Logos by Brad Prasley

Nothing makes us appreciate something more than losing it forever. And that applies even more so with the time we are given on Earth.

Even at the ripe old age of 19, I sometimes catch myself remember what it was like to be younger. Before I had all of this responsibility. Back when things were different. Those were the good old days it seems. Contrasting our youth when as we get older seems to be one of the most common feelings that people as a whole experience. And it's a form of logos Brad Prasley used to perfection in his hit single "Letter To Me."

As young people the future can seem scary and intimidating. We are so consumed with the here and now that it's hard to think about what could be waiting for us down the road. Perhaps that is one reason activities like sex, underage drinking, alcohol consumption and other illegal activities come so easily to us when we're young. We either don't care or don't want to think about the consequences.

But Brad Prasley forces us to question this thinking between the present and the future. And in doing so he not only makes us think twice about how we live our lives today. He also brings a sense of reassurance and calm so that we can look forward to the future.

"You have so much going for you, going right."

College students have jobs and responsibilities. Most of us try to make good decisions, to work for the future. We try to get good grades and stay out of trouble. Deep down I think most of us want to make our parents proud. But sometimes, it's hard to see the all of the work paying off. That's where Praisley, appearing in this video as a future version of himself who can write a letter to his younger self, is so reassuring to the viewer. We can see how in our older years looking back, how simple things were and the advice we would have given.

"I guess I'll see you in the mirror. When you're a grown man. P.S. go hug Aunt Rita, every chance you get."

I think the biggest form of logos used by Prasley in the song is juxtaposition through hinsight. The knowledge that we gain as we grow up, and the things that we learn through life experience. Even as a college student I have learned so much since started college, or high school for that matter. What advice would I give to myself six years ago, as a 14 year old boy starting high school? What would I have done differently? What did I worry needlessly about. What should I really care about?

That is the ultimate form of logos. Learning from our mistakes, and improving our flaws. And imagine if we really did have an opportunity to write a letter to our younger selves. What would you say? What would you change? Would you change anything? It really makes you wonder about the power of logos.

Pathos and Brad Paisley

Pathos is defined as persuasion through emotion. I believe country music utilizes pathos more than any other genre. Country songs often tell a story and make you feel something, bringing to life our deepest memories, hopes and dreams.

Brad Paisley is especially talented in this area. And it's one of the reasons his music and this song "Letter To Me" really hit home with so many listeners.

"She wasn't right for you, but you still feel like there's a knife sticking out of your back."

Paisley knows the emotion every human being on Earth can relate to. Love. And with love comes terrible heartbreak. Some say you can't live without love. And others know that losing someone we love can make us no longer want to live.

So it's no surprise that Paisley ties such a powerful emotion into almost all of his music. And he's not alone. Just about every song that you hear on the radio is about love. Or sex. But that's for another conversation (or blog post).

"You should really thank Ms. Brinkman. She spent so much extra time. It's like she sees the diamond underneath, and she's polishing you until you shine."

Love isn't always defined as romance between a boy and a girl. There is love for family. Love for a friend or person in our lives. There is even love for a way of life. These feelings are more difficult to sing about. How do you connect with everyone when we are all so different?

The answer is all around us. Paisley reminds us that we often do not appreciate the most important people in our lives. We are greatly influenced by people we often take for granted. We say quick hellos and goodbyes to casual acquaintances at school. And we can often go an entire day without more than few words to our close friends and family.

When you think about it, do you really take the time to appreciate the people around you? To listen and hug and love them? And more importantly, what's stopping you?

"I wish you wouldn't worry and let it be. Have a little faith and you will see."

If there is one universal emotion that might give love a run for it's money, it's the human sense of fear and uncertainty. We often go through our lives feeling lost and confused. Where do we turn next? Are we on the right path?

Concerns over grades, money, relationships and responsibilities sometimes overshadow what is really important in life. "Letter To Me" essentially boils down to a song about making sure the little things don't get in the way of what really matters.

Perhaps the reason Brad Paisley is so popular and successful is his mastery of pathos. I don't think it's coincidence that millions of fans connect with his music so passionately. Emotions like love and fear are what define us and make us human. And the people around us our what make life worth living.

So the next you're drowning in homework, struggling through a bad day or stumbling to find meaning in your life, remember what really matters. Oh, and pop in a Brad Paisley CD while you're at it.