Orange Beach, AL
Lovin’ this Kenny Chesney/Dave Matthews collaboration, lately.
I’m Alive, Kenny Chesney with Dave Matthews
I’m pretty much in the “order” camp and don’t believe in consequences, so I think that certain things are put in our path to show us the way, teach us lessons, wake us up, whatever. This song seems to be one of those needed entities, coming along at just the right moment to comfort, heal, encourage appreciation. It speaks to me for several reasons.
First, the lyrics. While I absolutely adore the melody of this song, I’m a lyrics maven. For me, the power of the words are what really defines a song, and these particularly speak to me:
So damn easy to say that life’s so hard
Everybody’s got their share of battle scars
As for me I’d like to thank my lucky stars that
I’m alive, and wellIt’d be easy to add up all the pain
And all the dreams you sat and watched go up in flames
Dwell on the wreckage as it smolders in the rain
But not me, I’m aliveAnd today you know that’s good enough for me
Breathin’ in and out’s a blessin’ can’t you see
Today’s the first day of the rest of my life
And I’m alive, and well
I’m alive, and wellStars are dancin’ on the water here tonight
It’s good for the soul, when there’s not a soul in sight
But this boat has caught its wind and brought me back to life
Now I’m alive, and well
And today you know that’s good enough for me
Breathin’ in and out’s a blessing can’t you see
Today is the first day of the rest of my life
Now I’m alive, and well
Yeah I’m alive, and well
I’m a bit sympatico with Kenny Chesney due to his love of water, beach and life, in general, and most of his songs absolutely resonate with “everyday” people on everyday issues and concerns. We visit the beach fairly regularly and recently spent the Labor Day weekend there. Every time I go to the beach, it presents an opportunity to unwind, relax, and contemplate. (And I am a World Champion Contemplater.) This is a perfect song for that.
Second, it makes me feel good/better and makes me thankful for this day and for things to come. It reflects on the fact that LIFE IS HARD. And, it is…but as my BIL says, “God is good”. While we all have trials and tribulations, we all have great triumphs and joys and really, isn’t that what makes it worth getting out of bed every day? So, while I’m caught up in the tornado of life with Senior year, college choices, house selling, house building, aging parents, job worries, etc., etc., it illuminates the fact that HEY! I’M ALIVE.
Lastly, this song shows that country isn’t all twang based (yes, Shrew I’m looking at you). This is a song that Dave Matthews’ fans can accept and relate to — hell, even love. Kenny truly is more crossover than most Country artists and songs like this one really show his broad influences. I think when you boil it all down, a good song is a good song. As when Ray Charles did Country, it brings a new credibility to the once twang-laden genre. It’s all about the emotion…the kun-NECK-shun.
So, take Kenny’s song to heart today. While you trudge through whatever hell you suppose you have, remember….YOU’RE ALIVE!
Music Maven 