You're not supposed to say the word 'cancer' in a song... And telling folks that Jesus is the answer can rub 'em wrong...
But this is country music.
I've come to expect a perfect blend of humor and touching tenderness from the Brad Paisley. Every album highlights and shines on his wit and sensitivity - standing on their own in a particularly themed song or mingled and combined to form a gently teasing ballad. (Think my personal favorite: Little Moments)
This album was no exception - rather, the rule. The epitome of who Brad's been and is as an artist and man.
Over the top? I don't think so.
This is Country Music is a series of tales and tunes that are so much more than tales and tunes. It's a piece of art that has both highly entertained and deeply touched me.
Lyrical excerpts have been drawn from a handful of the songs in a trying effort to demonstrate the wit and tenderness claimed above, and underscore some of what I love and enjoy most about this collection.
This is Country Music - "If there's anyone that still has pride of the memory of those that died defending the old red, white and blue... This is country music. We do."
A Man Don't Have To Die - "It's every other weekend and Wednesdays with your kid and knowing that he'll hate you when he finds out what you did... 'Cause you'd all still be together if you loved his Mama well... Ain't no end to the stories we could tell."
Camouflage - "You can blend in in the country, you can stand out in the fashion world, be invisible to a white-tail, irresistable to a redneck girl... Oh, you're my favorite color..."
Camouflage - "Well the stars and bars offend some folks and I guess I see why. Nowadays there's still a way to show your southern pride. The only thing as patriotic as the old red, white and blue - is green and gray and black and brown and tan all over too..."
Remind Me - "Ah, if you still love me, don't just assume I know... Remind me."
Love Her Like She's Leavin' - "It's easy to take forever for granted with tin cans tied to your car..."
Toothbrush - "Love starts with a toothbrush..."
New Favorite Memory - "Yeah, I'm gonna fall farther... Baby, I know. Wait for it, wait for it... Here... I... go..."
I Do Now - "I wouldn't break your heart... and I wouldn't break those vows... If I could lift that veil and look you in the eye... and say, 'I do' now..."
One Of Those Lives - "Everybody under my roof is healthy - knock... on... wood... Oh but I sure do sweat the small stuff and don't thank God as much as I should.
Tonight I'm thinking about Tommy and Janey and how they've spent the last four years... all those extended stays in Memphis, all the sleepless nights, the prayer, the tears..."
