Famous in a Small Town

Every once in a while, a song comes out that triggers emotions inside of us.  It might be a country song, something alternative, or a top 10 hit on the pop charts.  The song touches us because it elicits a memory of something beautiful or something sad, or because it reminds us of how our lives were in the past. 

For me, that special new song is "Famous in a Small Town," an upbeat country song by Miranda Lambert. 

*If it doesn't open, and you want to hear it, click here.

I first saw Miranda perform when she didn't even have a band.  I'd been tubing down the Guadalupe River south of Austin, Texas, and my straight buddies and I ended up at Gruene Hall (pronounced "green"), the oldest dance hall in Texas.  Gruene Hall is a total dive, but it's the absolute best place to watch budding stars like Miranda put on a helluva show.  Throughout the short concert (she didn't have many songs back then), I sat there in my swimming trunks, flip flops, and straw cowboy hat and let her lyrics and sweet voice take me back to memories of my home town.

Listening to "Famous in a Small Town," I wonder what my life would be like if I ever moved back to my old town, population 7,100 for the last 40 years.

Some things wouldn't be good.  For one, I'd definitely remain in the closet . . . at least at first, until I got sick of it. 

Eventually, family and friends would question why I refused to date the local divorcees and early twenty-somethings looking for a lawyer-husband.  It'd only be a matter of time before the rumors would start.

Matt didn't ask me out again after our first date.

Why didn't he like Meredith, or Amy Beth, or Casey, etc.? 

Do you think he's gay?  He must be gay.

Eventually, people would figure it out.  And then what?  My folks would probably be embarrassed.  My grandparents could quite possibly disown, or at least disinherit me.  The locals would love the gossip, and it'd be the talk of the town for a while.

However, people would eventually get used to it.  Then, hopefully, my "famous" stint would fade away and I could fall into the steady groove of small town life. 

Ok, now the good stuff. 

I love it that I can get a $7 haircut in my hometown that's better than a $30-50 haircut here in the city, even if Thelma's Salon is only open from 9am - 2pm, Monday through Thursday.  I love hearing stories about all of my high school buddies who are married to their old sweethearts or are in jail for failing to stop their redneck antics after graduating.  I love it that I can step out of my parents' back door on the opening day of gun season and walk to my deer stand. 

I smile when I hear the same old die-hards  holding onto the hope that my high school football team will win a state championship, even though the district is just too small to draw enough talented players. 

In the 18 years that I lived in that small town, things didn't change much, and I love it that nothing much will change in the next 18 years either.  The reliability of the town gives me comfort.

But not enough comfort to leave the city and move back there.

I mean, come on guys, I'm gay! 

I need my professional basketball, museums, great restaurants that serve something besides fried catfish, and the open-mindedness that only a city can provide. 

Still, it's fun to reminisce about the old days, especially when a song like "Famous in a Small Town" makes me tap my fingers on the side of my laptop.

I hope you enjoy this song as much as I did. 

Comments

[Synrgy]

Thank you for posting the song... It's awesome... I grew up in smalltown Alabama... Moved to Atlanta 16 years ago... I go home often to visit my family... Catch up... I miss the green and slowness of it, the consistency... After a day or two, I'm refreshed and zoom home... I can't imagine moving back, although I think about it... I'm the big gay hairdresser... That would make front page news LOL... I love your blog... Keep writing, and I'll keep reading :)

[Shel]

Best post yet... I'm from Memphis, Tennessee and have family scattered all over rural Mississippi. Memphis aint that small but it certainly feels like a small town. And you don't have to go far. I love when my friends drive down to Oxford / Ole Miss to have dinner at Ajax's, especially in August when it is SOOOOO hot and sleepy. The front porch of the Mississippi Delta... LOVE Miranda and love the song...Thanks for sharing -- you made me remember a few things...Shel

[Shaney]

Shhhh Don't tell anyone but I Love 'Country' music...Having grown up in a small town where Rodeo's & CM Festivals were hot tickets, I guess it stayed with me...Great song, great post!..hugs mate!

[Rob]

Great song. I grew up in a small city, moved to Toronto for years cause that's where all young gay men went. Now I love in a small community of about 400 and love it. My partner and I are involved with almost everything in the village including the church. thanks again.

[Rob]

BTW is that u about to throw the football? P~~~

[Shaney]

Hi friends,
Just a 'quicky' to let you know my blog address has changed LOL
The old address was too similar to that of 'Pride of Place' & I have been asked to change it.
New address is
http://blogshaney.blogspot.com
Sorry for the hassle
Hugs
Shaney

[Jay]

having grown up in a small country, I can relate to the small town feel. I sometimes think about going back home but I also can't give up big city life. Even if the big city is Pittsburgh, it's still leaps and bounds compared to back home on the island.

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