Kenny Chesney's Not Ready … And Neither Am I
Take one part carefree lyrics, sprinkle in a sound of reggae and funk, combine a dollop of beautiful scenery, and there you have it -- the recipe for musical and video success. I love the philosophy behind Kenny Chesney's new lighthearted song, "Everybody Wants to Go to Heaven." Perhaps the tune is especially heartening because the workweek is nearly over and I plan to take full advantage of this beautiful Nashville weather. But even still, this song and video make me smile every time.
Chesney sings of how he throws an extra $20 bill in the collection plate -- a dollar for every thing he did the night before and one to get him through the day. He's not letting the worries of the world weigh down his good time, and you know what? Me neither. "Don't you want to hear ‘em call your name/When you're standing at the pearly gates? I told the preacher, yes I do/But I hope they don't call today. I ain't ready."
After all, I want to see those streets of gold someday too ... but hey, I wouldn't mind waitin' at least a hundred years or sooooooo.
(Oh, and one more note: I've now discovered why he ALWAYS wears that hat.)
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Jeanne says:
This song & video are so awesome. As always, Kenny is a pleasure to watch & listen to.
Even without the hat…I wouldn’t kick him out.
He’s Adorable & Sexy.
Lucy says:
Different! But so Kenny. Country music has something for everyone. I think alot of the country guys who wear hats all the time, we get use to seeing them with the hats, and they look so different without, initial shock sometimes. Alot look better with. Maybe I show start wearing a hat. Like the song Kenny.
SJB says:
Who cares about the head with a body like that? Kenny, I’ll take ya either way, baby! Just keep the music coming, love. It’ll have to stop someday, but nobody wants it to stop now!
gloria says:
There was a young guy in my church that was going bald and one Sunday he came into church with a full head of hair and everyone was talking about it, but after years and I’m sure a lot of money later, he came in with a slick bald head. Of course that was a shock, but now everyone is use to it and I think he looks great! Long story, but to say, Kenny, take off the hat…your real fans will love you just the same! One more thing, Kenny….stop with the guitar prop…either play it more or not at all! Just don’t strum it and stop. Just my opinion…not to offend!
EricaLyn says:
I absolutely love this video! How could you not? It’s pure Kenny, plain and simple. I’ve been looking forward to hearing this song (and seeing the video) for a while now. And as with all things Kenny, I’m ecstatic over it.
I especially love the end where he’s with the little kid and the guitar.
And as for the no hat … I’m not seeing a problem. He’s still sexy, he’s still Kenny, and he’s still a fantastic musician.
Maureen D says:
This song is really good I heard it on the radio and I love it! Finally a great video to go with it!
Billie says:
EricaLyn, I totally agree with every word you just said!! Great song, great video, love the message and everyone just looks like they are having so much fun in that video. Wished I could live life like that!! Thanks to Kenny for taking us away even if it is just for a few minutes!! Of course if anyone can take you away in a song,it’s him!! Luv ya Kenny.
JANET says:
The song is garbage like most things Kenny puts out. He is a overrated piece of hot air that hit the jackpot with his major monopoly label. He is a YES boy that has no backbone and no guts. Puts out his cheesy radio, commerical friendly songs and wouldn’t have the guts to put out something that may cause some controversery. He is the JOKE of country music IMO.
Always Right says:
Nothing says “country music” like Bob Marley’s Wailors.
A joke. A complete and utter joke.
David says:
If people, including Mr. Chesney, would actually read the Bible, they would find out that those who are saved in Christ yet continue to sin, will not be saved in the end.
I have a problem with this song.
Victoria says:
I love Kenny Chesney’s new song, he is such a great artist and I LOVE HIM even without the hat too. This song has such great meaning too, and I can relate to most of his songs. I could listen to him all day and not get sick of him! He is by far my favorite country singer!!! :-)
sunkie says:
Awe, a take me away song. As I viewed the video, it allowed me to escape for a few minutes. Billie said it better than I , so I will simply agree with their writing. The song is meant to be light hearted with sprinkles of different cultures for an overall affect of living to the fullest. Great job and great review.
tiffany says:
I don’t like kenny Chesney’s songs I am sorry.
