Values and the Resurgence of Country Music
I once read, “It’s not how you look or where you live what makes you a cowboy; it’s how you are and where you are going.”
There’s a timeless truth in those words. Even if you’re European and have never stepped foot in the American Continent, the cowboy’s spirit — the values it embodies — can resonate deeply. Those Europeans who ventured to America (the continent) surely understood the meaning behind this ethos.
As a child, before I went to college, I remember lining up with my classmates from primary through high school, singing the national anthem in front of the flag. We were taught respect, discipline, and the importance of remembering those who fought for the freedoms and privileges we enjoy today. But I’m not talking about the United States, I’m talking about Venezuela.
At what point did we decide to hate everything we are?
In today’s world, where values often feel adrift, I’ve faced a personal dilemma: how can we transmit certain principles to our children? How can we preserve what is essential in a world that seems determined to forget its roots? That’s when I recalled the profound inspiration I’ve drawn from country music — its values, its principles, and its stories.
Country music preaches in its lyrics about family, faith, hard work, freedom, and patriotism. These are values we’ve allowed to slip away but desperately need to recover.
Interestingly, there’s a natural parallel between the cowboys of North America and the llaneros of Venezuela — two figures shaped by the vast, open landscapes they inhabit, yet deeply rooted in their respective cultures.
The Cowboy: A Symbol of Individualism and Freedom
- Individualism: The cowboy is the epitome of independence and self-reliance. He faces life’s challenges with resilience, embodying the North American spirit of going it alone.
- Freedom: Living in the open, far from society’s constraints, the cowboy cherishes freedom above all else.
- Hard work and perseverance: The cowboy’s ethic of tireless effort is central to his identity, surviving and thriving in a wild and unforgiving environment.
The Llanero: A Guardian of Community and Nature
- Collectivism and camaraderie: The llanero, while accustomed to solitude, places great value on collaboration. Whether herding cattle or protecting their land, llaneros depend on each other.
- Resilience and connection to nature: Llaneros respect the natural world, living in harmony with the cycles of life and the landscapes of the plains.
- Hospitality: Generosity and brotherhood are core to the llanero way of life, reflecting a deep humanity.
When you compare these values, you’ll find nothing wrong with them. In fact, these principles are essential to building a strong, balanced society.
The Resurgence of Country Music
According to Newhdmedia, country music is experiencing a significant resurgence. It’s not just a niche genre anymore — it’s gaining traction across demographics and platforms. Luminate’s 2023 year-end report revealed that country music saw a 23.7% increase in on-demand audio streams in the United States compared to the previous year.
This revival is evident in live performances, too. By November 2024, four of the 24 highest-grossing tours worldwide (those surpassing $100 million) were by country music artists. This marks a notable increase from the previous year, when only two country tours hit that milestone.
A Return to Foundational Values
Could this resurgence of country music signal a cultural shift — a yearning for the values of our ancestors? It seems that, despite modernity’s distractions, there’s an increasing appreciation for the timeless principles that once defined our lives: family, faith, hard work, and patriotism.
For parents raising children in today’s chaotic world, country music might be one of the best influences out there. While it may sometimes sing of whiskey and beer, it also celebrates values like love for one’s homeland, respect for family, and the importance of honest labor. And let’s be honest: isn’t that far better than the empty, materialistic messages often found in reggaeton or other modern genres?
Final Thoughts
“Country Music” or “Música llanera” isn’t just a genre; it’s a reflection of a way of life — a life rooted in authenticity, resilience, and purpose. Whether through the “Cowboy” or the “Llanero”, these values resonate universally, reminding us of what truly matters. Perhaps it’s time to embrace those principles again, for the sake of our children and the future they’ll inherit.
Francisco Cobos
🐢 “Poc a Poc” (Little by Little)
