Linda Barry, Southern Perspective
Published 7:22 a.m. CT Nov. 23, 2019
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Sometimes we all want to run off to a deserted island and live. As darkness falls that first night, we can break out our playlist of country music (of course we brought batteries!). It’s the very best genre for licking emotional wounds. Music is individual though, so what sounds of the South would you take with you? If you’ll indulge me for a bit, I’ll let you in on mine, and we’ll see how close we match.
You may know I love it when a song does double duty and tells a story. While there are some dandies out there, my favorite country story song is “Fancy,” because I love to see the underdog win. Bobbie Gentry and Reba McEntire both draw us a picture of roaches crawling across high heel shoes and babies being adopted out so they don’t starve. In the end, Fancy overcomes the odds by being “nice to the gentlemen.” Judge if you want to, but really, it takes all the fun out of it.
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Later, when those late-night memories consume me, I’ll pull up some Glen Campbell. He’s not as classically dated as, say, Hank Williams (being the god of country music that he is), but my own childhood is as classic as I’m willing to go in this playlist. It’s a close call between “Wichita Lineman” and “Galveston,” but it’s got to be “Galveston” in the end.
Then, there’s that awkward period between classic and modern country that I call mid-country. Artists like Garth Brooks, Alan Jackson and George Strait built a bridge for the years that were and the years to come. Without a doubt, “Amarillo By Morning” by Strait is going with me. And while I’m at it, I’ll throw “Rodeo” by Brooks into the mix. They’re both about the allure of the bronco life, and there’s simply something about a man in a cowboy hat.
Lastly, I’ve got some faves from the country music of today, too. To pick one however, which combines the feelings of old school with modern flair, I’m going with “Whiskey Lullaby.” Alison Krauss and Brad Paisley put their talents together for this sad, sad song. This heartbreaker about a double suicide won the 2005 Song of the Year award as presented by the Country Music Association. There’s nothing like love, heartbreak and desperation to do things right.
So, run away with me, and we can roll back the years together. Also, don’t forget to bring your playlist. I’m sure you’ve got some good ones, too.
Linda Barry is a Southern gal and a columnist for the News Journal.
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