Originally Posted April 6, 2010

Ville Valo said, “Music’s always been really cathartic. It’s the best drug for me to get away from the everyday pressures just for a second via a good song.”

Although medical doctors fix your body, songwriters fix your soul. And your soul is just as important to keep healthy my friends. That has been the theory I’ve lived by my entire life and it has time and time again been proven correct.

This week I was exposed to the amazing Tin Pan South Songwriters Festival here in Nashville. It is my favorite week of the year because I am a fan of the song. The songwriters who gave us these songs have saved me over and over with their words and music. In the course of 5 days, I attended 9 shows and heard 34 singer/songwriters and listened to I cannot even begin to tell you how many great songs in 6 venues around the city.

I am going to do this one a little differently. You’ll get the picture in a second. “I said Dr. (Dr.) Mr. MD (Dr.) Now can you tell me what’s ailing me?”

In the words of Ronald Reagan, “Life is one grand, sweet song. So start the music.”

SYMPTOMS: Needless crying, cussing, elevated blood pressure and overwhelming sadness over a game you had no vested interest in after the true “Team of Destiny” fell just one shot short of glory.

DIAGNOSIS: “Hoosiers”itus

PRESCRIPTION: “One Shining Moment” – “The time is short and the road is long. In the blinking of an eye, that moment’s gone. And when it’s done win or lose, you always did your best ’cause inside you knew. That in one shining moment you’d reach deep inside. One shining moment you knew you were alive.”

SIDE EFFECTS: More crying, but for a different reason. Dislike of the 2010 medication can call for alternate forms of treatment like “One Shining Moment” 2.0 (a.k.a. Luther Vandross) or “One Shining Moment” 3.0 (a.k.a. Teddy Pendergrass)

SYMPTOMS: There is a Devil sitting on one shoulder giving advice and an angel sitting on the other with words of wisdom

DIAGNOSIS: “Jolie/Jennifer”itus

PRESCRIPTION #1: “Jessie James” by Kyle Jacobs. “I wanna line ‘em up and drink ‘em. I wanna love ‘em and leave ‘em. Sometimes I just wanna rob a train. Be the first to draw at high noon son. Feel the kick of my six gun. Maybe I want “Wanted” above my name. Sometimes I wanna be like Jesus. Sometimes I wanna be Jessie James.” Kyle rocks this song. I wanna get up and dance while he’s singing.

OR

PRESCRIPTION #2: “The Whiskey and You” by Chris Stapleton and Julie Roberts. “One’s the Devil and one keeps drivin’ me insane. Sometimes I wonder if they are both the same. But one’s a liar and helps to hide me from my pain. One’s the long, gone version of the truth. That’s the difference between the whiskey and you.” I was in total awe of Chris Stapleton this week. He’s an artist that makes you stop what you’re doing to just LISTEN. WTF?! Julie is a female country voice that I adore. She is true to her voice and her feelings when she interprets a song. I appreciate that more than you know.

SIDE EFFECTS: Depends on which prescription you choose

SYMPTOM: Complete confusion on April 1st after typing in “Google” and landing on “Topeka”

DIAGNOSIS: “Fool”itus

PRESCRIPTION: “Drinkin’ Dark Whiskey” by Chris Stapleton. “Drinkin’ dark whiskey. Tellin’ white lies. One leads to another on a Saturday night. Don’t you cross your heart unless you hope to die. Drinkin’ dark whiskey. Tellin’ white lies.”

OR

“Home” by Marc Broussard. “Take me home, home, home, home.” Just because Topeka has one heck of a marketing team. Kudos.

SIDE EFFECTS: April 1st results in numerous pranks around the world. Did you really believe that Google was changing its name to Topeka? COME ON! Could it have been a joke? “Obvious” by Shanna Crooks. “Isn’t it obvious? Isn’t it obvious?” ;)

SYMPTOM: You are haunted by heartbreak.

DIAGNOSIS: “LoveSucks”itus…this one has a three step treatment process with side effects tied to each prescription.

