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Words matter. It doesn't matter where you hear, see or read them. They affect us in so many different ways. These days with the negative pull of the world around me, I choose to find those words that breathe life into me, not suck it out of me. I find myself pulling further away from mainstream music and finding more music that lifts me up and gives me pause to think.
Anyone that truly knows me, knows that music isn't just what I talk about, it's who I am. I love everything about it but the thing I love the most is the power of a song, it's ability to stop me in my tracks and hear the message and it's ability to change lives. These days, those kind of songs seem to be a bit harder to find but they're out there if you listen beyond what radio is selling. If you search, you'll find them. The words matter. To me, a song isn't just background noise, it's much more than that.
Here are a few of the songs that made me rethink things, find a new perspective and realize my own strengths, weaknesses and my purpose. These had a part in making me who I am in this moment and these newer ones are helping build me into the person I want to be moving forward. Thank you to the artists and writers for putting the words on paper that connect with hearts and will be here making a difference long after they have left the world.
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"Remember How To Pray" - Randy Houser
Writers: Randy Houser / Kendell Marvel
"Forgive me, I know I'm not perfect but Heaven knows I know someone who was
And sometimes when everything is workin', I look up and thank Him just because
sometimes I forget and that's okay ... I still remember how to pray."
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"Good Ol' Dogs and God" - Pryor & Lee
Writers: Doug Johnson / Trent Fisher / Elvie Shane / Adam Wood
"Good ol' dogs and God won't ever let you down. They listen when you're talkin', just happy you're around. I don't know why they love us, but they do no matter what. Two things you can count on, good ol' dogs and God."
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"Sometimes It's the Radio" - Joseph Habedank
Writers: Joseph Habedank / Jimmy Yeary / Tony Wood
"Everybody has a bad day, when they're feeling like no one cares.
Everybody needs reminding that Someone sees and Someone's there.
Everybody gets a little down and they need to be picked back up
Sometimes by a preacher man, sometimes it's a real good friend.
But sometimes it's the radio, sometimes it's a song of hope. It's the right tune at the right time with the right words and the right rhyme with a melody that takes you were you need to be. Sometimes it's the word that you heard at the church that soothes your soul, but sometimes it's the radio."
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"Tomorrow Will Be Kinder" - Kaitlyn Butts
Writers: Laura Rogers / Lydia Rogers
"Tomorrow will be kinder. It's true, I've seen it before. A brighter day is coming my way.
Yes, tomorrow will be kinder."
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"Just Ask" - Lance Carpenter
Writers: Lance Carpenter / Liz Hengber / Kelly Collins
"Cause every sinner has a future, every saint has a past.
So, before you go and label me a loser for pouring all my pain into a glass
Don't judge, just ask."
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"Keep On" - Emily Ann Roberts
Writers: Emily Ann Roberts / Chase McDaniel / Chris McKenna
"Tears are made to cry, rain was made to fall, mornings turn to night
This big ol' world can make you feel small. Backs aren't made to break, but after years of work they do. You're gonna wanna walk away, but you were made to make it through."
Keep on going, your wheels were made for rolling down the road, keep knowing there's better days ahead. Don't stop trying or quit the hill you're climbing, on the other side that view will steal your breath.
If your heart's still beating, you ain't got a reason to give up yet."
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"Girls" - Rachel Platten
Writers: Rachel Platten / Sean Myer / Ferras Alqaisi / Meghan Kabir
"Girls, you were born to run, to reach the stars and chase the sun.
Girls, you are wild and free, the wind is at your back, the world is at your feet.
Sometimes life can feel unfair, broken hearts you can't repair.
Sometimes you might be scared that no one gets you.
It's not easy being brave when tears are falling down your face.
but that's how you'll find your strength, so I'll let you."
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"Shine On" - Jeff Carson
Writers: Jim Daddario / Tony Marty
"Wherever you go, whatever you do, don't ever forget there's someone who believes in you
When you're lost and weary, follow your heart 'cause you have a gift, you're one of a kind
God put you on this Earth so you could shine. You don't have to be afraid of the dark
Shine on, light up the world with your love, with faith and desire, you can build a fire
Shine on and let your dreams keep burning strong. Oh, shine on."
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"Girl's Gotta Know" - Rachel Wammack
Writers: Rachel Wammack / Jim McCormick
"The girl's gotta know - Do you hug your mama? Do you like dogs? Do you love Jesus?
Are you good with a red-wine Friday night laughin' 'til you fall to pieces.
The girl's gotta know - Who you say she is when you talk to your friends
If you feel it when she walks in. You don't have to say it, but it better show
'Causе the girl's gotta know."
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"While You Still Can" - Brothers Osborne
Writers: John Osborne / Travis Meadows
" Make amends with that old friend you swore you'd never talk to again, 'cause you miss him. Call up your mom on the telephone talk a whole lot of nothing til the cows come home and listen. Cross every T, dot most the I's 'cause years grow wings and fly on by and time slips through your fingers just like sand.
'Cause everything you thought would last forever never lasts forever, like you plan. Don't let your now become a never so take life by the hands while you still can.
Get your dad to tell that same old joke and laugh between the jack and Coke and hope one day you'll be half as funny. Count your blessings, thank the stars, 'cause in the end who you are is about the love you give, it sure as hell ain't about the money.
'Cause everything you thought would last forever never lasts forever, like you plan. Don't let your now become a never so take life by the hands while you still can."
