Willie Nelson plays “the angel’s advocate” because he shows us all that although it’s far easier to be negative…it’s by far more productive to be a positive person. I don’t care if you love or loathe country music…Willie Nelson is a positive thinker, a positive talker, a positive doer and an all-around positive guy who has a bunch of friends from all over the world. “W” knows that ya’ can’t afford no negative thoughts. “I’m crazy for you,” Willie Nelson!
Even after the loss of a beloved son and the gain of the IRS, Willie “dares to care” and calls the stage “home.” He sings positive songs to m/y/our brain. He has “amazing grace.” Indeed, the “outlaw” decided to “grow up to be a cowboy” in spite of what his mama said. Willie plays his well-worn guitar “Trigger”… has great hair for a 70-year-old troubadour…claims to occasionally burn up with road rage…drives cars and trucks that run smoothly on soybean biofuel. Yup, Willie is a guy who works hard to have a positive life in spite of the crap life deals out to him.
Now on with the show…y’all up for a little light-minded levity? Here’s my “Top 30 Country Gold” song titles that answer that ageless existential question: “WHY DO PEOPLE HAVE TO BE SO-O NEGATIVE?”
Hit Song #1: Being right all the time is sure wrong for our relationship!
Hit Song #2: If I’m a jerk…why do you jerk me around?
Hit Song #3: I was only jokin’ when I called you a fat n’ ugly numbskull!
Hit Song #4: Why do people have to be SO negative?
Hit Song #5: You make me high when you blow smoke up my skirt!
Hit Song #6: IF you only knew what I really thought of you…we’d be divorced before we’re wed
Hit Song #7: You’re a butt because you talk behind backs!
Hit Song #8: How can I cheat on you when you’ve already cheated me out of a happy marriage?
Hit Song #9: Ya’ wanna know why I can’t stop talkin’ IT in your ear at night? It drives you buggy!
Hit Song #10: IF I can’t change… you can change for me!
Hit Song #10: Money don’t matter to me…SO can you loan me a hundred bucks?
Hit Song #12: Don’t feel bad BUT I don’t have NO fun when you come around
Hit Song #13: I hate your wishy-washy brain when you don’t think like me!
Hit Song #14: How dare you accuse me of what I do when you’re not around!
Hit Song #15: You don’t understand…I don’t mess around on you that often!
Hit Song #16: I’m guilty of good intentions and bad actions
Hit Song #17: If IT weren’t for you…I’d be happy
Hit Song #18: Can’t change cuz’ I been that way since I wuz a kid
Hit Song #19: I gotta’ tell you the truth… ‘cause I never do
Hit Song #20: See hear: I’m not a great people person ‘cuz I love cats and dogs
Hit Song #21: Have I ever told you that SEX is a four-letter word that spells talk?
Hit Song #22: IF I’ve got nothin’ to worry ‘bout…why do I worry ‘bout you?
Hit Song #23: Don’t go blamin’ ME, baby…IT’S not my fault
Hit Song #24: Sure, I sell ice to Eskimos but that don’t make me no liar!
Hit Song #25: IT wasn’t me…I was mad drunk
Hit Song #26: I’m a shy guy who can’t look you in the eye
Hit Song #27: I didn’t mean to do it…tho’ I’ve got to admit…I always do!
Hit Song #28: Why do I let myself wear you down?
Hit Song #29:
Hit Song #30:
ARE YOU A RELAXED OPTIMIST OR AN UPTIGHT PESSIMIST?
Now don’t ya’ go breakin’ m/y/our heart with negative thinking! Do you feel golden…and play gold hits? Or do you feel like an “outsider” who doesn’t feel with it. If you took a survey, would the people who best know you think of you as a relaxed optimist or an uptight pessimist? Judgers critique you to make you feel bad BECAUSE, “You’re not anybody unless you’re like ME!” Contrarians judge others instead of changing themselves.
ARE YOU AN OPPOSITIONAL CONTRARIAN WITH A NEGATIVE ATTITUDE?
Perhaps Mr. Nelson is scoffed at by “contrarians”…I hope not. In my communications system, a “CONTRARIAN” is:
“A brain-stompin’…mind-spinnin’…gut-punchin’…lyin’n’cheatin’ NegaTalker with a bad attitude” who drugs up his/her mood by putting you down and dragging your best talents through the mud.
In short, a “psycho-critiquer” is a stuffy negative thinker with a wicked mouth, someone who won’t stop spitting tobacco on your expensive cowboy boots or white designer skirt or shirt.
ARE YOU A MERRYIAN…A MERRY-WO/MAN?
Cultural and folk hero Willie Nelson, in my opinion, isn’t a “contrarian” but a “Merryian.” “Judge NOT” seems to be his way of life. Of course, some high brows curse Willie because he’s a “Merry-man” who imbibes in medicinal herbs. But I don’t think that makes much sense. Willie is a positive person who works hard to achieve a positive attitude and be the real “W.” Willie ain’t no bandito “contrarian” who wails, “IF I drive people nuts…Ha Ha…TOO BAD!” Willie tears down fences that keep prejudices alive and diverse people divided.
THE DARE TO CARE AWARD GOES TO…YOU?
Does Willie Nelson turn swords into plow shares as the Bible tells us to? Moreover, Willie Nelson is one of those precious bright soul stars who “DARE TO CARE.” Willie, I appreciate you and thank for showing us how none of us can afford the outrageous tax imposed on us by negative thoughts and negative thinkers! Personally, I can’t afford the expense of no negative thoughts today, either.
Dr. Dennis O’Grady is the author of “Talk to Me: Communication Moves to Get Along With Anyone.” Why would Dr. O’Grady choose to write about a songwriter? Dr. O’Grady, a licensed clinical psychologist says: “My man…the singer and songwriter Willie Nelson…knows why he can’t afford the expense of a negative thought or deed. And, ah yeah, this man has known losses that are horrors in my skull talk…like the loss of a child. And hey, we communication psychologists, after all, know quite well that ‘It’s easier to be negative BUT far more productive to be positive.’ Plus, you get to sleep at night like a baby with an untroubled soul. I don’t care if you love or loathe country music…Willie Nelson “plays the angels advocate” in my opinion. The man, singer and Farm Aid leader is a genuine, bona fide saint. In honor of Mr. Willie Nelson, I hope someday soon, the new word “Merryian” (in stark contrast to “contrarian”) will be added to Wikipedia.