People often ask me if I have a favorite Country song.  Honestly, my list is hard to narrow down, as I've been a Country Music fan since before I was born.

How did this happen?  I blame it on Mama.  From what she tells me, she played Tammy Wynette, George Jones, Conway Twitty and Loretta Lynn albums with a speaker up to her belly.  There is no doubt in my mind that this is what got me addicted to Country Music.  It's actually a wonder I didn't get all wrapped up in the umbilical cord, as I started line dancing when I heard the beat of these great songs.

My favorite new song in 2011 is Brad Paisley's "This Is Country Music!"  The song says it all.  Anyone who's passionate about Country Music can understand why this song is at the top of my list.  The song tells the story of US and explains why so many of us love this music.  After all, Country Music is US!

Brad clearly points out why steel guitar, fiddle, and truthful lyrics mean so much to so many people.  These are the songs that help us heel a broken heart, inspire us to climb mountains, celebrate milestones, comfort us after a loss, and spread the message of love to the people that make a difference in our lives.  Sure all music can evoke those emotions, but rarely are they delivered so raw, real, and right to the point without any sugar coating, as they are when performed by a down-to-earth Country Music singer.

Check out these lyrics to "This Is Country Music" and see if you can relate to one or more of the topics that Brad has mentioned.

You're not supposed to say the word 'cancer' in a song
And tellin' folks that Jesus is the answer can rub 'em wrong
It ain't hip to sing about tractors, trucks and little towns or mama
Yeah that might be true
But this is country music, and we do

Do you like to drink a cold one on the weekend
And get a little loud
Do you want to say 'I'm sorry' or 'I love you'
But you don't know how

Do you wish somebody had the nerve
To tell that stupid boss of yours to shove it
Next time he yells at you
Well this is country music, and we do

So turn it on
Turn it up and sing along
This is real
This is your life in a song
Yeah this is country music

Are you haunted by the echo of your mother
On the phone
Cryin' as she tells you that you're brother
Is not coming home
Well if there's anyone that still has pride in the memory
Of those that died defending
The old red, white, and blue
This is country music, and we do

So turn it on
Turn it up and sing along
This is real
This is your life in a song

Just like a road that takes you home
Yeah, this is right where you belong
This is country music
This is country music

He stopped lovin' her today
(This is country music)
God Bless the USA
(This is country music)
Amarillo by the mornin'
(This is country music)
Stand by your man
(This is country music)
Country boy can survive
(This is country music)

*This article is dedicated to my Mother Carol, Happy Birthday!

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