"Country music tells a story about and deals with, the way people live their lives and what they do." Just like Randy Travis says, country music is so much more than just the bad rap it gets of being all about girls, trucks, beer and parties, it's about life. Country music really is the stories our lives put to songs. Whether it is losing someone close to you, a romance story, buying your first vehicle, or summer nights with friends. Country music is so much more than just redneck music. It is the lyrics of our daily human lives and it builds connectedness with our hearts and minds.

When you turn on "Cruise" by Florida Georgia Line you can't tell me that song doesn't make you want to hop on the highway and lower your windows and crank the volume. It makes you want to appreciate every moment you have in life, enjoy the days of spontaneous activities and make the most of the moments with those you love. It gets you into this mood of relaxing to forget the stuff that is stressing you and surrounding you. It is a way to release and bring at least a few moments of calm. But the country genre isn't just for the good and jolly moments, it is so relate-able and popular to so many because of the heartbreak that many have gone through and that so many can understand.

For those people, songs like "Break Up In A Small Town" by Sam Hunt is so relate-able. The story of having someone you love and then suddenly one day it's all over, you can't get away from that feeling so this helps channel it. Each one of these artists are trying to appeal to our emotions specifically and in many instances they are playing on our pain or heartbreak. Sadly due to the fact that broken love is so common for far too many people today. But luckily, country music is far from depressing, sad thoughts; There are so many upbeat and exciting songs that leaving us feeling not only special but even more 'Merican than before.

Whether it be "God Bless The U.S.A." or "Where Were You When the World Stopped Turning" we all feel a little more American when these songs hit the radio waves. It brings us together as a people and nation and allows us to act as one body to overcome and strengthen even in some of the worst times. These artists appeal to every emotion within our being and strike a cord that very few other genres of music can hit. Country music stands on its own as part of all our lives.

It is so much more than just some songs about getting drunk or being care-free with big trucks and girls. Country music is built to touch our emotions to help us see someone else understands what is happening and that no matter what in the end there is light. The music draws us all in, and no one can argue that country music hasn't at least touched them slightly. It is and should always be part of our life, don't let a few stereotypes or opinions keep you from missing what country music truly has to offer. All these artist and songs deserve to be appreciated and heard for what they have to offer. It's all about being able to connect, to be relevant and to be real and because of that we listen. Country music forever will be a part of all our lives. No matter what, whether we see that or if you never realized it's connection to your own life before.

Country music is the story of us, it is a story of triumph and failure, bonds and freedom, breakups and joyful times. Life is music to action and music is the translation of our lives. Country connects.