Is Country Music Too Violent

In the wake of the unspeakable violence in Connecticut, my heart and prayers go out to the families who have lost their precious loved ones.

Everywhere you go there are images of violence in the media.  Television has a sting of tiresome 'CSI' type shows, movies show violence like it is a part of everyday life.  Where do you escape from the insanity?  Music.  No way.

Many people I meet do not like "rap" music.  Why?  Many will site the languange and violence.  They don't like the violent undertones of the music.  Is country music any better? No way.

Some of country music's biggest hits have a violent theme.  "The Thunder Rolls," by Garth Brooks, "Before He Cheats," from Carrie Underwood, "Gunpowder and Lead," by Miranda Lambert, all come to mind.

More recently, Rodney Atkins released "Cleaning This Gun," a song that deals with a guy who dates his daughter and warns him if she doesn't have her home by 8:30, there would be consequences.

Sitting on top of the charts right now is another popular Miranda Lambert song, "Fastest Girl In Town," with the opening and closing lyrics stating: "he's got the bullets, he's got the gun."  A great song but I can't help but wonder if these lyrics were left out, would the song be just as successful?

And then there is The Band Perry who had great success with "If I Die Young," and their current hit, "Better Dig Two," both songs seem to eery with the national headlines and almost seem inappropriate to listen to right now.

So my question is, do we really need to have violence in country music?  I understand it is a freedom of speech and everyone has a right to express themselves.  But in the wake of one of the most violent act in United States history, where many children did "die young," is it really necessary?

I understand people listen to country music because it is "real."  But there are many that also enjoy country music as an escape from reality.  Maybe we are getting a little too real.