What do a country song and a truck have in common? In this deeply personal episode, we delve into the emotional journey of Lainey Wilson’s hit, "Heart Like a Truck," and how it resonates with our own life journeys. Uncover the raw emotions and self-belief that mirror our travels, navigating bumps and challenges with fierce determination.

After four years of writing the book and ten months of producing this limited-edition podcast, we have come to an end. This week's song is a perfect ending to the last chapter of my book. Just as a truck powers through rough terrain, we, too, can overcome obstacles fueled by our inner strength and determination. 

Thank you for being a part of this journey with me, country cowgirl Dr. D, and Nashville recording artist Blu Waters. Blu is the voice behind each song that guided the reading from my soon-to-be-published book I’m Just a Country Song: Three Chords and Only My Truth.

Your support has made this collaboration possible. Until we meet again!

In This Episode:

- What makes “Heart Like a Truck” almost like Lainey's life?

- Have you owned and loved a truck as much as I love my truck, Ruby?

- Let's sing along with Blu as she sings “Heart Like a Truck”

- Lyrics and chapter reading

Connect with Blu Waters:

Website - https://www.chooseyourblu.com/

Facebook - https://web.facebook.com/iambluwaters/

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/iambluwaters/

TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@iambluwaters

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@iambluwaters

Connect with Darlene Chambers:

Website - https://fullcircles.biz/

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/darlene.chambers.37625/

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@ImJustaCountrySong

"The Gambler," a timeless classic by Kenny Rogers, spins a tale of wisdom imparted during a chance encounter on a train. With its memorable opening line, "You got to know when to hold 'em, know when to fold 'em," the song transcends its country roots to offer universal life lessons. 

The lyrics tell the story of a conversation between a seasoned gambler and a young man and delve into themes of risk, strategy, and resilience. Each verse encapsulates the essence of decision-making, teaching us that life, much like poker, requires patience, intuition, and the courage to walk away when the time is right.

It is also the story of a brother and a sister who were meant to be together before they were born, a song told by a gambler giving sage advice on how to navigate life's twists and turns, and hopefully, for all of us, breaking even at the end of our journeys by being dealt an ace that we can keep.

Join me and Nashville recording artist Blu Waters, the voice behind the songs we feature in each episode. The same songs guide the reading from my soon-to-be-published book I’m Just a Country Song: Three Chords and Only My Truth.

In This Episode:

- What three things does the song “The Gambler” talk about, making it a true country song?

- In the card game of life, how do you know what cards to throw away, when to fold them, and when to run?

- Let's sing along with Blu as she sings “The Gambler”

- Lyrics and chapter reading

- Teaser and quiz for episode 15 (“Heart Like A Truck”)

Connect with Blu Waters:

Website - https://www.chooseyourblu.com/

Facebook - https://web.facebook.com/iambluwaters/

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/iambluwaters/

TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@iambluwaters

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@iambluwaters

Connect with Darlene Chambers:

Website - https://fullcircles.biz/

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/darlene.chambers.37625/

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@ImJustaCountrySong

Are you ready to defy the odds and reach for the stars? Then, this week's song will surely inspire you. "Footprints on the Moon" is more than just a country song; it's a powerful song about perseverance and ambition. This inspiring track encourages us to chase our dreams relentlessly, no matter the obstacles. 

With lyrics that remind us that even the moon has footprints, Gabby Barrett delivers a message of hope and determination. She emphasizes that no dream is too big and no goal is out of reach if you believe in yourself. This song serves as a reminder that our potential is limitless.

Discover the powerful message behind the music and how it can transform your mindset and motivate you to achieve the impossible.

Join me and Nashville recording artist Blu Waters, the voice behind the songs we feature in each episode. The same songs guide the reading from my soon-to-be-published book I’m Just a Country Song: Three Chords and Only My Truth.

