Heartsong (Version 2)

Once upon a time, when MySpace was still cool…wait…is it still cool, and I’m just missing the boat? Oh well. Anyway. Once upon a time, I wrote a blog based on the song “Heartsong” by Dolly Parton. The song is featured in an attraction at Dollywood. I’ve always found a unique connection with that song that I can’t really describe. One reason I’m quite fond of the song is it’s found on the “Heartsongs: Live from Home” CD…which happens to be the first Dolly album I’ve ever owned. It also happens to be only the second CD I’ve ever owned, as well. (The first CD I’ve ever owned was the Aladdin soundtrack ) Anyway. In that post, long since lost, I explained why the lyrics were so personal to me. I shall attempt to recreate the post now, but updating it to match how I currently feel. And now… Heartsong (Version 2).

Farmer’s daughter if you will

And I often wonder still

In memories where I rambled as a child

Makes me cry and makes me laugh

My reflections on the past

And the family, friends, and faith that shaped my life

Obviously, I’m not a farmer’s daughter. I am, however, a child of two amazing parents that constantly showed us love and affection. I have a lot of good memories. I do have some bad memories, too…but I definitely have more good than bad. “Makes me cry and makes me laugh my reflections on the past.” I relate so much to this. I have a lot of memories that really are so heartwarming that it does bring a tear to my eye.

Family, Friends and Faith. I could probably do a whole post on each one of those words. My family is so important to me. Growing up, it was only me and my sister. We had each other. Now, I have three brothers, and one more sister…and one on the way. We’re like the Brady Bunch, lol. Still, family is my priority. Well, at least, I try to make it that way. Friends. Growing up, I didn’t always have many friends. The people I did surround myself with always lifted me up and supported me. I’m so grateful for those people that I know that are still there for me, but I don’t get to talk to as much as I want to. You guys know who you are. Faith. My faith, like I think it’s supposed to be, is ever-changing. To me, faith isn’t necessarily religion. In my experiences, religion does hold a special place in my heart. For good and bad reasons. I’ve really had to define my own faith system and values. Family, friends, and faith have made me the man I am today. I wouldn’t trade a single positive or negative experience for anything.

Ragged clothes and hand-me-downs

Just enough to go around

But the sweetest things in life are always free

Growing up, we didn’t have much money. We always had something to eat, and we always were content. My mama worked very hard to provide the best life she could for me and my sister. She is a special lady. I know back then I didn’t always show my appreciation for the sacrifices she made in her own life, for her own happiness, like I should’ve. I guess that comes with growing up. I hope she knows now that every thing she ever taught me, I still cling to so tightly. I love you, mama.

And I recall the thrill and joy

Of a Smoky Mountain boy

I remember my first kiss and my first love

I definitely couldn’t let this post pass without mentioning a love life. I think I’ve worn the subject out, honestly. However, I do remember my first real love. I miss him, too. I learned a lot from Anthony. I hope he knows that I appreciate every moment together. It’s probably really been about a year since we’ve spoken. I hope he’s doing well.

And the songs I’d song and write

And the dreams I’d clutch so tight

And the loved ones that gave me that extra shove

Dreams. Dolly Parton taught me so much in her book, Dolly: My Life and Other Unfinished Business, about dreaming. Dream more. Dream big. Never stop dreaming. I love an active…or in my case…an over-active imagination. I love thinking of great schemes and plans. We are the only ones standing in the way of our dreams.

And now this, Smoky Mountain girl has been all around the world

But it makes no difference just how far I roam

I still cling to that part that is so dear to my heart

My faith in God and memories of home

Being in a choir that travelled, working for a summer camp that led me to so many places, and just being adventurous, I’ve truly been to so many amazing places. I’ve seen the wonders of a Gulf Shore sunset, a Texas plain, a foggy New York City night, and a beautiful view from high above Chicago. However, all those places really taught me the appreciate of home. Not necessarily East Tennessee, but my family. Home in the regards to the familiarity of family, friends, and faith. East Tennessee may not always be my home, but it’s okay. I know where my heart lies. My faith in God and my memories of home will sustain me. They have all these years, and that won’t change.

Thanks for sticking with me tonight. I hope you’re having a blessed day!

-Joie