Some Labor Day Thoughts and Songs for Those Who Labor In the Greatest Business in the World: Radio

09/05/2016
Posted by: Mike O'Malley
Category: country songs inspire, Labor Day, radio, Talent

Labor Day / Labour Day honors the contributions workers have made to better our lives.

It became a US federal holiday in 1894 – though 30 states already officially celebrated Labor Day. In Canada, Labour Day (also celebrated on the first Monday of September) has been a holiday since the 1880s.

While we celebrate in song many occupations, radio jobs tend to be maligned – especially by those who apply rather limited evaluative criteria (read about that here).

But even for those of us who still find this the most exciting and rewarding career we could imagine – and are still amazed that we get to do this every day – the grind the industry extracts on us can take its toll.

Fortunately singers and song writers have left us inspiration to encourage us when the going gets challenging.

You no doubt have songs that personally inspire you; feel free to add them to this list by commenting.

Here are a few from the country format that remind us on this Labor Day / Labour Day why we continue to do what we do.

Your Impact on Others:

“What a difference you’ve made in my life. What a difference you’ve made in my life. You’re my sunshine day and night. Oh what a difference you’ve made in my life.

“What A Difference You’ve Made In My Life” – Written by Archie Paul Jordan, © Universal Music Publishing Group.

In the many focus groups I’ve done through the years, talent is the subject that listeners most want to talk about.

I’ve seen listeners express real appreciation for talent who remembered their names or the names of their children.

I’ve seen them recall the impact of meeting a talent in person – perhaps years ago though they share in detail this cherished memory as if it happened last month.

And I’ve seen listeners tear up while recalling something a talent has said that touched them personally.

As talent we have opportunities to ‘make a difference’ with every mic break. Don’t waste a

single one.

Your Work Ethic Matters:

“Hey, I’m not bragging or complainin’, I’m just talking to myself man-to-man, this mental fat I’m chewin’ didn’t take a lotta doing’, But I take a lot of pride in what I am.”

I Take A Lot of Pride in What I Am – Written by Merle Haggard; © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC

It’s easy to blow off a break or two – or not put your heart into a piece of copy you have to write, or to fall back on something safe rather than suggest something out of the box to a client, or to not want to do an air check session with your talent.

And sometimes it takes a conversation with yourself to bring about what you know needs to happen. Perhaps it’s a personal pep talk or maybe reminding yourself that you have knowledge, ideas, creativity, and talent…and that all these are worth sharing.

Full throttle, wide open, You get tired, you don’t show it, Dig a little deeper when you think you can’t dig no more. That’s the only way I know

Lots of people around you will quit at “good enough.” But not you; you know the benefits of digging deep.

The bottom line is that pride in your work is what will separate you from the rest of the pack.

“I Feel Like I Know Him/Her”

If you want to know the real me, just turn the page in my dirt road diary. It’s right there for you to see, every kiss, every beer, every cotton field memory.

Ask listeners about talent they most connect with and you’ll usually hear something about being real, being an open book, etc.

But what they’re really saying is that the relationship they have with you the talent is the same type of relationship they have with their best friends.

That’s powerful.

Follow Your Dreams:

And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance, I hope you dance…. Tell me who wants to look back on their years and wonder where those years have gone

“I Hope You Dance” – Written by Tia Sillers, Mark Sanders • © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Universal Music Publishing Group

One of the greatest gifts you can give someone you care about is encouragement and support as they follow their dreams.

Just like you did.

Take A Risk

I could have missed the pain, But I’d have had to miss the dance

The performing arts are a risky business to begin with and today’s environment has only amplified that risk.

Still, the risk-reward is something performers willingly sign up for knowing that there’s a cost to bringing happiness/insight/entertainment with the world.

Don’t Forget to Enjoy the Ride

If you’re coming with me you need nerves of steel, ‘Cause I take corners on two wheels. It’s a never-ending circus ride. The faint of heart need not apply

Sure, other careers may pay more handsomely, have more security, etc., etc., but few are as rewarding. And probably none of your non-industry friends have met Garth, watched a football game with Luke, or had a drink with Blake on his bus. Unless they were your guest.

Working without a net is fraught with risks… and rewards.

Why It’s All Worth It

The wealthiest person is a pauper at times, compared to the man with a satisfied mind.

“Satisfied Mind” – Written by Jack Rhodes, Red Hays; Copyright (c) BMG Rights Management US, LLC, Carlin America Inc.

If it was about the money, we’d have done something else. But performers play by a different set of rules. Sure, it’s about the applause, but it’s more about knowing that YOU made people FEEL something.

Memory lane up in the headlights has got me reminiscing on the good times

And while we’ve been busy making others happy, hopefully we’ve done the same for ourselves and our fellow radio professionals. I don’t know about you, but I’ve amassed a lifetime of great experiences and memories. But the times spent with my radio brethren top them all.

Parting Thoughts

I laid in bed that night and thought about the day and how my life is like a roller coaster ride. The ups and downs and crazy turns along the way, it’ll throw you off if you don’t hold on tight… I love this crazy, tragic, sometimes almost magic, awful beautiful life.

“Awful Beautiful Life” – Written by Darryl Worley, Harley Allen; Copyright (c) Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Ten Ten Music Group Inc.

‘Nuff said.

Happy Labor Day / Labour Day!

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