Thanksgiving is right around the corner and Christmas is on the horizon. When we get away from the hustle and bustle of cooking massive meals and shopping for the best gifts, we can get to what the season is all about—family and friends. Whether you’re spending time with your family or missing them this holiday season, these country songs are sure to hit you directly where your emotions live.
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Country music is full of songs that are perfect to dedicate to various family members. As we leap headfirst into the holiday season, these songs from my playlist are hitting a little harder than usual and making me extra thankful for the family I have left and the lessons I learned from the ones who have passed on.
[RELATED: 5 Gratitude-Filled Country Songs for Your Thanksgiving Playlist]
“Miner Imperfections” by Charles Wesley Godwin
Charles Wesley Godwin came out swinging with his most recent album, Family Ties. For my money, “Miner Imperfections” is the hardest-hitting song in the collection. It’s the story of a blue-collar man who works hard for his family and hopes that his kids will have a better and easier life than he lived. At the same time, he’s proud of his hard work.
I know I’m not the only one who watched his dad work long hours a demanding job to put food on the table. This one makes me think of my dad, who at 62 years old is still working harder than most people I’ve ever met.
“Grind” by Cole Chaney
“Grind” from Cole Chaney’s OurVinyl Sessions release is in much the same vein. It’s an autobiographical track about a family going through hard times with a dad who works his fingers to the bone to give his family the best life he can.
Growing up, my dad worked several dangerous jobs to make sure we had everything we needed. Whether he was hauling goods across the country, working on drilling rigs, or sweating in a factory, there was always an unspoken fear that he wouldn’t walk back in the door. When he did, though, we could all breathe a sigh of relief.
Songs like “Miner Imperfections” and “Grind” make me thankful that I had a hard-working dad who passed down his work ethic to me. Moreover, I’m thankful that he’s still here to shoot me straight and share his hard-won wisdom. “No matter what job you’re doing, you go out there and make a good hand,” might be the best advice I’ve ever gotten.
“Angels” by Randy Travis
Life demands balance. So, for every tough-as-nails, hard-working dad, everyone needs a mom who will offer a soft place to land for as long as she can. Randy Travis nailed the archetype of mothers with “Angels” from Passing Through released in 2004. Are you telling me you seen an angel? / Never felt the presence of one standing by? / No robe of white. / No halo in sight. / Well, you missed the most obvious thing. / Man, are you blind? / Just look in your mother’s eyes.
My mom worked just as hard as my dad, just in a different way. When I was young, she handled the household like a champ. Later in life, she entered the medical field and has been sharing her humor, compassion, and talent with patients for around three decades. If angels are on earth, I was raised by one.
“Mama Tried” by Merle Haggard
Everyone has heard this Outlaw Country anthem about how hard Merle’s mom tried to convince him to stay on the straight and narrow. However, have you ever taken the time to think about how deep the song actually is? It’s not just about a young man who turns to a life of crime despite his mom’s best efforts. It’s about the undying love of a mother, no matter how hard-headed her child can be.
Now, I’m not doing life without parole but I got pretty wild in my younger days. Through it all, though, my mom was always there gently encouraging me to get my life together. Now that I have, she’s one of my best friends and continues to offer compassion and encouragement. No matter how far removed I am from my wild and wooly ways, “Mama Tried” always hits hard.
Songs like “Angels” and “Mama Tried” make me thankful that I grew up with a mom who found the balance between strength and softness, compassion and discipline. She gave me my sense of humor, my love of good country music, and the confidence to step outside of my comfort zone when needed.
“In Color” by Jamey Johnson
Jamey Johnson embodied the grandpa/grandson relationship with “In Color.” The timeless song sees a boy sitting with his grandpa, looking through pictures, and hearing stories from days gone by. While all of my grandparents have gone on to Glory, I still reflect on the lessons I learned from them and the stories they told me. This song always makes me thankful to have spent the time I did with my grandfathers.
“Grandma’s Hands” by Bill Withers
Moms are angels on earth and grandmas are the ones that trained them for the position. From the kitchen to the garden, and beyond, my grandmothers were full of wisdom and lessons. Both were tough as nails and as country as the day is long. There are few things I wouldn’t do to be able to sit down at their tables again for a cup of strong coffee, a good meal, and a long talk. “Grandma’s Hands” is the perfect song for those of us who are missing our grandmothers—and their pies—this holiday season.
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