Sometimes I wish my memory wasn't so damn good. I still remember my Dad telling, "Phil, you're never going to be a star". I remember it like it was yesterday.
I guess that was the point where I closed off and didn't share my dreams with him anymore. What astounded me is that he didn't understand my dream at all. I never wanted to be a "star" anyway. I wanted to move to Nashville, write music, meet cool people and live my creative dream.
For me it started at a very young age. I remember writing my first song...it was horrible...but it sparked a fire inside me that will never be extinguished. I have lyrics running through my head every waking hour of the day. I love it!! I know that as sure as I am typing right now, I will write a song that will make a change in someone's life. I know I will be successful and leave a mark on this world.
So, when I was recently contacted by a family member that I hadn't seen since my Dad's funeral in 1999, it brought back some pretty strong emotions that I thought had left years ago. It brought back the feeling of being trapped. I was surrounded by "small" thinking people and I knew that if I didn't get away from them, I would become one of them. These people were threatened by anyone with goals, dreams, aspirations and they did not approve of anyone trying to reach for the sky.
Then I remembered a line in a Vince Gill song, "There ain't no future in the past". If it were not for those "small" thinking people that I ran from, I would not be where I am today. Instead I live in Nashville, write music as much as I can, live a wonderful life with a wonderful woman and continue to pursue my big dreams. There may not be a future in the past, but without it...I would not be here.
All you songwriters out there...keep the faith and dream BIG. It's your dream, not theirs.
Peace,
Phil
