More so than many other genres of popular music, the stylistic tenants of country music are pretty straightforward.  That is, with the exception of this song.  Also strange for country music, the lyrics in this song make references you cannot play for students.  Alas!

“Mine Would Be You” - Blake Shelton

Intro: One of the biggest current stars in contemporary country music, Blake Shelton began his recording career in 2001. “Mine Would Be You” appears on his 2013 album Based on a True Story… and the song hit #28 on the Billboard Hot 100 Singles chart in the summer of 2013. Having won a number of Country Music Association awards, Shelton has been nominated for five Grammys, including one apiece for “Mine Would Be You” and Based on a True Story… He has also risen to pop culture prominence as the host of the singing competition television show The Voice.

Analysis: Unusual for a hugely popular country song, the meter as sung in the verses changes regularly from 4/4 to ¾, emulating 7/4 but not quite achieving that particular time signature. As Shelton settles into the chorus, he moves back into a steady 4/4 time signature, but only for the chorus.

Considerations for Teaching: Although the general subject matter of the song is not offensive, as Shelton is talking about favorite things from the past, he mentions “make-up sex” in the second verse, making at least that portion of the song inadmissible in class. To teach the song without offensive material, teachers can play a shorter clip, demonstrating the changing meter, from later in the song.