Country music is one of the most influential and important musical genres.
It inspires, tells stories, uplifts listeners, and creates a strong sense of family and belonging.
As corny as it sounds, country music is literally in my blood. My parents met while line dancing country in New Jersey, and the rest is history. We’ve gone to countless concerts together as a family to support our favorite artists, my first being a Rascal Flatts concert at just two years old.
Family is one of the most important topics discussed in country music. Lonestar’s 2003 hit “My Front Porch Looking In” is one of our favorites.
“Nothing takes my breath away / Like my porch looking inside / There’s a carrot that can barely walk / With a cup of milk / A little blue-eyed blonde with bad shoes / Because she like to dress up / And the prettiest girl holding ’em both / Yeah the view I love the most / Does my porch look inside.
When the COVID-19 lockdown first happened in March 2020, everything in the world seemed to be falling apart. Thomas Rhett happened to release “Be A Light” at the perfect time. This song features artists Reba McEntire, Hillary Scott, Chris Tomlin and Keith Urban.
It was one of my favorite songs during quarantine, it literally brought light into my life.
“In a world full of hate, be a light / When you hurt someone, do it right / Oh, don’t hide in the dark, you were born to shine / In a world full of hate, be a light.”
Country music artists aren’t afraid to discuss life’s painful issues. They use their life experiences and infuse every raw emotion into their music. Carly Pearce did just that in her heartbreaking ballad “Show Me Around.” This song is a tribute to its late producer, Busbee, who passed away in September 2019. The song paints a beautiful and imaginative image of someone meeting a loved one in heaven.
“I heard you got a brand new place / I feel like I’m at least a million miles away / Hope I can meet you there someday / And we’ll pick up like nothing wasn’t.”
As someone who has lost many loved ones, this song holds a special place in my heart.
Religion is also a common theme in the music of many artists. Carrie Underwood’s “Something in the Water” is one of the best and most moving religious country songs, even to me as a non-religious person.
“Live every day, give it all I’ve got / I’ve trusted someone greater than me / Since the day I believed.”
Showing kindness, appreciation, and love to people from all walks of life is another important theme in recent country music. “Humble and Kind” by Tim McGraw and “Most People Are Good” by Luke Bryan.
“When those dreams you dream come to you / When the work you do is done / Let you feel the pride but / Always stay humble and kind”
“I believe you love who you love / You should never be ashamed of anything / I believe this world ain’t half as bad as it looks / I believe most people are good .”
