HDHusband and I have tickets to the Botanic Gardens outdoor concerts - we go every year and have a blast. Last night, we went to see one of HDH's favorite performers.

I wasn't paying much attention when they announced the opening act. And then ... I recognized the voice, the song, and nearly jumped out of my seat.

Sarah Harmer.

Months ago, I was driving home and heard her song "Almost" on the radio. LOVED. IT. Ordered it on Amazon and have played it religiously since.

My husband's take was this: "She sounds like every other one of the 'female singers' you listen to".

This prompted the conversation of how my husband could listen to any song for ten years straight and only ten years later realize how stupid the lyrics are. What is important to him in a song is only how it sounds, not what the song SAYS.

I'm the complete opposite. I need good lyrics. I need to feel moved in my soul through whatever the songwriter has to say. I don't care if she sounds like everyone else in my female music library; I want substance in my music.

The song I heard on the radio is a fine example of this.

I loved these lyrics:

"And if I am a sailor,
then you are the warm gulf wind,
and you've blown into this little port
and roused my dreams again.

I see my mouth moving when I talk to you,
I do,
I see my lips and I feel like a kid
I can't keep something hid
Cause I've been under the paper you were writing on
you left your impression long after you'd gone
on me,
marks only I can see."

I have a thing for female singers. I've loved (and still do) artists like Tori Amos, Kathleen Edwards, Shawn Colvin, Aimee Mann, Allison Moorer, Lisa Gerrard.

EDIT: How could I forget Jann Arden?

I COULD GO ON AND ON!

But did she play my favorite song last night? Nooooooooo ... but I'll live. My husband didn't get to hear his favorite song either, but I'll give him a bit of credit - the lyrics of that song aren't too bad.

Have a great weekend!