I got the Garth Brooks Box set for Christmas and I finally sat down to watch the all access DVD yesterday. I never thought I could actually say something like this, but it was a very moving experience. I've always been a fan, but I didn't know why. I was in college as a music major when my general thought was if music wasn't complicated and old school it was just junk. I thought it didn't take much talent to put out 99% of the music in airplay, but I was always drawn to Garth. Maybe it was his wild concert horseplay, or the passion in his songs. Maybe it was the break in his voice, or the fact that something made him cry in every interview. Maybe he showed me music was fun and exciting, no matter what the genre. It was for the people, by the people, not stuck up in some conservatory. As I grew out of my classical training, I enjoyed him all the more. I remember listening to Double Live @ 4AM in the car on the way to seminary each week and thinking, "This may not be pure and holy, but it sure is fun." I'd sing "Ain't going down til the sun comes up" at the top of my lungs and dream of entertaining thousands. Not for the popularity or fame, but for the fun. Yesterday as I watched the concert footage on the dvd, I got goosebumps. As a former performer, I remember the passion involved in bearing your soul to others in the hopes they would "get it." Well, I got it. I'll never chase my whiskey with beer with friends in low places, nor will I ever sit on the beach with two pina coladas, nor will I EVER become a part of the American Honkeytonk Bar Association. I'll never ride a bull or work on the farm of a middle age woman with whom I'll share intamate moments. I'll never encourage one of my kids to stay out all night, partying til the sun comes up. But I'll sing the songs at the top of my lungs and admire a man who mad it all fun. Garth seems to have grown up a little. He has put his priorities on his family for the time being. I admire that even more. Good Career, good retirement, good box set.