I grew up an hour from Music City. My hometown puts on a mock Grand Ole Opry every year. My class song was very, very close to being some mainstream country song about missing all your friends and wanting to go back to the old days. You turn on the radio and chances are, every other channel will be a country music station. If there ever was a concert that all the girls in my high school were just raving to go to, chances are, it was to see Luke Combs or Eric Church. Not exactly my cup of tea. And it never has been.

To be honest, making music is difficult. Music has always been one of the biggest parts of my life. I have experienced artists I love struggle with making music and it really takes a lot of dedication. Most artists put their hearts and souls into making even just one track that they are satisfied with. And I know that it is no different in the country music industry. These artists work very hard and can make music that is very personal. So, this article isn't to say that country music artists are bad at making music and that they are the bottom of the food chain as far as musicians go (that would be SoundCloud rappers, but that's for another time).

It's just not for me. I'm not someone who likes simplistic music. To me, the songs all sound the same and the themes aren't different. This doesn't go for all country music songs, but where is the feeling? Like the actual feelings? Not just saying you love your girlfriend and your dog, but why? What do they make you feel? What could you compare them to?

Alright, you love your country and would risk your life for it, but for what reason other than your ignorant patriotism? Speaking of, there is blatant racism in country music. Just look at songs like “Accidental Racist" performed by Brad Paisley. Look at artists like Lil Nas X (who has, since Old Town Road, moved more toward modern pop and rap music) and Priscilla Renea, who have been outcasted in country music because of their race and/or gender. I could go on, but take some time on your own to look up the racism, sexism, praise of stupidity, and conformity to gender stereotypes.

My music taste isn't perfect. I listen to classic and old rock and modern pop and Kpop and lo-fi beats and classical. In many of those genres, there are plenty of examples of what I stated above. But again, I like how it sounds so much better. Everything to me just seems so much more complex and feels like it was created with so much intention. I don't want to hear another song on the radio about how a man loves his wife with who makes his food and about his favorite kind of beer. I don't want to hear women being placed in the same position as objects or pretty things to be gawked at or how good she looks in her Levi jeans. But I guess those who listen to country music choose to tune that out.

There is a lot of simplicity in country music. The lyrics are simple. The instrumentals are seemingly recycled. The voices (as someone looking from the outside in) sound mostly the same. I think I could tell you if it were Carrie Underwood singing, but that's probably all. As far as old country goes, it's a lot easier for me to love it. If you know me, you know I LOVE Elvis Presley. By far one of my favorite singers in history. He has a lot of country music and I listen to a lot of it. But that's where the extent of my country music listening ends, save maybe a song or two that are special to my family.

Speaking of my family, sorry for disappointing you guys. I know all of you love your country music. I just don't get it. It isn't even an act. As soon as they turn the radio on and change it from 107.5 to 95.5, I tune everything out. I put my AirPods in. It isn't to be defiant or to show off that I think I have better music taste, I just cannot bear the sound of it. I'll let you have your Shania Twain if I can have my Queen.

My life has been a lot of “Oh, so you know this song?" No, who is it by? “Keith Urban. It's such a great song." Sorry, I don't like country music. “Why? Would you not? Like country music? You know you live in Kentucky, right?"

That will probably never end, but I am 100% alright with that. I don't think I'm an outcast or that I'm anything special because I don't like country music. I just would like to stick to what in my eyes has a superior sound. I'm happy with it and you're allowed to be happy with your music.