PRESCRIPTION #1: “Where Do You Run” by Kylie Sackley. “Where do you run when you can’t even crawl? Where do you run when you’re there to lose it all? When everything you ever knew…your world, your heart, your truth is gone. Where do you run?” Kylie sings the Hell out of this song. I believe that at some point she felt every word of this song. You can’t sing it like she sang it if it wasn’t honest.

“Why Can’t I” by Wendell Mobley. “I’m holdin’ on. You’re healing fast. You’re letting me go. I’m wanting you back. You’re gonna love again. It’s just a matter of time. Tell me why…why can’t I.” There is something about hearing Wendell sing the amazing songs he wrote that makes my life better.

“Why’d Ya Have To Be So Good” by Heidi Newfield. “Why’d ya have to be so good? Why’d ya have to love me so much? Why’d ya never let me down like everybody else in this town? Just when everyone was leavin’, you finally had me believin’. When I didn’t think I could. Why’d ya have to be so good?” This will hit the radio shortly and you are gonna love it. This song explains exactly why it’s easier to love a bad boy. The good guys are MUCH more difficult to get over after heartbreak.

“Numb” by Wendell Mobley. “I don’t know what to feel. What’s done is done. Who knows maybe I will when the morning comes. Right now I’m still numb.” It’s currently climbing the charts in Canada, but NOBODY sings this one like Wendell…NOBODY. Am I biased…no. That is a fact.

SIDE EFFECTS: I’m gonna be honest. There can be many side effects…
“I Can’t Outrun You” (Trace Adkins) by Kyle Jacobs. “You’re in my heart. You’re in my mind. Everywhere ahead. Everywhere behind. Every turn I take, you’re right around the bend. It’s like your ghost is haunting me when I’m awake, when I’m asleep. There’s a part of you in every part of me. And I can’t outrun you. I can’t outrun you.” It might be the most perfect combination of everything that makes a hit song. Listen to this song. You won’t have to be convinced to listen a second time. It’s that good.

OR

“It Still Hurts” by Matt Ramsey. “It Still Hurts. Like the first time I heard you say it. Like I’m still standing there in the rain feeling the pain of you letting go. And it gets worse every day I live without you. Every night I dream about you prayin’ to God to end this curse. Oh Baby when the sun comes up, it still hurts.” (AMAZING video done by Marcel) Matt was my first “Rock On Together” Featured artist for a reason. He is that kick ass!

OR

“More Than A Memory” (Garth Brooks/Lee Brice) by Kyle Jacobs. “Is when you’re dialin’ six numbers just to hang up the phone…drivin’ across town just to see if she’s home…wakin’ a friend in the dead of night just to hear him say it’s gonna be all right. When you’re findin’ things to do not to fall asleep ’cause you know she’ll be there in your dreams. That’s when she’s more than a memory.” How many songs debut at #1 on the charts? Oh, that’s right…just this one.

OR

“What Mattered Most” (Ty Herndon) by Gary Burr. “Her eyes are blue. Her hair is long. In ‘64, she was born in Baton Rouge. Her favorite song is ’In My Life.’ I memorized her every move. I knew her books, her car, her clothes, but I paid no attention to what mattered most.” I forgot how much I adored this song and Ty singing it. However, Gary Burr is also quite the singer. It was a joy to the ears to hear him sing this tune last week.

OR

“I Feel Bad” (Rascal Flatts) by Jason Sellers. “That I can stand here strong. Cold as stone. Seems so wrong. I can’t explain it. Maybe it’s just I’ve cried so much, I’m tired and I’m numb. Baby, I hate it. I feel bad that I don’t feel bad.” If you haven’t heard Jason Sellers sing, you are depriving yourself of one of life’s great pleasures.

PRESCRIPTION #2: “Damn Right” by James Otto. “She just left me and that’s just left me undone. See you don’t want to push my buttons tonight. Just don’t bring up her name one more time. If you think I’m in the mood to pick a fight, you’re damn right.” I have never heard such an angry song sound so hot. However, James has that bear hug of a voice that makes everything better.

