Garth Brooks is a very influential figure in the history of country
music, even though there are some "real" country singers
and musicians who would like to deny it. He could be considered
a post-Merle Haggard country/rock/singer/songwriter in various
respects. Brooks brought country music to a new audience in the
'90s - mainly, a diverse group of people that might not admit
it, but as they listen to his music, they also are hard core rockers,
as they turn HIS music down in the car, while blasting "acceptable"
rock. Before Brooks, it was unthinkable for a country artist to
go multi-platinum. Well......he did. This particular song really
screamed out to the country audience, especially with his infamous
third verse, that...well....had a bad word in it! This goes to
truly show his rebelliousness in the country music industry, and
the industry "no choice but to love him or hate him"
stance whilst selling more records than anyone at his prime.
