DON'T CALL IT COUNTRY By Nav.

 My wife and I stayed in on New Year's eve, so we tuned in the celebrations from around the country. Landed on one outta Nashville that, by and large, we enjoyed...but sometimes...wow.

Grew up listening to country music since my dad was a fan and a guitarist in a C&W band, but it was a time of 'outlaw' country: Cash, Haggard, Willie and Waylon. I came to appreciate their grit and storytelling abilities.

Well...Little Big Town began to perform and, after picking my jaw up off the floor, I ran to grab a pad of paper...and this literally just kinda spilled out of me as fast as I could right it down:

DON'T CALL IT COUNTRY

Gucci swag and some hooker boots,

Feather boa and a lotta loot,

Fresh ink and a cowboy hat,

Imagine that.

Autotune cranked up to nine,

It seems that you can't sing the line,

But, by golly, you're a superstar,

Of course you are.

You can call it reggae,

Or you can call it ska.

I just call it fake 'cause that is what you are.

Maybe plastic pop would fit the best.

Now stuff that in the pocket of your sequined vest.

Call it anything you want,

Just don't call it country.

You've never left the city lights.

I'm sorry, darlin', but that ain't right.

Singin' 'bout what you just don't know,

And does it show.

I'll stick with Haggard and some Johnny Cash,

And hope this phase is gone in a flash.

But here's a tip to you from me:

Authenticity.

You can call it reggae,

Or you can call it ska.

I just call it fake 'cause that is what you are.

Maybe plastic pop would fit the best.

Now stuff that in the pocket of your sequined vest.

Call it anything you want,

Just don't call it country.

Don't call it country,

Just don't.

by NAV vet 12/31/22