OR

“Yesterday’s Blues” by Julie Roberts. “You can keep your truck. I don’t give a F#%k.” HAHAHAHAHA. No need to add anything to that one.

SIDE EFFECTS: “Bitter” by Shanna Crooks. “Three, two, one I’m seconds away from starting something. I’m jealous as Hell and if you couldn’t tell I’m thinking evil thoughts and I’m sending them your way. Hope you break. Hope it hurts. I wish you the worst every time I see you with her. I’m bitter. But I’m fine.” I have no idea what this song is talking about?! I have never sounded like that. *me speaking the language of sarcasm*

OR

“The Truth” (Jason Aldean) by Brett James. “Just don’t tell ‘em I’ve gone crazy. That I’m still strung out over you. Tell ‘em anything you want to just don’t tell ‘em all the truth. Yeah, don’t tell ‘em all the truth.” That’s Brett James…Bitch. One of my all-time favorites. He is a joy to the ears and the soul EVERY time I hear him.

PRESCRIPTION #3: “There’s Nothin’ More to Say” by Alyssa Bonagura. “And I’ve surrendered all that’s left of me. You and I will never cease if we cannot agree. I gave you my love and you lost it. You gave me your hold then you threw it away. Oh. Oh. There’s nothing more to say.” Alyssa sat in a round with some of the heaviest hitters in the songwriting world and held her own. This girl is TALENTED. She has a beautiful voice and songwriting ability to boot. Her self confidence in that round was also impressive. Alyssa…RESPECT!

OR

“I’m Holdin’ My Own” by Lee Roy Parnell. “Thank you I’m holdin’ my own. Don’t you worry ’bout me no more. It hurt me when you left me alone, but there’s two sides to every door. And the life you left behind has left two lives I’ve never known. So thank you I’m holdin’ my own.” This man has written hit, after hit, after hit for quite a few years. His songs are always relaxing and relatable.

OR

“Strange” (Reba) by Wendell Mobley. “Strange. Talk about luck, I woke up and the sun was shinin’. Strange. I oughta be in bed with my head in the pillow cryin’ over us, but I aint. Aint love strange?” When I heard that Reba was sining a Wendell/Jason/Neil song, life was good. No one ever accused Reba of being dumb.

SIDE EFFECTS: “I Still Believe in Love” by Kylie Sackley. “So even though it don’t believe in me. Even though it let me down again. Even though now it aint my friend. I still believe in love.” It is so nice to hear a hopeful song when it comes to love. Kylie can rip your heart out with one song and then patch it back up in the very next tune. This woman is a talent.

OR

“I Still Miss You” by Keith Anderson. “I’ve talked to friends. Talked to myself. I’ve talked to God. I’ve prayed like Hell, but I still miss you. I’ve tried sober. I’ve tried drinkin’. I’ve been strong and I’ve been weak and I still miss you. I’ve done everything to move on like I’m supposed to, but I’d give anything for one more minute with you. I still miss you.” There is only one person I can hear sing this song. It just doesn’t sound right by anyone else. Thankfully, Keith was there to sing it on Saturday night.

SYMPTOMS: Pale, Irritable and Cold (seasonal)

DIAGNOSIS: “IHateWinter”itus

PRESCRIPTION: “Sunshine and Summertime” (Faith Hill) by Kylie Sackley. “Hey, that’s the way we do it. New friends and blue skies that never end. Hey. That’s the way we like it. Good times, sunshine and summertime.” It’s that fun song that makes you feel like getting outside and enjoying this weather.

OR

“Summer Nights” (Rascal Flatts) by Brett James. “Summer nights. Everybody are you with me? Let that Igloo cooler mark your piece of paradise. Summer nights. Everybody’s feelin’ sexy. Holler if you’re ready for some summer nights.” Brett James, Rascal Flatts and a fun tune…Yeah, I’m in.

