Take it Like a Man!

This week’s song choice is for the ladies (but men should read it too)…

Upon reviewing my last few blogs, I realized the songs I’ve chosen lately are inspirational, positive and encouraging. Perhaps that’s because I’ve always been a somewhat chipper, optimistic person. However, I don’t want to ignore the fact that it’s also okay to be frustrated, burnt out, or exhausted. Life is full of ups and downs and music can be so cathartic, helping you tap into those inner emotions and really experience repressed feelings. So this week I wanted to devote a song to those of you out there who may feel a little lost, tired or just down right annoyed.

My mind took me to the old joke, what do you get when you play a country song backwards? Answer: your wife back, your dog back, your house back and your job back. Yes, it’s cute. But I grew up listening to country music, so I also know of all the great songs about love, redemption and strength. In it’s most basic function, country music speaks to and for the every-man or -woman in a simple, accessible way. Many songs tell a story about a relationship—and you know, it ain’t always so pretty.

I used to be single. And I used to get frustrated with some of the guys I would meet, or date. Sound familiar? Don’t get me wrong, it’s fun to be single and I think it’s important to enjoy it as much as you can. But there were times when I’d think, “I know exactly what I want in a guy, and I’m NOT going to settle for anything less. And that may mean I never get married.” And I didn’t settle, thank goodness! Now I’m blessed to have met an amazing man who truly is my soul mate—exactly what I was looking for, and more!

But this week’s song choice isn’t about love. It isn’t about lost love or even being IN love. It’s about knowing what you want, and not being able to find it.

So, let’s get down to it! This week’s song choice is “Take it Like a Man” sung by Michelle Wright and written by Tony Haselden (a man!).

Wikipedia states, “Michelle Wright is a Canadian country music artist. She is one of the country's most widely recognized and awarded female country singers of the '90s….She followed up with her most successful album, Now and Then, in 1992. The first single, ‘Take It Like a Man,’ was her first Billboard top 10 hit and the video reached #1 on Country Music Television (CMT).” For more information visit www.wikipedia,org or www.michelle-wright.com.

Simply and boldly stated, here are the lyrics:
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Take it Like a Man by Michelle Wright

Boy meets girl, it’s a delicate thing.
So much time spent wondering
If what you see, is what you get.

I keep looking for a friend and a lover.
When I find one he ain’t the other.
Sometimes, I just want to quit.

One wants a maid, one needs his mother.
They either want space, or they want to smother me
And my poor heart needs somebody who…

Can take it like a man, steady and strong.
Not a lot of fuss and carrying on.
True to a promise I can ride in a storm.
Take it like a man, who knows about love
And every little thing that a girl dreams of.
Someone wise enough to understand.
If you want this woman’s heart,
Take it like a man!

I met somebody the other night,
Started thinking he was Mr. Right…
Wrong!
I might have never known
If a friend hadn’t brought it to my attention.
He’s got a wife he forgot to mention!
Girl, leave that fool alone.

I keep hoping and telling myself,
Somewhere there’s one good one left
’cause my poor heart need somebody who…

Can take it like a man, steady and strong.
Not a lot of fuss and carrying on.
True to a promise I can ride in a storm.
Take it like a man, who knows about love
And every little thing that a girl dreams of.
Someone wise enough to understand.
If you want this woman’s heart,
Take it like a man!

*Lyrics provided by www.tsrocks.com
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Do you know what you want, and can’t find it? Did you settle for less due to frustration or fear? Or maybe you’re looking for something right now—a job, a significant other. Did you ever date Mr./Ms. Wrong?

This week’s challenge: Don’t give up! If there’s something you want, wait until it’s right. Make a list of what it is you’re looking for in a spouse, a job, or a goal. Stay true to yourself and don’t compromise your principles, but keep in mind that sometimes our priorities and expectations change.

Whatever you do, don’t settle for less.

Click on the YouTube link below to see the music video: