Whether I am driving down an old back road with the sun shining on my face, walking to class, or sitting in my kitchen at home; chances are, there is country music playing in the background. I grew up listening to country music and as I have gotten older, I have realized how impactful the messages in these songs can be. Some of the most important lessons I have learned in my life have come from lyrics to my favorite songs.

Love Like Crazy / Lee Brice

Be a best friend, tell the truth, and overuse "I love you." Go to work, do your best, don't outsmart your common sense. Never let your prayin' knees get lazy and love like crazy.

The lyrics say it all. Love everyone you value like crazy. You won't regret it.

Even if it Breaks Your Heart / Eli Young Band

Some dreams stay with your forever, drag you around but bring you back to where you were. Some dreams keep on getting bigger, gotta keep believing if you wanna know for sure.

There is going to be struggle that comes hand in hand with some dreams. Shoot for the moon, and don't let anyone tell you that your dreams are too high to reach.

I Hope You Dance / Lee Anne Womack

I hope you still feel small when you stand beside the ocean. Whenever one door closes, I hope one more opens. Promise me that you'll give faith a fighting chance. When you get the chance to sit it out or dance, I hope you dance.

I remember singing this with my mom in the car as a little girl. It taught me to see the beauty in life's little wonders, and to embrace the opportunities life throws.

Stealing Cinderella / Chuck Wicks

Dancing with her dad, looking up at him. If he gives me a hard time, I can't blame the fella. I'm the one who's stealing cinderella.

There is nothing more beautiful than when a father forever sees his little girl as just that, his little girl. The love of a father runs deep, no denying that!

Live like You Were Dying / Tim McGraw

And I loved deeper, and I spoke sweeter, and I gave forgiveness I've been denying.

I began to see life more as a privilege and less as a right. None of us are guaranteed tomorrow, so why not live today as if it is our last?

Meanwhile Back At Mama’s / Tim McGraw ft. Faith Hill

Meanwhile back at mama's, the porch light's on come on in if you wanna...Funny the things you thought you'd never miss in a world gone crazy like this.

No matter how far you go, family will always be family and home will always be home. Sometimes, you need it more than you think.

When I Get Where I’m Going / Brad Paisley

There will be only happy tears. I will shed the sins and struggles I have carried all these years. And I'll leave my heart wide open, I will love and have no fear....when I see my Makers face, I'll stand forever in the light of His Amazing Grace.

We will not be on this earth forever. So, live a life that you want to be proud of.

Humble and Kind / Tim McGraw

Don't hold a grudge or a chip and here's why, bitterness keeps you from flying...When the dreams you're dreaming come to you, when the work you put in is realized. Let yourself feel the pride, always stay humble and kind.

If you cannot let go of things, you'll never be able to fly on your own. Learn to win humbly and lose with grace. There is a fine different between proud, and too proud. Don't let yourself cross over.

It's more than just music. It's stories and lessons. It's American roots. I suggest you give these songs a listen, maybe you'll take something away just like I have.