It's confession time...

I’ve started listening to country music. And I’m a little freaked out that I’m actually beginning to like it.

I’ve been a rock and roll fan since I saw Elvis at Madison Square Garden with my mom when I was 10 years old. (My Dad didn’t want to go…and after seeing my Mom react to Elvis like a teenage girl, I don’t blame him.) I’ve played in rock bands since junior high school and have been to some amazing concerts…from the Rolling Stones at Giants stadium to front row seats with my son Tyler at a U2 concert last year. I’ve even risked my life by taking my daughter to see Hanson THREE times! All this to say…I like rock and roll.

A few months ago my son turned to a country music station in the car and I found myself getting sucked in to a song about a Dad and his little girl. I got caught up in the story aspect of the song. Then I started to secretly listen to the country station whenever I was alone in the car. (Great traveling music by the way). Country songs tell stories. I think that’s what I like. The songs about dads and their daughters kill me every time. I’m driving down the street in my minivan (yes…a mini van. Only because my kids would never ride in a “short bus.”) and I’m crying my eyes out listening to lyrics like:

“I came to see her daddy for a sit down man to man
It wasn't any secret I’d be asking for her hand
I guess that's why he left me waiting in the living room by myself
with at least a dozen pictures of her sitting on a shelf

She was playing Cinderella
She was riding her first bike
Bouncing on the bed and looking for a pillow fight
Running through the sprinkler with a big popsicle grin
Dancing with her dad, looking up at him
In her eyes I’m Prince Charming
But to him I’m just some fella
riding in and stealing Cinderella”
-Chuck Wicks

I pity the guy who comes to ask me for the hand of any of my daughters. I’ve had years to prepare my “put the fear of God into you” speech.

Anyway…back to the point. I’m afraid that I’m becoming what Donny and Marie Osmond used to sing about… “I’m a little bit country; I’m a little bit rock and roll.” (Did I just quote Donny and Marie??!!!) Somebody save me!!! Call the Rock and Roll intervention team before it’s too late! AAAAAAHHHHhhhhhhh……)

-Rob