"I Won't Let Go" by: Rascal Flatts

“I Won’t Let Go”, by Rascal Flatts has recently become one of my favorite songs.  It really has meaningful lyrics throughout the song, and gives people something to hold on too.  Rascal Flatts and his band has not been one of my favorite bands to listen to, until now.  In the past all of their songs didn’t sound like they meant much, and were just singing songs people wrote for them, but this one is different.   Anyone could enjoy this song, and make a connection

            Throughout your life there will be hard times that are hard to get through.  Life may knock you down, and you may go down a wrong path, but this song gives you some meaningful advice if you feel lost or defeated.   Rascal states: “I will stand by you I will help you through when you've done all you can do, if you can't cope I will dry your eyes I will fight your fight I will hold you tight And I won't let go”.  Rascal talks about someone always being there for you; and picking you up when you’re down.  He assures everyone that you will never be alone; your loved ones are always there.  I think this is important because people always need someone around to make them feel better and lift them up.  Whether it is you family, friends, teacher, or even your community; there will always be someone there for you. 

Most importantly God is always there for you.  You will never be alone because God is there no matter what.  When Flats states, “You think you're lost but you're not lost on your own,
you're not alone”.  You will never be alone with God in your life.  That is what I relate this last piece of lyrics too.

"If Heaven Wasn't So Far Away" by: Justin Moore

One of my new favorite songs is “If Heaven wasn’t so far away” by Justin Moore.  This is an amazing song, and hits close to home to many people because everyone loses loved ones throughout their lifetime.  It is always hard to watch someone you love go, and this song really talks about that.

            Moore talks about how he would pack his family up and take them to his kid’s grandpa. He would introduce them to his friends, and talk all day long with them.  Moore also talks about how he would be back to visit them in a couple days.  The way Moore talks about Heaven makes it easier to let go of loved ones, because you know you would still be able to see them.  “If Heaven wasn’t so far away” (Moore).   The title in itself makes it easier to let go of a loved one.  One of the hardest things in my lifetime has been watching family members, and friends pass away.  Nothing hits you harder than losing someone forever, and knowing there is nothing you can do about it.  Death would be a whole lot easier on everyone if you only losed someone for a day or two, but missing them your whole lifetime is where it gets hard.  Waiting till I get to Heaven to see family, and friends makes it hard, but it will all be worth it when I get to reunite with them.  Moore really touches a lot of people with this song because it really does talk about the difficulties of losing a loved one.

 

               

"American Honey" by Lady Antebellum

     

           Lady Antebellum has become one of my favorite bands recently.  Lady Antebellum is a fairly new band that came into country music, and started with a big bang.  They play in numerous concerts including the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo.  One of my favorite songs that they wrote is “American Honey”.   It was a hard choice though because it seems like I love all their songs.  According to the Country Music charts it looks like everyone else does too; considering they have landed numerous number one songs.

            “American Honey” talks about a girl who grew up in a small town, raised by a country family, and enjoys her life and the way it is.  The first part of the song goes like this:” She grew up on a side of the road where the church bells ring and strong love grows, she grew up good she grew up slow, like American honey” (Lady Antebellum).  When I hear this part of the song I think of a good childhood, raised in the country, by a Christian family.  Hearing the first part of this song it reminds me so much of my years throughout school, and growing up.  I have always been raised in a country environment, in a church, and with love from my family.  I think many girls from small towns can relate to this song very easily.

            Lady Antebellum has many songs hit the top of the charts, including this one.  I think one of the reasons a lot of their songs do so well, is because teenagers, young adults, and even adults can relate to them.  They appeal to all ages, and hit home in many different areas.  Just like, “American Honey” hits close to my heart.

Country Music Awards

This year’s ACM’s or Country Music Awards was exceptional entertaining.  I love to watch the famous artist perform their best songs.  This year’s master of ceremonies is Reba McIntyre, and Blake Shelton.   When you put those two on stage at one time it is a funny and interesting show.   Numerous awards are given out a few being: female vocalist, entertainer of year, male vocalist, best vocal group, and song of the year.

            My favorite part of the ACM’s is when the artist performs live.  My favorite tonight was Carrie Underwood.  But I mean you can’t really go wrong with her.   This year’s performance was very original.  She sang: “Undo it” with STEVEN TYLER from Aerosmith.  It was so good.  Then they say “Walk this way”, which is a rock song, and by singing this it just added so much to their performance.

            On the other hand, I did not like Taylor Swift’s performance this year. This was so surprising, because she always rocks on stage especially at the ACM’s.  Whether she is being dropped down from the ceiling, or getting soaking wet by a waterfall on stage she always has awesome performances.  Tonight she didn’t really do anything spontaneous, it was just pretty boring, and did not pick a very good song choice.

            All together this year’s show was over all a good one, and very entertaining.  I enjoyed watching the artist performances, the awards, and listening to Reba and Blake.   It was fun to sit and watch with my family.  I was very impressed by this year’s ACM’s.

"Who I Am" By: Jessica Andrews

Blaring music, loud singing, and tons of memories, could explain many memories with my mom and I.  When I first heard “Who I Am” my mom and I were riding in the car.  After hearing the first couple of lyrics we looked at each other and at once and said, “This is our song”.  It talks about a girl who lives an ordinary life, with friends that have her back, and a family that loves her and supports her unconditionally.  The girl in the song knows she has faults, but always has support from her love ones no matter what.

