Occasionally a song comes along that instantly reminds you of someone. It's almost as if the song was made specifically about that person. I know Tim McGraw has been a leading country singer for years now but he's always seemed kind of like a poser to me. I don't have a specific thing to point but I kind of feel like they rammed him and Faith Hill down our throats when they came into the spotlight. They each have decent songs but they never really felt genuine to me, likely a result of my old school roots.
In 2016 Tim released his Damn Country Music album (no I didn't make that up, it's really called that) and one of the singles on it was Humble and Kind. The two don't seem to fit thematically but I remember driving to work along I-635 and scanning the radio channels when I heard that opening line and its soft melody drew me in. Its simple lyrics and positive message quickly made my mind wander to my then 10 year old daughter Phaedra.
She's now going on 15 and vastly more mature than most people her age. Even in her youth Phaedra is the kind of person I want to be when I grow up. She is hard working, organized, kind, helpful, outgoing, artistic, beautiful, humble, kind, sweet, brilliant, clean, considerate, kind (yes, I said that 3 times) and a 1,000% positive. All of my kids are amazing and no I wont apologize for being partial but that song ringing through my ears was her anthem come to life. Time has made it even more true and when I look at her I am hopeful for the future. If people like her are allowed to make their impact in the world we all have a chance.
Girls Just Want To Have Fun by Cyndi Lauper
Great fun song of course but for me it's that opening scene in The Goonies. Great pop culture mesh.
God Bless The U.S.A. by Lee Greenwood
There was a time I wore cowboy boots, a belt buckle with my name on it and a cowboy hat. Yeah I was a hick and this song was basically my fathers anthem. I've since learned my political views and those of Mr. Greenwood don't jive but I still respect the hell out of this song.
Guitars, Cadillacs by Dwight Yoakam
There used to be a bar with this name my parents frequented. Also did you know Dwight Yoakam is a great actor? Check out Sling Blade, he plays a total jerk but is a solid actor.
Here Comes The Sun by The Beatles
More Beatles, this song makes me feel better about my life decisions.
Higher by Creed
I solicited the Guinness Book of World Records to see if I could attempt to listen to the same song over and over more times than anyone else. This was my song of choice but my proposal was rejected. Still, there was a time I listen to this one song on repeat for hours on end.
Holding Out for a Hero by Bonnie Tyler
I actually learned about this song from Shrek 2 and not Footloose. (I have kids, leave me alone.) Great song and amazing vocal range from Bonnie Tyler.
Hooked On An 8 Second Ride by Chris Ledoux
During the deepest part of my cowboy phase I was practicing to be a steer wrestler with my eyes set on being a bull rider. My dad support it but my mom shut that idea down. I was a hardcore Chris Ledoux fan during that time.
Humble And Kind by Tim McGraw
This song is about my daughter Phaedra. I love it, I love her and we love to listen to it together. She is an amazing soul.
I Gotta Feeling by Black Eyed Peas
"It's rock and roll for people who don't like rock and roll, it's rap for people who don't like rap, it's pop for people who don't like pop." - Robert California (The Office, Season 8) I actually like this song but love to sneak quotes about The Office in when I can. The above video was made when lip dubs were all the rage and I watched this one a dozen times at least. It was made by a bunch of Canadian college students in one take.