Sometimes Country Music Gets it Just Right

I am a big fan of good music–especially good lyrics and good music writing. I like a lot of different kinds of music, from 80’s and 90’s stuff I grew up on, to classical (especially from the Baroque period), good instrumental bluegrass, to jazz (boy how I wish I could play jazz piano). Being from the deep south, I also listen to a lot of country. Some country (like other genres) is not worth listening to, but sometimes a good country song gets it right. A good country song takes me back to a different time in life, and for those of us who grew up in the outdoors, good lyrics can take us back and remind of us of some of those most enjoyable of events–hunting, fishing, etc. Nothing beats a good day on the water. Catching fish is largely irrelevant. Being on the lake is the point.

One of my favorites is Brad Paisley. As a guitar player, he leaves me in awe; the man can flat play. Many of his songs are some of my favorites. My new favorite is a song that simply extols being a guy. In a day when guys are soft and getting softer, this song finds me laughing out loud and saying “Amen!” Where I am from, all of this is very familiar. That’s why I like it so much. Below are some of the lyrics–my favorite lines are underlined.

“I’m Still a Guy” by Brad Paisley

When you see a deer you see Bambi
And I see antlers up on the wall
When you see a lake you think picnic
And I see a large mouth up under that log
You’re probably thinking that you’re going to change me
In some ways well maybe you might
Scrub me down, dress me up but remember no matter what
I’m still a guy

You think that riding a wild bull sounds crazy
And I’d like to give it a whirl
Well love makes a man do some things he ain’t proud of
And in a weak moment I might walk your sissy dog, hold your purse at the mall
But remember, I’m still a guy

I’ll pour out my heart
Hold your hand in the car
Write a love song that makes you cry
Then turn right around knock some jerk to the ground
‘Cause he copped a feel as you walked by

I can hear you now talking to your friends
Saying, “Yeah girls he’s come a long way”
From dragging his knuckles and carrying a club
And building a fire in a cave

I’ll pour out my heart
Hold your hand in the car
Write a love song that makes you cry
Then turn right around knock some jerk to the ground
‘Cause he copped a feel as you walked by

These days there’s dudes getting facials
Manicured, waxed and botoxed
With deep spray-on tans and creamy lotiony hands
You can’t grip a tacklebox

With all of these men lining up to get neutered
It’s hip now to be feminized
I don’t highlight my hair
I’ve still got a pair
Yeah honey, I’m still a guy

Oh my eyebrows ain’t plucked
There’s a gun in my truck
Oh thank God, I’m still a guy

Preach it Brad!