“The footprints you leave on the moon will be defined not by how many times you fall short of the distance you seek but how many times you defied the odds and get up abundantly.” -  Darlene Chambers

In This Episode:

- Where did singer Gabby Barrett and her Texan rocker/ singer husband meet?

- What keeps you trying even though, time and again, what you are reaching for is slightly out of your grasp?

- Let's sing along with Blu as she sings “Footprints On The Moon”

- Lyrics and chapter reading

- Teaser and quiz for episode 14 (“The Gambler”)

Connect with Blu Waters:

Website - https://www.chooseyourblu.com/

Facebook - https://web.facebook.com/iambluwaters/

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/iambluwaters/

TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@iambluwaters

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@iambluwaters

Connect with Darlene Chambers:

Website - https://fullcircles.biz/

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/darlene.chambers.37625/

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@ImJustaCountrySong

Have you ever tried to convince someone you love to aspire for more, only to realize that simplicity makes them who they are? 

In this heartwarming episode, Blu and I talk about the touching message of the country ballad "Your Kind of Love" by Ronnie Dunn. The song captures the essence of a heartfelt connection, emphasizing the singer's admiration and appreciation for his partner's unique kind of love.

In the lyrics, the singer reflects on his deep and passionate love for his partner. He describes their intense emotions and unique bond, highlighting how their love stands out from the ordinary.

What about you? Have you ever embraced the beauty of a simple love? 

Join me and Nashville recording artist Blu Waters, the voice behind the songs we feature in each episode. The same songs guide the reading from my soon-to-be-published book I’m Just a Country Song: Three Chords and Only My Truth.

“I no longer try to change people because I've learned that people only change when they want to change.” -  Blu Waters

In This Episode:

- What was singer Ronnie Dunn's greatest trauma growing up in school?

- Have you loved or known a man who needs little but his own solitude and a simple life to keep him happy?

- Let's sing along with Blu as she sings “Your Kind of Love”

- Lyrics and chapter reading

- Teaser and quiz for episode 13 (“Footprints On The Moon”)

Connect with Blu Waters:

Website - https://www.chooseyourblu.com/

Facebook - https://web.facebook.com/iambluwaters/

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/iambluwaters/

TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@iambluwaters

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@iambluwaters

Connect with Darlene Chambers:

Website - https://fullcircles.biz/

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/darlene.chambers.37625/

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@ImJustaCountrySong

“Old Hippie” is a song by the Bellamy Brothers that pays tribute to the generation defined by a mandatory draft into the Vietnam War. The song resonated with many listeners who identified with the character's struggles and wistfulness. 

The song represents a generation that experienced many changes and challenges. This chapter is about my time in the 1970s and my husband's latching on to that decade, even though he was ten years younger. 

I invite you to listen to a retrospective look back at a time before the internet, cell phones, and a sped-up, high-wired life. Instead, back then, we had a passion for nature, living free, guided by music, and not being defined by what you do for a job and how you choose to be. 

Join me and Nashville recording artist Blu Waters, the voice behind the songs we feature in each episode. The same songs guide the reading from my soon-to-be-published book I’m Just a Country Song: Three Chords and Only My Truth.



In This Episode:

- What was the age of the song's character when he found some gray in his hair and thought he was past his prime?

- What do you think about the generation in front of you?

- Let's sing along with Blu as she sings “Old Hippie”

- Lyrics and chapter reading

- Teaser and quiz for episode 12 (“Your Kind of Love”)

Connect with Blu Waters:

Website - https://www.chooseyourblu.com/

Facebook - https://web.facebook.com/iambluwaters/

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/iambluwaters/

TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@iambluwaters

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@iambluwaters

Connect with Darlene Chambers:

Website - https://fullcircles.biz/

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/darlene.chambers.37625/

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@ImJustaCountrySong

Have you ever been lost in a relationship to the point where you forgot who you were, living according to someone else's standards and opinions? How did you regain your sense of self?

