I’ve always had an eclectic taste in music with the exception of thrash metal, hip-hop and, well, country. It’s not that I despise those genres, I can find something that appeals to me in each of them, it’s just there are so many other types of music that gets me going and only so many hours in the day. I just might get flamed for this, but I never really cared for the headache inducing sounds of Metallica, or the rhyming styles of Run D.M.C. As far as country goes, I do have a soft place in my heart for Johnny Cash thanks to my father, and I guess I can listen to Willie Nelson when the spirit moves me, but it’s just not my thing. Hey, everyone has different tastes—that’s what makes the world go round after all. But I did hear a pretty catchy song today by Kristian Bush that just may have me changing my ways. In order to explain how I found myself actually not only enjoying this particular song and artist, but even prepared to give the singer my seal of approval, first I have to explain my convoluted theory of music.
Lyrics Or Music—Which Type Are You?
I’m too old to really change, but I’ve always believed people fall into one of two categories. Those that hear a song and immediately understand the music, tempo and beat. These individuals, who I’ve found to be musically inclined, can separate the various instruments that to me are buried. “Man, listen to that bass line!” Sorry, can’t hear it…Then, there are people who fall solidly into the lyrics camp, like me.
I’ve always found myself dissecting song lyrics, which to me is the real key to a great song. Again, I’m not saying my opinion is accurate, it’s just right for me. Give me intriguing lyrics over catchy musical notes and I’m happy. Of course, the best songs will have the proper mixture of both, and that, my friends, is when the hair on your arm stands up. Have you ever had that feeling? You hear a song for the first time and it’s just so remarkable you get a chill. It doesn’t happen that frequently, but when it moves you like that, you know it’s something special!
Goodwill Industries Finds A Supporter In Kristian Bush
Recently, my good friend Deb Carbaugh, Horizon Goodwill’s Director of Marketing, suggested I check out a song that’s getting extremely popular across the country. “Deb, come on, I don’t like country…” I pleaded. Deb laughed, replying, “I’m not really into country music either, but give it a listen; I think you’ll be surprised.” I promised I would, then kind of sort of forgot about it…..sorry Deb.
Wouldn’t you know it, earlier today I was visiting Goodwill.org and stumbled across a press release about a nationally known musician, Kristian Bush, who recently performed a concert in Houston encouraging fans to bring items to donate to the local Goodwill. In fact, he and his management were willing to offer free admission to the show for those who donated. I thought that was a pretty neat idea, which lead me to do a little more research about this generous musician.
I found a link to his video for a song called “Trailer Hitch” and thought “Oh, no, is this the song Deb was talking about? Run for the hills Johnny Boy, that title has country written all over it!” Then, for just a brief moment the image of my dearly departed father appear in my mind. “There’s nothing like a good country song, son.” I then also recalled how he taught me at a young age to never assume, cause we all know what happens then, right? So, in honor of my dad, I figured why not check it out—and I had one of those special experiences that doesn’t happen enough in life.
When the video was over I had to play the song again, twice, then found myself googling Kristian and looking up the lyrics to this incredible song. The chorus was what really what got me a bit emotional:
“I don’t know why, know why
Everybody wanna die rich
Champagne, New plane
Work your way down that list.
We try, everybody tries
Tries to fit into that ditch
You can’t take it with you when you go
Never seen a hearse with a trailer hitch”
Now, keep in mind, this is a really snappy, high-tempo, foot stomping anthem. I don’t want to give you the wrong impression; there is nothing morose in this song at all, but it was almost like my pop was talking to me. He always said never to worry about material stuff—it’s not important, you can’t take it with you. Maybe I’m not explaining it well…please, take a moment and check it out for yourself.
https://youtu.be/b7hU3j4hOhs
See what I mean? I really think this is why I relate to Horizon Goodwill so well. This is an organization truly committed to helping people improve their lives through job training. We don’t need all of this “stuff” we accumulate to be happy, the true reward is in helping others. If all of us would simply follow Krisitian’s lead — “you can’t take it with you when you go” — we would realize how much our donation of gently used clothing, appliances, and other household items can really improve the lives of our friends and neighbors.
I think I found another artist to add to iTunes playlist. Mr. Bush has found a spot somewhere between The Who, David Bowie and The Spice Girls. What? A 45 year old guy can’t jam to “Wannabe” every once in awhile?