SIDE EFFECTS: Complete and total bliss once the temperature hits any degree above 32 degrees. And crazy dancing in public.

SYMPTOMS: Flustered, happy and giddy within range of a specific person

DIAGNOSIS: “WuvTrueWuv”itus

PRESCRIPTION: “Love Said” by Gary Burr. ”Love is the angel on your shoulder. Love is the voice inside your head sayin’ don’t you dare go that way. Go this way instead. It’s a whisper that will lead you to any miracle you get. Anyone would be a fool not to listen to what love said.” AWESOME! Stopped me dead in my tracks when I heard this one. Probably because it’s exactly the way I think…lead with the heart people.

OR

“Take Me There” (Rascal Flatts) by Neil Thrasher. “I wanna know everything about you. And I wanna go down every road you’ve been. Where your hopes and dreams and wishes live. Where you keep the rest of your life hide. I wanna know the girl behind that pretty stare. Take me there.” If a man wants to actually know all that stuff, he is worth your time. BTW…hearing Neil Thrasher sing this one is also WELL worth your time.

OR

“Just Got Started Loving You” by James Otto and D. Vincent Williams. “What can I say? I’ve never felt this way. Girl, you’re like a dream come true. After all the love we’ve made it sure would be a shame if we let this moment end so soon.” Both of these men sing their asses off. It makes the song that much better to hear it with some soul.

OR

“I Love You For Who You Are” by Marc Broussard. “Don’t be ashamed of your body. Don’t be afraid to show me your heart. You don’t have to change for nobody. I love you for who you are.” Dear, sweet Marc Broussard. There are no words for my love of your music.

SIDE EFFECTS: “Nothin’ Bout Love Makes Sense” by Kylie Sackley and Gary Burr. “Like an ocean liner shouldn’t float on the sea. A pearl in an oyster or a circus of fleas. Someone so perfect can’t be fallin’ for me. Oh nothin’ bout love makes sense.” Amen!

OR

“Love Don’t Run” by Ben Glover. “‘Cause love don’t run. Love don’t hide. It don’t find a way to back down from a fight. Baby, I’m right here and I aint goin’ anywhere. ‘Cause love’s too tough. It won’t give up. No, not on us. Baby, love don’t run.” There has never been a truer chorus sang than this one. If it’s love…it stays.

SYMPTOMS: An intense need to text or call someone of the opposite sex for a specific reason any time after 11pm

DIAGNOSIS: “BootyCall”itus

PRESCRIPTION: “Since You Brought It Up” by James Otto. ”Since you brought it up, why don’t you bring it over? I’d love to see you standin’ at my door. Your auburn hair fallin’ on your shoulders. Come on Baby. What are you waitin’ for? You’ve got the wine. I’ve got all night. We’re only gettin’ older. Since you brought it up why don’t you bring it over?” Well…okay.

OR

“Marvin Gaye” by Trevor Rosen. “Turn all of the lights down Baby. Turn off the radio. Let me serenade your body. Let me touch your soul. Aint nothin’ like the real thing Baby. Just let me lead the way. I can show you somethin’ that no love song can say. Let me be your Marvin Gaye.” I cheated a little because Trevor didn’t sing it this week. However, it’s hot. I love it. It fit for this prescription. Trust me.

OR

“Textin’ Texas” by Heidi Newfield. “I’m textin’ Texas, but Texas aint texin’ me back. He’s out there God knows where and I’m stuck here goin’ half mad. And I’m bout to throw this damn cell phone off a wall. ‘Cause Texas aint textin’ me back, much less takin’ my call.” This song cracked me up! So freakin’ true.

OR

“You’re Only Lonely” by J.D. Souther. Not many people can brag about songwriting hits like J.D. Souther can. He doesn’t brag, but he sure could if he wanted to. He has written classics! Songs that don’t go away with time and that is an accomplishment.

