I love me some country music in the summer using a new beginner violin player. There’s just something about rolling down your windows, getting that car into fifth gear, and blasting Brad Paisley’s “Mud on the Tires” as you watch the sun set on the horizon at 8:45 pm. Since we are in the heart of summer, I’ve already listened to my fair share of country tunes already. It’s funny to me how so many of the songs’ lyrics revolve around money–or rather the unimportance of money.
Seriously, listen to read some of the lyrics:
“And there are fancy cars and diamond rings, but you know that they don’t mean a thing. They all add up to nothin’ compared to you.” –-Baby Girl, Sugarland
“I got no money in my pockets, I got a hole in my jeans. I had a job and I lost it, but it won’t get to me ’cause I’m riding with my baby and it’s a brand new day. We’re on the wheels of an angel flyin’ away.” —Who Wouldn’t Wanna Be Me, Keith Urban
“My hotel in Manhattan holds more people than our town, and what I just paid for dinner, would be a down payment on a house. I’d rather be tipping cows in Tulsa, than hailing cabs here in New York, but I ain’t in Checotah anymore.” —I Aint in Checota Anymore, Carrie Underwood
“It’s funny how it’s the simple things in life that mean the most. Not where you live or what you drive or the price tag on your clothes.There’s no dollar sign on a peace of mind this I’ve come to know. So if you agree have a drink with me, raise your glasses for a toast. To a little bit of chicken fried, cold beer on a Friday night, a pair of jeans that fit just right, and the radio up.” —Chicken Fried, Zac Brown Band
—
I was looking at my almost-empty budget the other day and wondering where exactly I spent all my money this month. I noticed that I was waaaaay over budget on gifts.
I’ve heard it said that you can tell a person’s values by looking at their receipts. Well, the $100 I spent on wedding gifts for college friends were totally worth it. And I wouldn’t go back and trade the $80 I spent on J’s birthday for anything. The same goes for the $25 on a Father’s Day gift. As well as the $20 on DVDs for my mom to watch as she’s going through chemo. And the $30 international shipping fee to send a gift abroad. And the little costs accrued by helping A move out. All of those purchases were worth going overbudget for because they are investments in relationships. And you just can’t put a price tag on that.
“I’ve heard it said that you can tell a person’s values by looking at their receipts.”
I’d never heard of this, but it’s an interesting way to look at things! Sorry to hear about what your mom is going through. :( I hope she is doing all right.
I agree that all those gifts are investments in your relationships, and that’s all you really have at the end of the day, so it’s worth it. You’re a kind, giving person and those in your life are lucky to have you. :)
I rarely listen to country (but grew up with it) these days, but every now and then I love it for the uplifting messages. I’m currently partial to “Back where I come from” when I’m feeling a little nostalgic for home. Also love “Great day to be alive” for older stuff. And many many more!
oooooh good taste! i love brad paisley!
And it makes sense to think that you can tell a person’s values by what they choose to spend most of their money on. For em it would probably be food, and in the future, a bit of travel and you know, “experiences” rather than things.