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“Shotgun” – Song 11 – Enneagram 6 Songwriter – Analyzing Lyrics – Themes of Belonging and Security

My 11th song, “Shotgun”, was the first released during The Covid Lockdown; on March 20th, 2020. Perhaps I started becoming more inspired to write about my relationship with my wife during this time. In fact, I pitched this song to her, as a duet. But she decided she wanted me to do this one alone.

“Shotgun” is a song I wrote to point out the near absurdity in betting the rest of your life on spending it with another person… for better and for worse.

I chose the term “shotgun” in connection of the phrase “shotgun wedding”. Even though my wife and I didn’t have a rushed wedding, in the grand scheme of things, it can still seem that way to some degree:

Know a person for a year or so, and then you take one “shot” on them by choosing to commit your life to them; hoping the other person is as committed as you are, no matter what lies ahead.

As an Enneagram 6, I am wired to crave and to provide stability and security. These lyrics show a glimpse into the way I arguably “overthink” every situation:

“I’ve got my finger on the trigger, but just one bullet in the chamber – For better or for worse, forever – Until death do we part – Staring down the barrel of a shotgun against my shoulder – Praying that I’m solid in my aim – I can’t afford to miss it, either it is or isn’t – Neither of us will ever be the same – Best case scenario, we both grow old until one of us dies and leaves the other all alone – Happily ever after, celebrations and disasters – Sweet and sour, I ain’t going nowhere – Anti-climatic, existential crisis, comic, tragic – Why are we still here? I don’t have all the answers but I’ve made my peace with God – I’m taking you with me into the great beyond – Hallelujah”

So looking back on this song I wrote over 2 years ago, can you see how I am a loyalist and a skeptic? Can you see my longing for security and confirmation of my own existence; which shows my true Enneagram is actually a 6?

Feel free to leave a comment. I’d love to hear your thoughts!

And now you can listen to the song, below, if you wish:

 

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“(Subtitles) I Dare You Not to Fall in Love with Me” – Song 6 – Enneagram 6 Songwriter – Analyzing Lyrics – Themes of Belonging and Security

My 6th song was another one of the four that my wife sang with me. Recorded on November 19th, 2019, I wrote this song as a true duet; which serves as a real-time breakdown of the day we met; on October 5th, 2006.

The lyrics go back and forth between my perspective and my wife’s. It’s rare that I write a “love song”, but this is about as close as it gets to that for me.

It just so happens that both my wife and I happen to be Enneagram 6. Perhaps that’s part of the mutual attraction we saw in each other when we first met, and still experience now, having been married 14 years.

The concept: We saw “stability and security” in each other.

Since Enneagram 6s are known for being overthinkers, I wrote this concept into the song, as the back-and-forth between us addresses what we are both individually thinking. Here are the lyrics:

“Hey pretty girl, whatcha doing the rest of your life? Say the next 50 years or so, starting tonight? I’ll give you the next 5 minutes, all or nothing – When I saw you across the room, you had it coming – This could be interesting, maybe not what I was expecting – I dare you not to fall in love with me – You can’t read my mind right now, you don’t know what I’m thinking – You can’t translate what I say without subtitles at the bottom of the screen – I dare you not to fall in love with me  -Tell me, Mr. Man, what are your plans? Can you charm me, disalarm me, make me laugh? If I couldn’t would you still be standing here? You’re not giving up, that’s pretty clear”

So looking back on this song I wrote nearly 4 years ago, can you see the Enneagram 6? Can you see my longing for security and confirmation of my own existence?

Feel free to leave a comment. I’d love to hear your thoughts!

And now you can listen to the song, below, if you wish:

 

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“We’re Gonna Leave in the Morning” – Song 4 – Enneagram 6 Songwriter – Analyzing Lyrics – Themes of Belonging and Security

It takes no stretch of the imagination to understand that my 4th song was written by an Enneagram 6, to an Enneagram 6.

This is the first official entry in my series of songs that I wrote specifically for my wife; as a glimpse into our relationship.

Ultimately, this song serves as a direct sequel to the song I wrote before it: “Fort Payne, Alabama“. It is about us starting over from our failed move to my hometown- and together, coming up with a new vision of our future together.

Apparently, that explains the line, “We won’t get lost, not this time. We’re gonna leave behind the plans we called Plan A.”

As Enneagram 6s, my wife and I both have 7 wings- and I would say that optimism stands out in these lyrics.

