Dear country music,

It's not you, it's them.

You know exactly who I'm talking about. Those people who say "I like all kinds of music... except country." The people who make it a point to bash on everything you're about. They just don't understand you. They don't know that it's not about the Chevy truck with a lift kit, the ripped jeans, and beer cans. It's about expression.

Those three chords and harmonies are more than just sounds to you. It's words from the heart. Country music is built. Thought and raw emotion go into each and every song. These artists tell stories about different walks of life. Breaking up, making up, turning up, and breaking down we've all been there. Thank you for letting us feel that in song.

Some will say that everything you say is the same. Every song is about getting drunk and breaking up, they obviously need to educate themselves. Again I say; it's not you, it's them.

And then you have the people that say that they like who you used to be. "I only listen to good country." "Today's country music is garbage, the 90s country is where it's at." I guess they can't accept you for who you are. Music, like people, is ever-evolving. Who I am today is much different than who I was in the 90s, just like you. I mean that was 20 years ago. Things change! I mean you're just trying to adapt to your surroundings. Pop music sells, so country music with pop influences will too.

But enough about them lets talk about us.

Music has and will always have an impression on my life. No matter the genre, I know that I can find a song to match my mood. I have found the most comfort in country music. The lyrics in the old and new stuff has brought me so much comfort and helped me get over so many obstacles.

I love what you were, what you are, and what you will be. Don't let the haters get you down.Just stick to your roots... and show up in boots.