At the beginning of the song Jessica Andrews talks about a girl who is content with who she is, and knows she will accomplish great things, but “If I don't make it to the big leagues, if I never win a Grammy, I’m gonna be just fine… Cause I know exactly who I am”(Andrews).  This part of the song means so much to me, because I love playing sports and going for the goal in all I do.  But I also know at the end of the day, I have the best support group anyone could ask for.  Even if I do not win at everything, I will always know who I am, and what I’m here for.

The Second part of the song is talking about her family and friends.  My family has always supported every decision, and dreams I have had.  They are my biggest support group, and I know they will always be there for me.  When I hear the part of the song where it says, “The spitting image of my father and when the day is done my momma’s still my biggest fan, sometimes I’m clueless and I’m clumsy but I’ve got friends that love me and they know just where I stand, it’s all a part of me, and that’s who I am” (Andrews).  My mom and dad have helped me through everything, and will always be there for me.  It also talks about when a girl messes up that her friends are there to pick her back up.  This runs true in my life as well; my friends have always been there for me.  No matter how much I mess up, or fail, my family and friends are always there for me to help me through ANYTHING.

I am Second- Colt McCoy and Sam Bradford

The YouTube video “I am Second” really is an inspirational video to watch.  Whether you are a young child, teenager, or even an adult it teaches and hits home to all.  When I was first introduced to the video I was at FCA (Fellowship of Christian Athletes).  At FCA there are all different kinds of people; all interested in different things.  At the end of the video everyone in the room loved it.  That’s how I know no matter how old, or what interest you have, everyone that watched loved the You Tube video “I am Second”

                There are numerous “I am Second” videos, but the one played at our FCA meeting was about Colt McCoy and Sam Bradford.   Being interested in sports I really loved watching the video about two very popular college football quarterbacks.  The video shows the two quarterbacks sitting in chairs under a spotlight.  When the video begins the two stars talk about their accomplishments in life, and how their relationship with God has helped them along their football career.   The two stars are so humble, and elaborate about how they would be nowhere without God by their side.  They give full credit of their success to the Lord. 

                Being a Christian, and an athlete I loved to watch the success stories and their journeys with Christ.  It teaches young children, teenagers, and adults to pray about everything, and give all the glory to God.  It shows us that with God nothing is impossible.  I recently saw a 10 year old wearing a bracelet that had “I am Second” engraved into it.  This really shows the impact of the video, and how it affects people’s lives. 

The Bachelor

       Twenty-five women, one man, all searching to find true love can certainly make for an interesting reality television show.  On Monday nights the bachelor is aired on ABC and you can bet that my family will be watching it.  Like many other shows, some people find it interesting while others find it offensive.  Although  I love watching the bachelor and think it is funny and interesting, I can see where some can find it inappropriate.

       Watching the Bachelor has become a must in our house-hold.  My family always gathers around the television on Monday night at 8:00.  We find the show to be funny, and spontaneous; because you never know what the girls are going to do next to try and get the bachelor's attention.  My mom uses it as a discussion piece for my brother and I.  Throughout the show I  hear, "Lexi, see how bad that girl is acting and the kind of negative attention she is getting, she doesn't value herself or those around her."   My brother hears, "J.D, you would never want to be in a relationship with that kind of girl."  My mom and dad love the show, but also try to sneak some dating advice in at the same time. 

       While my family enjoys the Bachelor,  I can also see where some parents could take the show as inappropriate to watch with kids.  During the show, it could give the impression that one guy with a lot of girls is acceptable in a relationship.  It also contains a huge amounts of drama throughout the show.   It is very understandable that parents would not want their children to be filled with conflicting thoughts on dating and relationships.   

       I personally love the show, and will continue to watch the Bachelor and all the seasons to come.  Even though, I find this show interesting, I can still see where some could disagree.  With it being on the list for "Most Watched Reality Shows",  I thought it would be important to blog about, and consider the different views about this popular show.

The Call by: Matt Kennon

        "The Call," by Matt Kennon is a very meaningful song to me.  The song is about people on their last rope, and about to give up on life; when their loved ones call and give them hope.  Throughout the song it gives different scenarios of people about to give up, and then re-thinking their situation, all because of one call.
        The first part of the song is about a young adult about to take his life. He has his finger on the trigger; when his best friend calls.  His friend invites him to the lake to hang out, and let him know he has been missed.  Something as small as a phone call can save your loved ones life. 
        Next, the song talks about a young boy and girl who do not think before acting one late night, and end up with a situation teenagers might have a hard time handling. How are teenagers going to care for a young child when their both headed off to school?  It goes on to tell how the young girl is in the doctor's office about to have a abortion because they can't support a child; when they have so many goals and different plans.  As she is sitting in the office, she gets a phone call from her boyfriend that changes everything.  He tells her how their going to make it work and start a life of their own with a baby.
        As a Christian, I believe everything happens for a reason.  These calls did not happen by chance.  In this song the man about to end his life, and the young girl about to make a life changing decision; were able to re-think their decisions. Each of us has a responsibility to our friends, loved ones, and sometimes even strangers, to make that call and follow our heart.  If someone enters your mind and you can't get them out of it, maybe just maybe, that is God's way of nudging us to make that call.