SIDE EFFECTS: “Awkward” by Shanna Crooks. “Who’s gonna say hi to who I wonder. And I think I just heard him ask for another girl’s number. It’s the redness in your face. It’s the physical changes your body is forced to go under. Oh, if I had to sum it up in one word…awkward.” A booty call might end up a little awkward. I’m just sayin’…(well, Shanna’s just sayin’…)

OR

“Friendship On Fire” by Eddie Heinzelman. “It’s friendship on fire. It’s a beautiful thing. It’s burnin’ desire. Showin’ your true self and givin’ and getting more than you need. A flame’s not enough and a friend’s hard to find. But when I found you, I found more than just love. I found friendship on fire.” Every once in a while, they turn out all right though…I’ve heard.

SYMPTOMS: Aversion to mornings and overall crankiness prior to 12pm

DIAGNOSIS: “EffTheMorningBirds”itus

PRESCRIPTION: “Good Morning” (John Legend) by Drew Ramsey. “Good morning. Good morning love. It’s my favorite love song. I waited all night long for morning. Good morning love. Before we start the day dear, I’m whispering in your ear…Good Morning.” I don’t care how much I hate mornings. John Legend singing this to me would make everything better.

OR

“It Don’t Matter To the Sun” (Garth Brooks) by Tommy Simms. Well, it doesn’t.

SIDE EFFECTS: “It Happens” (Sugarland) by Bobby Pinson. “Miss my alarm clock ringing. Woke up telephone screamin’. Boss man singin’ his same old song. Drove in late about an hour. No cup of coffee. No shower. Walk of shame with two different shoes on.” I have NEVER worn two different shoes to work…except for that one time.

SYMPTOMS: Loneliness despite being with someone

DIAGNOSIS: “WTF?!”itus

PRESCRIPTION: “Before You Can Leave Me” by Rachel Thibodeau. “But your demons take control. Make you run from things that heal your soul. So all I can do is set you free and just get out of here before you can leave me.” It’s about falling in love with a musician. That is all.

OR

“Back To Me and You” (Marcus Hummon) by Julie Roberts and Chris Roberts. ”Now we got such a big house that I can’t find you in it. We got two new cars and we go drivin’ in two directions. But we can’t hide from the truth. Gotta get back to me and you.” This one is written by one of my favorite songwriters on the planet. Plus, Chris and Julie sang the heck out of it. I was in tears. It was that good.

SIDE EFFECTS: Side effects vary with treatment.

SYMPTOMS: Loneliness Alone

DIAGNOSIS: “DamnIt”itus

PRESCRIPTION: “Just Existing” by Kylie Sackley. “It’s a cold, relentless feeling. How can a heart be so unforgiving? I can’t take one breath without wondering what it’s like to be living while I’m just existing.” Like I said, she can tear your heart out with her amazing songwriting ability.

OR

“Flowers” (Chris Young) by Billy Yates. ”It’s been one year since I sat behind a bar. I went by the junk yard and they still got our car. I still see you on your knees begging me not to drive, but I took away the keys and made you climb inside. And I’d take your place in this field of stone if I only had the power. Look what it took for me to finally bring you flowers.” Wow!

OR

“A Place To Fall” by Rachel Thibodeau. “I get lonely in a crowd. Feels like I’m stuck under a cloud and I need somewhere safe to hide away from it all. Sometimes I just need a place to fall.” It’s all any woman needs. Guys…take note.

SIDE EFFECTS: Side effects vary with treatment and can lead to other things like “BootyCall”itus.

SYMPTOMS: The intense need to hear singing (including choreographed dancing) in a shopping mall environment

DIAGNOSIS: “The80sRule”itus

PRESCRIPTION: “I Think We’re Alone Now” by Tiffany. She didn’t actually sing it, but I met her and that was cool enough. I’m not even kidding. I wore that song out in the 4th grade.

SIDE EFFECTS: 100% Pure Awesomeness.