“Miss Me More” is a song by American singer-songwriter Kelsea Ballerini, recorded for her second studio album. The song is about the pitfalls of putting other people's interests above your own. 

Losing aspects of yourself in a relationship can be hard to detect at first. But at some point, you will realize that your sense of self needs to be restored. As the song says, you have to remember that you have “wings.”

Join me and Nashville recording artist Blu Waters, the voice behind the songs we feature in each episode. The same songs guide the reading from my soon-to-be-published book I’m Just a Country Song: Three Chords and Only My Truth.

In This Episode:

- What is the name of Kelsea Ballerini's album, which features the song “Miss Me More”?

- Did you ever get lost in a relationship to the point where you forgot who you were? Did you regain your sense of self?

- Let's sing along with Blu as she sings “Miss Me More”

- Lyrics and chapter reading

- Teaser and quiz for episode 11 (“Old Hippie”)

Connect with Blu Waters:

Website - https://www.chooseyourblu.com/

Facebook - https://web.facebook.com/iambluwaters/

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/iambluwaters/

TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@iambluwaters

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@iambluwaters

Connect with Darlene Chambers:

Website - https://fullcircles.biz/

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/darlene.chambers.37625/

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@ImJustaCountrySong

Have you ever had a relationship that had to end, but you cherish the times you spent in it? Have you ever pursued a passion that is no longer available to you? 

“The Dance” is about the end of a passionate relationship and feeling blindsided that it could ever come to an end. It is also about remembering the good times in the face of the pain. 

This song is about a relationship I passionately pursued, convincing the man he could not live without me, even though he was hesitant. We made a lot of mistakes together, but the friendship that grew remained far stronger than the marriage that fell apart. 

“The Dance” is also about getting to the end of the road with something you were beyond passionate about, like an athletic pursuit or a career. For me, it was stepping away from a love of dance.

Songwriter Tony Arata wrote the song while he was still little-known around Nashville. At an open mic night at Nashville’s Douglas Corner, he met another little-known songwriter, Garth Brooks.

When Garth heard “The Dance,” he told Tony that if he ever got a record deal, he would cut it, and the rest is country music history. 

Join me and Nashville recording artist Blu Waters, the voice behind the songs we feature in each episode. The same songs guide the reading from my soon-to-be-published book I’m Just a Country Song: Three Chords and Only My Truth.

In This Episode:

- Does Garth Brooks consider “The Dance” his favorite song?

- Have you ever had a relationship you said goodbye to but appreciated the time spent in it?

- Let's sing along with Blu as she sings “The Dance”

- Lyrics and chapter reading

- Teaser and quiz for episode 10 (“Miss Me More”)

Connect with Blu Waters:

Website - https://www.chooseyourblu.com/

Facebook - https://web.facebook.com/iambluwaters/

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/iambluwaters/

TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@iambluwaters

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@iambluwaters

Connect with Darlene Chambers:

Website - https://fullcircles.biz/

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/darlene.chambers.37625/

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@ImJustaCountrySong

When you face a challenge, do you hang on for the ride or simply give up, no matter the danger of a worst-case outcome?

This week's song was released in December 1964 by country music band Buck Owens and the Buckaroos. In 1999, it was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame. Buck once said he got the idea for the song because he heard a slogan for Esso (gas station): "Put a tiger in your tank.”

In the song, he’s dating a woman who is dragging him through life and running him absolutely ragged. He knows it’s going to end poorly but is helpless to stop it. What would you do if you were in the same situation? 

“I’ve Got a Tiger by The Tail” describes what it's like to associate with something so powerful and potentially dangerous, and yet somehow you have to solve the difficult problem as there's no way to let go of that tail. The phrase derives from the Chinese proverb, “He who rides the tiger is afraid to dismount.”

Join me and Nashville recording artist Blu Waters, the voice behind the songs we feature in each episode. The same songs guide the reading from my soon-to-be-published book I’m Just a Country Song: Three Chords and Only My Truth.