This also makes the first song of several in which I was able to convince my wife to sing with me.

Here are the lyrics:

“We’re gonna leave in the morning – We’re gonna hit the ground running – I know just where we’re going – We won’t get lost, not this time – We’re gonna leave behind the life we called Plan A – As follow the dots and lines of the painted interstate – And I don’t care if we’re just running off of fumes – As long as I’m with you – So put on that Speedwagon shirt you like to wear to bed – We’ll wake up about the time the coffee hits our heads – You’ll be the prettiest picture that’s ever been Instagrammed – As long as I’m your man – I will be your captain, you will be my lovely lady – I will take you where you want to go”

So looking back on this song I wrote nearly 4 years ago, can you see the Enneagram 6? Can you see my longing for security and confirmation of my own existence?

Feel free to leave a comment. I’d love to hear your thoughts!

And now you can listen to the song, below, if you wish:

 

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Our 1st “No Kids Vacation” in a Decade: Golden, Colorado

Nearly a year ago, my wife and I performed a song I wrote called “We’re Gonna Leave in the Morning”; which was the imagining of my wife and I taking a responsibility-free road trip together.

Last week, we made that fantasy a reality when we spent 4 days out in Golden, Colorado.

We rented a modernized carriage house that was just a couple of blocks from all the coffee shops and restaurants.

It was was only about 10 blocks away from South Table Mountain Park, where we were able to spend a couple hours hiking to the top; which oversaw the Coors plant.

And it turned out that we essentially only spent a total of $9 in entertainment the entire week, as we ended up taking a different 2 hour hike each day we were there. Only one of the parks we visited had an entry fee. It wasn’t the legendary Red Rocks…

It was Eldorado Canyon State Park.

That view was totally worth the nine dollars though. Right?

Growing up in northeastern Alabama, where my home was surrounded by DeSoto State Park and Little River Canyon, I always imagined that Colorado would be a good fit for me.

I was right. If only I had my Jeep Wrangler with me while we where there…

We perfectly enjoyed our trip to Golden, Colorado- to the point we have decided we need to make this an annual tradition for the two of us.

The experience reminded me of the verse in Ecclesiastes (9:9), which I based my recent song from:

Enjoy life with the woman whom you love all the days of your fleeting life which He has given to you under the sun; for this is your reward in life and in your toil in which you have labored under the sun.

Not only was it great quality time for to the two of us at amazing location, but it helped realize why this trip was superior the 6 hour drive to the Florida coast from our home near Nashville.

Because on a beach trip, we’re mainly just sitting around.

But on a Colorado vacation, we’re constantly moving and exploring.

That’s how my brain registers “rest and relaxation”- by being out in nature and burning calories the whole time.

So if that sounds like a vacation to you as well… then maybe you are also of the demographic who is called to the state of Colorado!

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Our 11th Wedding Anniversary: A Muddy Jeep Wrangler Ride and a Quaint Meal Out in My Hometown of Fort Payne, Alabama

After staying overnight as a family at the Hilton, I walked across the parking lot to work Friday morning; which was our actual 11th wedding anniversary. Then once I put in my 8 hours, we drove a quick 3 hours to my hometown of Fort Payne, Alabama to spend our anniversary weekend.

Quite predictably, we went out Saturday morning to go looking for trouble in the Jeep, which we found a little too easily.

With the top off, we embarked on an unmarked dirt road full of questionable mud puddles. I didn’t consider that the mud will inevitably end up getting slung off the tires and inside the Jeep.

I was especially proud of the blob of mud that landed on the dashboard, right next to my hand on the steering wheel. My plan was to keep it there pretty much permanently, but with the hot July sun, it didn’t take too long to dry, harden, and fall off after a few more bumps in the Jeep.

That evening, my wife and I had the rare privilege of having free babysitters (family, of course!) to watch and feed our kids while we disappeared for a solid four hours.

My sister had suggested a mom-and-pop Mediterranean place called Fontana’s. It was exactly what we were looking for, but didn’t realize existed. It was the epitome of the word quaint; and therefore it was perfect.

I am already looking forward to going back there next weekend when we are back in town for my 20th high school reunion, which will be held just down the street from the restaurant.

So there you go. That’s the best way for a husband and wife to spend their 11th wedding anniversary.

Maybe one day we’ll go somewhere without the kids. But honestly, as long as the kids are young, we might as well let them have some fun too!