Slaid Cleaves, in my opinion, is one of the most underrated and unappreciated singer/songwriters in the United States. As should be expected, he hails from Austin, TX, which is a hotbed of incredible talent. In my humble opinion, Austin is the heart of "real" country music, not that pop-country crap that comes out of Nashville these days. Do yourselves a favor and listen to One Good Year. It's beautifully put together and the lyrics are moving.

Speaking of the lyrics, they do an exceptional job of summarizing my current state of mind. You see, I like to think of this as my "one good year." I've recently bought a house, I work two jobs that I enjoy 90% of the time, and I'm head-over-heels in love with a beautiful girl who has come back into my life after eight years. In fact, I cannot remember a time in my life when I've had this much going for me, especially since this follows a year that included my divorce, losing a job, and having my old house sit empty and on the market for six months while I paid the mortgage plus rent in another city. Yep, for the first time in a long time, everything's coming up Milhouse.

Maybe I'm jinxing myself by putting these thoughts in writing for the universe to see, but I doubt it. I feel like it's finally my turn. Don't get me wrong, I've always had a pretty good life, and I've never truly hit rock bottom. In fact, I'm pretty lucky. But right now, I'm about as close to perfect as I've ever been. That proverbial light at the end of the tunnel? It's not so far away anymore...it's just getting brighter everyday.

I know this is a ginourmous departure from the norm, but I was in an exceptional mood today...let me know how you're all doing.

JT out.

It's New Year's Day
Just like the day before
Same old skies of grey
Same empty bottles on the floor
Another year gone by
And I'm thinking once again
How can I take this losing hand
And somehow win?

Just give me one good year
To get my feet back on the ground
I've been chasing grace
But grace ain't so easily found
One bad hand can devil a man
Chase him and carry him down
I gotta get out of here
Just give me one good year

I'm burning oil
Engine's running rough
I drive from job to job
But it's never enough
I can't find the will
To just up and get away
Some kind of chains holding me down
To make me stay.

Just give me one good year.....

It's a bitter wind
In your face every day
It's the little sins
That wear your soul away
When you start giving in
Where do the promises all go
Will your darkest hour
Write a blank check on your soul


Just give me one good year
To get my feet back on the ground
I've been chasing grace
But grace ain't so easily found
One bad hand can devil a man
A good one can turn him around
I gotta get out of here
Just give me one good year
I gotta get out of here
Just give me one good year.