SYMPTOMS: An extreme need to move

DIAGNOSIS: “WingsNotRoots”itus

PRESCRIPTION #1 (Road Trip Movement): “Come With Me” by Matt Ramsey. ”Don’t look back. Let it ride. Find a new life somewhere out on this road. Baby, there’s a whole nother side of this world I wanna see. Come with me.” LOVE this one. It. Is. Fun. Fun. Is. Good.

SIDE EFFECTS: Fun. Lots ‘O fun.

PRESCRIPTION #2 (Life Movement): “Some People Change” (Montgomery Gentry) by Jason Sellers. “Here’s to the strong. Thanks to the brave. Don’t give up hope. Some people change. Against all odds. Against the grain. Love finds a way. Some people change.” I remember the first time I heard this one. I also remember the first time I heard Jason Sellers sing it.

OR

“I’m Movin’ On” (Rascal Flatts) by D. Vincent Williams. “I’m movin’ on. At last I can see. Life has been patiently waiting for me. And I know there’s no guarantees, but I’m not alone. There comes a time in everyone’s life when all you can see are the years passin’ by. And I have made up my mind that those days are gone.” The song changed my life…completely. I will always be appreciative to those two songwriters and that band.

SIDE EFFECTS: Growth of the mind, heart and soul. As well as strength in character.

SYMPTOMS: A continuous search for self worth

DIAGNOSIS: “YouMatter”itus

PRESCRIPTION: “What I’m Worth” by Beth Cayhall. “I want a real man who understands the woman that I am. Won’t settle for less than what I’m worth. I need emotion, with real devotion. No second best than what I deserve. That’s what I’m worth.” Don’t ever doubt your worth ladies. Please.

OR

“The Beauty of Who You Are” by Marc Broussard. “There’s a silent conversation filled with hidden revelations in your eyes. Baby, I’m so into you. Every whisper from your soul to my heart. Baby, I know it’s true. You’re a sweet little mystery sent to me from the stars and that’s the beauty of who you are.” Again, Dear, Sweet Marc Broussard. I heart that guy.

SIDE EFFECTS…If prescription is taken incorrectly: “Cheater’s Row” by Jason Sellers. “Tell me you think that I’m pretty. Tell me you think that I’m smart. Tell me anything and I’ll believe it, ’cause I’m listenin’ with my heart. Maybe it’s wrong, but that’s the way it goes when the only love you’re gettin is down Cheater’s Row.” This one gives me goosebumps for Jason’s delivery and for the meaning. It happens all too often.

SYMPTOMS: Faith in something you cannot see

DIAGNOSIS: “IBelieve”itus

PRESCRIPTION: “That Old Church Piano” by Chris Roberts (of One Flew South). “Singing Halleluiah. How Great Thou Art. Your grace is amazing as we walk through the dark. May the circle be unbroken and may we all heed the call. Oh that old church piano was the voice of us all.” What an awesome way to describe how important a piano can be.

OR

“One More Believer” by Bobby Pinson. “I’ve said your name in vain before. I’ve let the Devil drive my Ford. Wrote ‘Jesus Saves’ on the bathroom door just before I passed out. How come you didn’t strike me dead? Sent me an angel instead. She sings in the choir and I’m Hell on the Preacher. God you got you one more believer.” This one is for his wife…Awwww.

OR

“Change the World” (Eric Clapton) by Tommy Simms. “Where we might change the world. Who’s got a dream you can give away? Help put an end to the lies and hate. As a dream unfurls, I think we might change the world.” Tommy Simms is incredible. Hearing him sing this song he wrote at 16-YEARS-OLD is amazing. He has such a great perspective on the world around him and it comes through in songs that generations adore.

SIDE EFFECTS: Far more good then you can ever imagine.

SYMPTOMS: An Overwhelming Need to Love

DIAGNOSIS: “LoveMatters”itus

PRESCRIPTION: “I Love the Way You Love Me” (John Michael Montgomery) by Victoria Shaw. “I love the way you love me. Strong and wild. Slow and easy. Heart and soul. So completely. I love the way you love me.” One of my favorite love songs of all time. Those harmonies KILL me. So great!

