As a songwriter, I like to delve into my songs by drawing on themes from my life so far. As I think about it, I write from what I know.
Several of the wise words and phrases from my past, which have been and have yet to be incorporated into my songs, are not just from what I know, but also from people I have known. I will list a few words of wisdom that were thrust upon me and that I find value in to this day and use in my everyday life and through song.
“You Don’t Believe Cow Horns Can Hook”:
I guess this phrase is the Southern term for “f” around, find out. I heard it from someone who would mumble it if anyone was getting out of line. Apparently, after over thirty years of first hearing it, I adopted this saying, especially if I feel someone’s stepping out of line with me.
“If You Are Going to Dig a Ditch for Somebody, You Better Dig It Wide, Because Part of It Is Yours”:
Another southern, but more southern gothic way of telling someone, “f” around, find out –for real, for real. Seriously. I’ve seen a lot of people over the years literally attempt to sabotage others, or actually succeed, for no reason other than to be mean. However, they didn’t think about the ditch they were digging, and sure enough, I and a lot of others saw those ditch-digging people fall in — if you catch my drift.
“If You Want Something In Life, You’ve Got To Be Specific, or Else You Will End Up Like Me.”:
These words of wisdom came from someone who holds a special place in my heart. Now, I love this person; however, they were right – I sure as heck didn’t want to end up like them! The world could have been their oyster, and yet, this person made some odd and terrible choices in their life. When I was given these words of wisdom, I listened. To this day, I am a firm believer in being overly specific about what I want and calling it into my life. Call it picky, but you have to be, or you WILL get anything, and a lot of times it will not be what you want unless you are specific! This is in all aspects – food, dating, spouses, parking, etc.
Hopefully – if at all – the few words and phrases I shared can help you or at least get you thinking.
Do you have any wise words or phrases you live by?
What are they, and how have they helped you?