BRENDA says:
I really like Kenny Chesney’s new song and video. He has a way of taking you away from the everyday ups and downs of life, even if for a few minutes. He will always be my favorite entertainer.Keep up the good work Whitney, I always like reading your blogs.
Brian says:
To Janet, If you don’t like the song or Kenny Chesney don’t listen to him and don’t make comments about him like the one you made. A lot of people obviously like his music or he wouldn’t be were he’s at. What do you mean he has no backbone or guts? As far as I’m concerned you are the piece of garbage.
Emma says:
Kenny Chesney has pleased us with yet another brilliant piece of music. This song is so true, live life to the fullest and don’t look back. I am wanting to see the pearly white gates, but not yet. I also like how he tied in all different ypes of music. He truely is an amazing artist.
misty says:
hey i so agree with this song kenn is a man of his word and is so gifted and blesssed i want tis song and wish i could see him misty write back
Matt says:
I finally solved the mystery of who committed murder on music row!! It’s Kenny Chesney!
Megan says:
I could not agree with Brian more, if you don’t have something nice to say about the best country singer ever, don’t say it at all. At least he can sing and write songs probably 10,000 times better then you. Listen to his music, it is the best ever, and like SBJ, Billie, sunkie and many others said, he is awesome!
Kristen says:
David, apparently you’re reading the wrong bible. Once you accept Christ as your Savior or (get saved), your name is written in the Lambs Book of Life and it does not get erased. Saved or not, everyone of us will continue to sin, it’s our nature. But we are to try to live our lives more “Christ-like”. And when we do sin, Christ forgives our sins when we ask. As for the verse in the song about putting a $20 dollar bill in the offering plate, no that’s not going to erase any sins you might have committed, but its just adding a little humor to the song. I’m going to assume you’re “saved” since you feel you know so much about it. So tell me, have you not sinned even one time since you got saved? As for Kenny, he truly is a talented singer/song writer, but that does not mean everyone will enjoy his choice or style of music. But that is not a cause for someone like yourself to criticize someone else - afterall, isn’t that a SIN?
Kristen says:
As for Janet, if the song is garbage and if you feel most of what Kenny puts out is garbage, why do you even care enough to watch his video, or even take the time to make a comment about it? If there was a group or a singer that I didn’t care for, I probably wouldn’t even know they had a song out, let alone take the time to find it, watch it, and comment on it. Maybe you need to spend your time more wisely. And why the heck does someone need to put out something “controversial” in order to entertain us? There is already enough controversy in this world, why can’t our music just be fun and relaxing?
Chesney Chick says:
I love Kenny with or without his hat. This song makes me smile. I love the island feel & the lyrics. I just saw Kenny last Sat. in Houston. He just gets better with time!
Doug says:
I wish you two holy rollers would take it elsewhere.
PS-this song kicks ass!!
mary says:
I heard about Kenny’s new cd and I was just reading the news-press in Florida and it said Beach boy Brian Wilsons new album is going to be called That Lucky Old Sun. I wonder how Kenny feels about this. just sharing…..
Pam says:
ok 10 seconds in the whole video with no hat..what’s all the hoopla about?? ..personally I like bald men what can I say…great video..love the song…so happy and upbeat and definately island…go Kenny!!!
Theresa Yawn says:
I heard this song as a child written and sung by Loretta Lynn. He shouldn’t act like it is original.
mele says:
Mr. chestney is truly a talented artist with Island spirit within his heart. He process a quality that is unique, pure, truth. His song writing is timeless. He is a master poet. I admire his work ethic and his passion commitment to share with the people the kind of music that brings hearts and souls together. In hawaiian language….Kenny Chestney is ALOHA!!!
P.S. With or without hair….it is the eyes that matter, the voice that speaks beauty, and it is that body that represent health and carefree living. With or without hair? What does it matter?