This I Believe

“She Thinks My Tractor’s Sexy!”

Ever feel down and out? Do you ever find yourself searching for answers to life’s questions and don’t know where to look? Or, are you in search of a wholesome pick-me-up? Allow me to fill you in on a little secret that has helped me throughout my life: believe in country music. I wish that I had a dollar for each time that I have been talking with a friend, teaching a lesson in church or just looking for advice when a line from a country song has come to mind. Lyrics pop into my head that are applicable to the topic I am discussing or the situation I am in. I think that it even annoys my fiancé sometimes, as country songs spill from my lips like milk from a sippie cup in the hands of a toddler.

Contrary to the popular belief that country music only makes reference to the singer’s dog, horse, truck or lost girlfriend, country music turns those things into something exciting and desirable. An old John Deere tractor makes you sexy and your ole truck mysteriously turns you into a “Pick-up Man.” As we all know, “There’s just something women like about a pickup man!” Not only do country songs speak of the lighter side of things, but they also sing of serious matters such as family, marriage, love and patriotism; lyrics that-light minded as they may be-can inspire and help people to be better and seek for more in life.

For example, as a teenager there were many things that I was supposed to learn that went in one ear and out the other. Although it would take a roll of Duct tape to get proper comma placement to stick in my head, simple lessons taught from country music were easy to recall. My Dad always said one phrase to my friends and me as we would head out for the night included the words to a song by Aaron Tippin. This song testifies that “you’ve got to stand for something, or you’ll fall for anything.” I can still picture myself rolling my eyes as I walked out of the house. Little did I know that a simple phrase could have such a huge effect on me and my friends! This realization hit me when a friend of mine was speaking at a church service before he left on an LDS mission. He referred back to the many times he recalled my Dad teaching us about having morals and standing up for what we believe in, through the words of this song. This is an example of a simple lesson taught in a simple way that I will always remember.

I love the simple things the lyrics of country songs reflect. Although some songs take on less serious tones, country music has been a staple in my life. Without fail, it can lift my spirits and bring a smile to my face. Different songs help bring back sweet memories-of time spent on a road trip traveling across the frozen plains of Wyoming on a clear night where the stars shine like headlights on the interstate. Or certain songs may remind you of your tough old Grandpa. Who never let a complaint slip from his lips, but was never afraid to let the occasional cuss word ring in your ears. There are so many reasons why I believe in country music. But don’t just take my word for it. Why listen to country music? Chris Cagle says it best every time he sings the words: “the chicks dig it!”