Baseball Isn’t the Only American Past-Time

American Music can be explained nowadays by using a lot of different verbiages and themes. ‘Change’ is one term, it is safe to say, that is consistent with our postmodern era. But one thing that stays as sweet as apple pie and with a devotion and consistency like that of Cal Ripken Jr., is Country Music. (scroll down for the playlist of country music everyone should know)

While there have been many changes even within the industry, its safe to say a few key elements will always remain. No matter what preference or genre you listen too, in regards to the hipster scenes and fads of the day, themes of love, strength, individualism and spirituality will remain constant. Fans far and wide love these types of songs and they just keep on resonating.

Johnny Cash is a mainstay with all music lovers. It doesn’t matter if you get your kicks with those who Foster The People or dig on the beats of M I A. Everyone loves Mr. Cash. A man who isn’t full of angst like that of Nirvana, or deep emotional tones like Elliot Smith, he still is a Patriarch that defines a genre. He originally wore the color black. His song, The Man In Black, encapsulates a man to stand up for something that is right, simply because it’s right. This American theme of a strong man who loves the world–and yet realizes there is something to be said for being ‘in the world but not of the world,’ touches us deep down and even gives me the urge to gird up my loins and get at it.

When we talk about American Individualism and strength we have to bring up ‘A Boy Named Sue.’ Just to mention the fan favorite, we instantly are aware of what it means to be rugged and be a man.

The final song that all listeners are drawn to like a moth to a porch light is ‘The Man Comes Around.’ We all know deep down that we are created for something bigger and Mr. Cash gives us justice back in this dark collared shirt wearing world. At the end of his life, singing the sweet coming of Jesus, this song, to me especially, resonates and reminds me of why we are here…Who God is and what we will face someday. Johnny Cash puts it in rhythm and it makes it seem much more sweet.

Some personal favorites I think that have to be mentioned, that are part of the continuum that is Country Music, is George Strait. I picked particularly I Saw God Today, to represent the standard themes Country Musician always speak about. You might think it’s simple, rustic and for the lower classes, and I wouldn’t disagree. But there is something intrinsically Appalachian about all of us in this melting pot. George Straits’ music is a representation of modern country songs that pulls in the themes of Love, God, and Country.

Let me also suggest to you music lovers one of my personal favorites–even if I might not bring it up to the other guys in the office–Ms. Iris Dement. Dement’s writing style, words and subtleties within her vocals represent a kind of poetry you might not expect from Midwesterners. It’s good old fashioned sappy music with depths of emotion in every verse. Her song, ‘Our Town,’ is in my all time top ten.

Now this isn’t the same category, but I must also shamelessly promote The Band Perry’s recent hit, ‘If I Die Young.’ This is a simple sweet love song that is ironic and tragic, but shamelessly, is a personal favorite.

So there you have it ladies and gentlemen. These are just my opinions and we don’t have to spar using fisticuffs, but think on why Country Music might just be more Amurican than apple pie.