My Life in a Small Town (Yet Still the Same and Only God Knows Why)

Drivin' My Life Away

I drive a great deal, so I cycle through various activities on my Bluetooth. I seem to go in three–week cycles of listening to music (usually playlists), podcasts, and audio books. I've always been prone to getting stuck in certain artist rotations for weeks at a time. Some of the usual suspects follow, with a special nod to the "favorite" song by that artist. I like to call these songs "the ones I would never change if they came on the radio ...

Billy Joel — "My Life." Just a great combination of music and cool lyrics. This song has been one of my favorites forever, going on 40 years. Mr. Joel has many of my favorite tunes, but this is the top one.

John Cougar Mellencamp — "Small Town." I grew up in a proverbial 'small town,' and have spent much of my educational career in small towns. In fact, in two different districts I have referenced Mr. Mellencamp and this song in superintendent graduation remarks. A classic, no doubt, but this one was hard to pick, as well.

Bob Seger — "Still the Same." I think this song just ages well. The lyrics are catchy and they make you stop, listen, and think. Again, Seger has so many great tunes.

Kid Rock — "Only God Knows Why." Simply for the best line in rock 'n' roll: "You get what you put in and people get what they deserve." To me, that's a mantra and so true. It's about karma in a way. Absolutely love singing those lyrics at a Kid Rock show.