The Relief Music Gives Us

I've had a couple of interesting conversations within the last 4 or 5 days.  The underlying theme to both has been this: there are others that feel the same way, that are in the same boat.  So many times I feel like I am the only one feeling the way I do or going through the things that I am going through.  However, if I allow myself to open up and be vulnerable with others, I find that they are going through similar situations.  Brokenness can be such a weight and a burden, but when you realize that you are not the only one, the burden becomes so much lighter.

I feel that is why music is such a big part of our lives today.  It gives one a place to relate, a place to be vulnerable.  The songwriter does this by expressing their situation or story.  Listeners do this by hearing the song and saying, "This is me," and identifying with the song.  I know I have a lot of situations that I would like to get out there so others can say, "That's me.  That is what I'm going through."  I want to encourage others by letting them know they aren't the only ones.  That has been a big encouragement for me.

Thanks to those of you who I have talked to this last week about tough stuff.  You've helped me more than you can imagine.  I hope I've helped you some too.

New Music Tuesday Review

I'm going to give my opinion on a couple things that came out this past Tuesday.  Before I do that, I must admit that I have had a lot on my mind the last 24 hours or so, and I hope to funnel that through song once I've had time to focus my thoughts.

Taylor Swift - her sophomore project, Fearless, was released this week.  My opinion?  Her lyrics have no more content than her debut album, though they may be smoother and more creative in their phrasing.  However, I was very impressed with the way her writing from a music standpoint has matured.  Rolling Stone said something to the effect of the only thing country about this album is Taylor's slight drawl in places, and I must agree.  There are a couple songs containing light banjo, mandolin, steel guitar, etc., but nothing overtly county.  It has more of a pop feel.  Basically, no sophomore slump here.  You go, girl.

Keith Urban - his Love, Pain, and the Whole Crazy World Tour DVD hit Wal-Mart shelves this last Tuesday as well.  It was almost exactly what I witnessed in Nashville nearly 12 months ago.  It was in an arena, and the set list was pretty standard for the tour.  This is the second KU DVD I have seen, and here are my thoughts on the two: Keith and his band just have fun.  That is what I love most about his shows - it's just a good time.  It was interesting to see how this show differed from the one that took place in a venue with only 3,000-4,000 seats.  He still involved the crowd, and I thought he did so very well; but there was less of it.  It lacked the intimate feel that the hall venue gave off, but in no way was the new DVD a disappointment.  I thoroughly enjoyed every minute.  He is a fantastic performer.  It was definitely worth my $10.

I conclude that this was a good $21-and-change purchase for the DVD and CD this week.  I'm content with what my eyes and ears have experienced.

Figure Out

Here are the lyrics from the song I cranked out the other night.

You'd think by now I'd have it all figured out

I've been strumming on this guitar for a while now

But I got miles in front of me

'Fore I get to where I wanna be

Cause it feels like

I've been searching in the dark

And all I got's my little spark

To guide me

I don't know where I'm going

But I know that one day, baby

I'll have it all figured out

I believe that there's a God

But there are days I have my doubts

I'll never know everything

But up there, I'll understand

Cause it feels like

I've been searching in the dark

And all I got's my little spark

To guide me

I don't know where I'm going

But I know that one day, baby

I'll have it all figured out

I don't know what's going through your mind

When I stare into your pretty eyes

But I got time to figure out

What it is you're thinking about

Cause it feels like

I've been searching in the dark

And all I got's my little spark

To guide me

I don't know where I'm going

But I know that one day, baby

I'll have it all figured out

A Different Breed

On the way home from class today, I was thinking about how I'm different from so many of my friends.  Many of them don't like country music.  I'm ok with that.  But I thought about how they comment on, but don't really make fun of me for, my cowboy boots, belt buckles, over-alls, work riding on a tractor, etc.  It's just something else I'm going to keep in mind as I now sit down to write.

Confused...In a Way

I have this idea for a song. The idea is something along the lines of "I haven't gotten this all figured out yet." It first came to me Sunday at the end of Scotty's sermon. I have a couple ideas for where the verses could go: learning to play guitar, Christianity, relationships. I've been thinking, pondering, musing, whatever about this for a few days. Hopefully I'll sit down and start getting something on paper in the next few days.