
After the recent deaths of their grandfathers, Dan and Shay set out to capture the love that their grandparents painted. They show us what love is in the simplest way, encouraging us to love simply, to love hard, and to love through.
"And we'll build this love from the ground up
For worse or for better
And I will be all you need
Beside you I'll stand through the good and the bad
We'll give all that we have."
7. "Humble and Kind" - Tim McGraw
Tim McGraw hits a home run with his latest single, "Humble And Kind." Taking us through the journey of his life, he points out the importance of staying humble and kind throughout all situations.
"Hold the door, say please, say thank you
Don't steal, don't cheat, and don't lie
I know you got mountains to climb but
Always stay humble and kind."
If you haven't heard these songs, you've been living under a rock. Country fan or not, there is no denying that these songs' lyrics have changed lives.
