Country Music's Authenticity

Country Music

Country music is what I grew up on. My family was lower middle class, living in a small rural town of 3000 people. We could relate to the down to earth songs of the Oak Ridge Boys and Alabama. As I got older, the new singers and bands coming up began to stray from the music that I loved, not only lyrically but also attitude and off stage. Country music has lost track of its roots and its authenticity has been sacrificed for money.

Performers like Big and Rich, Tim McGraw, Lone Star, and Rascall Flatts have made a mockery out of Country music, creating a pop genre within the name of country. These individuals as well as others have come in through a back door and changed the way country music is performed. These performers are far from cowboys or the common working man which are the essence of Country music. They might put on hats and boots, but these urbanites are a far cry from the rough neck working boys that truly speak for the common man.

Lyrically, songs have shifted from mama trying to raise a boy right but he still turns 21 in prison and having a tear in your beer to sappy love songs of Amazed and rapping with Nelly. Hank Williams might have been crying in his beer, but atleast he had a beer. Where I come from, a man doesn't show much emotion, let alone sing about our eyes meeting and a feeling that I almost can't take. You absolutely aren't going to rap with some boy even if he is from St. Louis either. You want your music to be about huntin', cheatin', drinkin', and dyin'; after all, what else is there to do in life. I know this might sound back woods to some people, but that's the way we do it in the Midwest.

As far as accompaniment, all you need is a flat top, a bass, a fiddle occasionally, and a light, quiet beat. The squealing guitars, probably 4, cymbal crashes, and 4 part harmonies are not needed. Please,let us hear the words to the song and let them lead the way. On top off that, 3 chords work fine for a song. The key of G is easy to sing with, plus if you want to pick along, G,C,and D are some of the easiest chords to play. Even if you get out of G, the key and progression is not that hard. Augmented fifths, minor chords, and flat keys just make a mess of a guy's fingers after working with his hands all day. Keeping it simple ensures that the average guitar player can pick up and roll with about anything.

The performance has gotten out of hand as well; all of the lights, smoke, and fire keep you guessing on what is going on. It would be nice for them to just stand up at the front of the stage and sing. Heck, sit on a stool with a beer next to you for all I care, but keep things simple. In addition, the more fireworks they put in these shows, the higher the ticket prices get. Times aren't that great to be able to shell out 60 to 100 dollars for one ticket to a concert. Keep it cheap so we the fans can come see the people we admire. I'd rather see them in a bar anyway, since chances are I'm going to want to drink; and none of that light beer junk, give me a cold Hamms or a Pabst Blue Ribbon, in a can of course. Like I said before, this should be for the common man, not the high dollar executive.

The outfit should consist of 2 things, a pair of wranglers and a hat. Running around with leather pants and