Many people believe that country music is all the same. They think that it’s just a bunch of rednecks singing about their trucks, drinking problems, and dirt roads. While it is true that ‘today’s country’ may have many of those themes in common, I am so thankful that I have been raised listening to and learning to appreciate the messages behind the music.
To me, country music is so much more than big trucks and dirt roads. Country music moves me in the best way. It has reinforced all of the lessons I’ve learned and continues to inspire me to be a better person everyday.
One of the most beautiful things about country music is that for every emotion you have, there’s a song to accompany it. Whether life brings you joy or heartache, you can always count on country music to help you celebrate or get you through.
This is not to say I dislike any of the other genres of music. They all have their purpose. Feeling down? Alternative. Turning up? Hip-hop/Rap. I’m simply saying that when it comes to music, if I need inspiration, advice, or a good cry, I’ll forever turn to country music.
Here are some of the most inspirational songs in country music:
Moments - Emerson Drive
“You know I haven’t always been this way. I’ve had my moments; days in the sun. Moments; I was second to none, when I knew I did what I thought I couldn’t do…. Looking at me now, you might not know it, but I’ve had my moments”
The message in this song is so powerful because it is one that everyone can relate to. There will always be people that judge you, and there will always be people that you judge. It’s inevitable. “Moments” encourages you to take a step back and think about all of the good things that you’re leaving out when you judge a person solely based on their current appearance or situation. We need to remember that everyone’s lives are made up of moments, good and bad, and if we always judge someone based upon the bad ones, we will never have the chance to embrace all of the good moments.
Watching You - Rodney Atkins
“I’ve been watching you Dad, ain’t that cool? I’m your Buckaroo, I wanna be like you and eat all my food, and grow as tall as you are. We like fixing things and holding Mama's hand. Yeah we’re just alike, hey ain’t we Dad? I wanna do everything you do, so I’ve been watching you.”
This was the first country song that I fell in love with. I was so impressed with the ability of Rodney Atkins to combine humor with a heartfelt message in a catchy song that’s fun to sing along to. “Watching You” is a great reminder to all parents and role models of younger children to always be the person that they wish their children will be, because whether you like it or not, they will always be watching you.
Laughed Until We Cried - Jason Aldean
“Oh man we were living, didn’t waste one minute. We talked and drank and danced and said goodbye. We laughed until we cried” “Oh man we were living, sitting there reminiscing. We sang and talked and traveled back in time. We laughed until we cried”
This song is amazing because it captures one of the best experiences a human can have. In my opinion, if you’ve never laughed until you cried, you haven’t lived. Laughing is such a powerful emotion and when done with others it is also a powerful form of human connection. The source of laughter is certainly different for everyone, but when you find a reason to laugh or a person that shares the same source of happiness, I hope that more often than not, you laugh until you cry.
Don’t Blink - Kenny Chesney
“I turned on the evening news. Saw an old man being interviewed. Turing 102 today. They asked him 'what's the secret to life?' He looked up from his old pipe. Laughed and said all I can say is don’t blink. Just like that you’re six years old and you take a nap. Then you wake up and you’re 25 and your high school sweetheart becomes your wife… Trust me friend, 100 years goes faster than your think… Best start putting first things first. ‘cause when your hour glass runs out of sand, you can’t flip it over and start again. take every breath God gives you for what it’s worth.”
This song conveys one of the most powerful life lessons that there is. The idea that you have one life and you should never take any part of it for granted is the basis of an infinite number of inspirational quotes and sayings. We often find ourselves rushing through life, praying for things to go faster, and wishing we were older. This song is a reminder that life goes faster than you think; don't blink.
Additional country songs for inspiration:
- Teenage Daughters - Martina McBride
- Little Moments - Brad Paisley
- The House that Built Me - Miranda Lambert
- Live Like You Were Dying - Tim McGraw
- Letter to Me - Brad Paisley
- Life Ain’t Always Beautiful - Gary Allan
- Bless the Broken Road - Rascal Flatts
- Who I Am - Jessica Andrews
- Don't Miss Your Life - Phil Vassar
- Courtesy of the Red, White,and Blue - Toby Keith
- The World - Brad Paisley
- I'm Gonna Love You Through It - Martina McBride
- There Goes My Life - Kenny Chesney
- If You're Going Through Hell - Rodney Atkins
- The Breath You Take - Tim McGraw
- Humble and Kind - Tim McGraw
