I've Never Cried So Much at a Concert: The Power of Words, Songs and Life.

This past Saturday night, my husband Garret and I attended Alan Jackson’s Last Call: One More for the Road concert in Kansas City. 

Alan Jackson’s music has been woven into the fabric of my adult life. For almost three decades I’ve started most mornings with his song Drive on my CD alarm clock. (My other go-to wake-up song was Man! I Feel Like A Woman! by Shania Twain.) Drive tells a beautiful story about a boy learning to drive a boat and a truck, and then later in life, letting his own children drive. I’ve always loved the song, especially the line "I can't replace the way it made me feel." I didn't know the deeper meaning behind it until that night, when Alan shared that after his father passed away, instead of writing a sad song, he wrote Drive to honor his dad.

He also sang Where Were You (When the World Stopped Turning), which moved me just as much as it did when I first heard it after the 9/11 tragedy in 2001. At that time, I remember that Alan said when writing the song, he picked up a pen and the words "just flowed through him." A few years ago, I had the privilege of visiting the Country Music Hall of Fame, where I saw his original handwritten notes for that song. See picture attached. 

Along with the excitement of the night, there was a heartfelt element knowing that Alan lives with Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT), a chronic neuropathy condition. His songs have been the soundtrack to our lives, and now, with his farewell tour, it felt like he was sending a love letter to all of his fans. Despite his illness, Alan gave everything he had—he signed posters, tossed t-shirts into the crowd, and sang all the hits we came to hear. I've never cried so much at a concert. It was a special night.

At notes to self®, our tagline is words make all the difference®. I’ve always been drawn to songs with meaningful lyrics—songs that tell stories about people and life. I think songwriting has the power to heal the artist, and the songs can offer healing to the fans as well.

Alan Jackson’s music will always hold a special place in our hearts. His farewell tour may mark the end of an era, but his songs and words will continue to impact the world for years to come. 

- Laura


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