Today, I wrap up my analysis of Brad Paisley’s hit song “Ticks” (written by Brad, Tim Owens and Kelley Lovelace, and released on the Arista Nashville/Sony BMG label). Clearly, this song is our anthem in the battle for the future of our outdoor traditions. Thank you for joining me as we look beyond the superficial fun and rhythm of “Ticks,” to find the underlying training song for the men (and women) who intend to produce the outdoor-connected children of tomorrow.
Our singing mate-seeker now continues his evaluation of the young woman in the bar. Is she the one to help him rear solid outdoor citizens?
We left off with “I’ll keep you safe you wait and see…” The next line is “The only thing allowed to crawl all over you when we get there is me.” This brilliantly-crafted phrase tests for the crucial relationship between two characteristics this young woman must possess to properly rear our hero’s children. She must be strong enough to challenge his dare yet appreciate the humor in it.
“You know every guy in here tonight…” A reminder of his ability to quietly observe what is around them. Again, subtly demonstrating the survival skills he would bring to their family.
“Would like to take you home…” The guy understands men. She can count on his ability to see through the maelstrom of hormones which will surround her at times in their life together.
“But I’ve got way more class than them…” This is reassuring, although by now she surely senses the quality of the young man evaluating her maternal and partnership potential.
“Babe that ain’t what I want…” This is called being “real.” It is a countrified way of demonstrating his high and good intentions, while playfully testing that “Babe” thing again.
Again, here is the refrain; words and lessons so important that they must be repeated.
“‘Cause I’d like to see you out in the moonlight…” This is critical to finding the high road.
“I’d like to kiss you way back in the sticks…” Here again, he tests her love of nature.
“I’d like to walk you through a field of wildflowers…” Once more, he opens a window into his deeply romantic soul. This line is rich with a promise of lifelong beauty.
“And I’d like to check you for ticks.” What can I say? This is the very definition of love and courage, backed up by his lifelong commitment to her well-being – if she is the one.
“You never know where one might be…” Here is a man who will always speak the truth.
“There’s lots of places that are hard to reach…” This is a quietly clever restatement of the problem with ticks, while reinforcing the need for a dependable and honorable partner.
“I gotcha.” What fun; here’s his joyful promise of protection.
And now , one last time, here are the lessons with which our singing mate-seeker leaves all who are willing to study this masterpiece in their efforts to secure the future of outdoor society.
“I’d like to see you out in the moonlight…” Again, we see an affirmation that true inner beauty is only visible under such conditions.
“I’d like to kiss you baby way back in the sticks…” So very important is this test of her love for wild places, with a final check on her character and humor (that “baby” thing”).
“I’d like to walk you through a field of wild flowers…” Think about it. This statement grows smoother, deeper, more loving and ever more spiritual with each reminder.
“And I’d like to check you for ticks.” Courage, courage, courage… What remains to be said?
“I’d sure like to check you for ticks.” And thus our anthem ends with a reassurance of the greatest love a man can offer. By now, no doubt, she has taken the true measure of our singing mate seeker and is eager to demonstrate her own worth.
Through level after level we have critically examined the words and phrases of our young singer/songwriter as he identifies the characteristics men and women must possess to properly rear the children who will secure the outdoor future of humankind.
With this understanding of the hope Brad Paisley offers us for future outdoor generations, visit www.youtube.com/watch?v=3tiPndMqxLQ and listen with fresh ears.
Tomorrow evening, the Kittitas County Field and Stream Club’s Chukar Run Banquet will raise funds for Ellensburg’s Fifth Grade Outdoor Camp and the Washington Children’s Outdoor Bill of Rights. There may be a seat left for you. Contact Deborah Essman at 509-968-4532.
Here’s to wild things, wild places, and children to explore them – forever.