In This Episode:

- What sparked Buck Owens to write the song “I’ve Got a Tiger by The Tail”?

- Have you ever had a “tiger” relationship that you were afraid to let go of for fear that the outcome would be worse than hanging on for dear life?

- Let's sing along with Blu as she sings “I’ve Got a Tiger by The Tail”

- Lyrics and chapter reading

- Teaser and quiz for episode 9 (“The Dance”)

Connect with Blu Waters:

Website - https://www.chooseyourblu.com/

Facebook - https://web.facebook.com/iambluwaters/

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/iambluwaters/

TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@iambluwaters

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@iambluwaters

Connect with Darlene Chambers:

Website - https://fullcircles.biz/

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/darlene.chambers.37625/

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@ImJustaCountrySong

Have you ever been tempted but knew your choice was not the best? How did you deal with it? Would you change a thing if it happened again? 

This week's song describes a man who is tempted by a woman who tries to steal his heart. He is drawn in by the mystery in her eyes and can't resist her sweet kiss. He can't deny that he is tempted despite knowing he might get hurt.

"Tempted" is a song co-written and recorded by Marty Stuart. It was released in August 1991 and reached #5 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks chart.

You could say “Tempted” is a very special song. It's about surviving tragedy even though you can barely breathe while being tempted by a relationship that wasn't meant to be. We've all had that same experience at some point, making life more meaningful.

Join me and Nashville recording artist Blu Waters, the voice behind the songs we feature in each episode. The same songs guide the reading from my soon-to-be-published book I’m Just a Country Song: Three Chords and Only My Truth.

“Giving up is simply not an option for me. Failure is an option because I've learned so much from my failures, but just throwing in the towel is not an option. I would much rather look back on my life and have no regrets than long to have taken a chance on my dreams.” -  Blu Waters

In This Episode:

- Was “Tempted” Marty Stuart's biggest commercial success and his highest charting solo single?

- Have you ever been tempted but knew your choice was not the best?

- Let's sing along with Blu as she sings “Tempted”

- Lyrics and chapter reading

- Teaser and quiz for episode 8 (“I’ve Got a Tiger by The Tail”)

Connect with Blu Waters:

Website - https://www.chooseyourblu.com/

Facebook - https://web.facebook.com/iambluwaters/

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/iambluwaters/

TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@iambluwaters

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@iambluwaters

Connect with Darlene Chambers:

Website - https://fullcircles.biz/

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/darlene.chambers.37625/

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@ImJustaCountrySong

What memories do you have of your childhood or the special people in your life? How do you feel when you reach out to these memories?

Memories give life color and richness as they unveil an interesting story. Some of our memories serve as a turning point in our lives. They act as a source of inspiration when we are faced with challenges.

Today's award-winning song, “In Color,” recorded by Jamey Johnson, is about how a picture says a thousand words. In our memories, those snapshots can fade to black and white. However, when those memories were made, they were vibrant, high-definition colors.

As I share memories of my dad and our lives, I encourage you to embrace your memories in full color.

Join me and Nashville recording artist Blu Waters, the voice behind the songs we feature in each episode. The same songs guide the reading from my soon-to-be-published book I’m Just a Country Song: Three Chords and Only My Truth.

In This Episode:

- What country song awards did the song “In Color” win?

- What fond memories do you have of your dad?

- Let's sing along with Blu as she sings “In Color”

- Lyrics and chapter reading

- Teaser and quiz for episode 7 (“Tempted”)

Connect with Blu Waters:

Website - https://www.chooseyourblu.com/

Facebook - https://web.facebook.com/iambluwaters/

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/iambluwaters/

TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@iambluwaters

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@iambluwaters

Connect with Darlene Chambers:

Website - https://fullcircles.biz/

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/darlene.chambers.37625/

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@ImJustaCountrySong