OR

“Johnny and June” by Heidi Newfield. “I want a love like Johnny and June. Rings of Fire burnin’ with you. I wanna Walk the Line, Walk the Line until the end of time. I wanna love, love ya that much. Cash it all in. Give it all up. And when you’re gone, I wanna go too. Like Johnny and June.” They did have quite a love story didn’t they? Heidi does a great job with this one too.

OR

“The Reason” (Celine Dion) by Mark Hudson. ”Something went wrong. I made a deal with the Devil for an empty IOU. Been to Hell and back, but an Angel was lookin’ through. It was you. Yeah, you. It’s all because of you. You are the reason. You are the reason I wake up every day…sleep in the night. You are the reason…the reason. In the middle of the night, I’m going down ’cause I adore you. I want to floor you.” Mark is amazing with lyrics and add Celine Dion’s voice to the equation…wow!

OR

“Open Arms” (Journey) by Jonathan Cain. “We sailed off together. We drifted apart and here you are by my side. So now I come to you with open arms. Nothing to hide. Believe what I say. So here I am with open arms. Hoping you’ll see what your love means to me…open arms.” Journey. One of the greatest love songs of all time. That is all.

SIDE EFFECTS: “Needed” by Wendell Mobley. “Lay your troubles on me. That’s what I live for. Makes me feel so complete. It’s the reason I was born. Baby, what makes love love and gives my life meaning…is to be needed. Needed.” Wendell/Jason/Neil 3-part harmony. Incredible lyrics. Relatable subject matter. Wendell/Jason/Neil 3-part harmony (Did I already mention that?). That is all.

SYMPTOM: Including “y’all” in many conversations…and you aren’t from the South.

DIAGNOSIS: “YouAreASouthernerNow”itus

PRESCRIPTION: “Whistlin’ Dixie” (Randy Houser) by Kim Tribble. “I’m a son of a son of the South. Daddy redneck, Mamma half hippie. Taught how to talk strait, not back or my little white butt get a whippin’. I like catfish cookin’ on a creek bank…kind you can’t find in the city. Y’all, I aint just whistlin’ Dixie.” Dear, sweet Randy Houser. He can do no wrong.

SIDE EFFECTS: The Southern accent appears in many words that used to be accent-free. Hey! It happens.

It was an incredible week and just what the Dr. ordered for me. I know y’all have heard me rave about singers/songwriters for the past two years, but this week was special.

Songs matter. Songs teach me. Songs make me grow. Songs touch my heart and soul. Songs expose me. Songs grab me. Songs save me.

To each and every songwriter I heard this week…thank you. You have a very special gift and it matters. Don’t ever forget that.

Every song in this review (minus 2) I heard live this week. I didn’t get to include MANY of those tunes. That is how impressive Tin Pan South is. My face hurt on Sunday from smiling so much throughout the week…I couldn’t help it!

This week allowed me to remember my childhood with awesome 80’s rock, refresh my soul with true R&B/Soul music, reenergize my Spirit with fun pop music and renew my heart with some great country.

The fact that I got to end the week on Saturday night with six singer/songwriters (2 of which were guests at the show) who have made a PROFOUND impact on my life with their songs, was icing on the cake. Wendell, Neil, Jason, D. Vincent, Jay and Keith…you guys rock my face off…twice. How do I say thank you for something like that?

So I end this review with wisdom from Elvis, “I learned very early in life that: ‘Without a song, the day would never end; Without a song, a man ain’t got a friend; Without a song, the road would never bend – without a song.’ So I keep singing a song.”

Until Next Time…

No Reins!

K

P.S. I almost forgot that Bobby Pinson gave maybe the best Prescription of the week with “Don’t Ask Me How I Know.” Do not doubt this advice: “Sell your truck while it’s still runnin’. Save the Jesus on the dash. Say a prayer when you feel like cussin’. Save your money, pay with cash. Forget your pride, buy the roses. If you’re sorry, tell her so. Don’t drink the water in Mexico. Don’t ask me how I know.”