Kathleen's Blog

I first wanted to see Garth Brooks when he was making his Global arena tours, but I just couldn’t afford the time or the money to go back to Dallas, never mind buy a $100+ concert ticket. But I promised myself, next time.  And then there wasn’t a next time – Garth “retired.”

But tonight at 7 and then again at 10, we’ve got arena tickets to see Garth Brooks.  I keep trying to explain to people what all the fuss is about, but I am not sure it is explainable unless you grew up to/with/by/in Garth’s songs?

Sure, there is Friends in Low Places which has been played at countless weddings, parties and bars.  For me the song takes me back to fun college times, in the Texas Panhandle, with friends who made me laugh until my sides hurt, didn’t care about being on-key and thought louder was better, when it came to this song. Hearing this song makes me miss those times when life was simple and perfect (and my parents paid all my bills…)

There are countless memories, driving around Lubbock with friends, headed to fun with Ain’t Going Down, that night’s anthem, blaring loudly on the radio with the top down on my Mustang.  I can almost smell the Stockyards when I hear this song.  And then of course, who didn’t learn to line dance to Two of a Kind, Workin’ on a Full House.

And we all can relate to The Dance. For me, it was literally the song that played for that final dance as one chapter of my life ended. But coupled with a firm belief in the promise of Unanswered Prayers I started on the next chapter, smarter and stronger.

And Shameless was a cover song for Garth, and while still open to debate as to who sang it better, I only hear Garth’s voice sing of the joy of being hopelessly in love with someone who appreciates my Fire and Ice. 

And I can’t neglect to mention the opening notes of The River which instantly bring tears to my eyes and remind me of some scary changes in my life, but also serve as strong reminder to make the leap and keep the faith.  And remember, every day, to love hard and without reserve because what If Tomorrow Never Comes.

And then for the miles and miles on the tracks and roads I have run throughout the world, Two Pina Coladas,  was always sure to shave seconds off my time. (I am sure also helped to boost the sales of Pina Coladas!)  And American Honky-Tonk Bar Association will get the blood pumping and get you through the last few miles on any long run.

And then four years ago, finding someone who I wanted To Make Feel My Love with a little bit of Wrapped up in You thrown in for good measure.

The words of Garth’s songs are all about everything you’ve gone through your entire life. He reverently cherishes women, glorifies the magnificence of womankind and he sings about female characters with respect and awe.

I can’t wait for the lights to go dark in Pepsi Center tonight.  And on the stage, will appear the black cowboy hat I have waited a very long time to see.