It’s a new year and that means resolutions to strive for. For example, coming up with a blog post on short notice when no one at Scotia wanted this blog date. Talk about seizing opportunities.

During the pandemic, I got into country music. I admit it y’all. I grew an appreciation for the storytelling and the fun of some of the new school songs and artists. The idea for this blog came from a news story I read about country icon Dolly Parton.

Dolly wrote an original song that is locked away in a time capsule at Dollywood, her Tennessee theme park, that won’t be released until her 99^th birthday. The time capsule has a note that says, “As a final tribute, Dolly has placed a song which she has written to be released as her last. Entitled, ‘My Place in History,’ only Dolly knows its melody and content until 2046”.

Now that’s leaving a legacy. Could you imagine if the song sucks though? If Dolly is still alive at 99, that’s going to be awkward. In all seriousness, Dolly is considered one of the best songwriters of all time and this idea is so cool. She is leaving something lasting that will inspire a lot of people.

With that in mind, I thought I would share some lyrics from a few country songs that could inspire your New Year’s Resolution for 2023.

I wouldn’t be sittin’ here next to you
If it weren’t for the almost maybes

– Jordan Davis

Things happen for a reason.

‘Cause I’ve got friends in low places
Where the whiskey drowns and the beer chases my blues away
And I’ll be OK

– Garth Brooks

The pandemic made us lose touch with a lot of friends. 2023 is the time to reconnect.

Never gonna give you up
Never gonna let you down
Never gonna run around and desert you

– Rick Astley

Wait, that’s not a country song. You’ve been Rick Rolled. Make your own fun in 2023. And never, ever, ever give up.

Tumble out of bed
And stumble to the kitchen
Pour myself a cup of ambition
– Dolly Parton

Shout out to my Scotia favourites.

Workin’ 9 to 5
What a way to make a livin’
– Dolly Parton

Shout out to Paul Fensom who retired from Scotiatrust in December!

Red solo cup, I fill you up, let’s have a party.
— Toby Keith

Shout out again to Paul Fensom. I know what you’re up to these days.

And I loved deeper
And I spoke sweeter
And I gave forgiveness I’d been denying (…)

Someday I hope you get the chance
To live like you were dying

– Tim McGraw

That’s such a beautiful lyric, but if you know me, I’m not ending on a serious note.

It could be rainin’ on your perfect vacation
You could be stressed about your work situation
Ain’t gotta listen to me but all I’m sayin’
Ain’t nothin’ that a beer can’t fix
– Thomas Rhett

Let’s stress less about the things we can’t control.

Happy New Year! Wish you all the best in 2023!