The great American singer-songwriter Tom T Hall celebrated his 80th birthday on May 25. Born in Olive Hill, Kentucky, in 1936, he has had a major impact on many Irish country singers over the last four decades. He was once described by former US President Jimmy Carter as the poet laureate of American country music.

In his song, Country Is, Tom T makes the following observations:

Country Is .....

Country is sittin' on the back porch

Listen to the whippoorwills late in the day

Country is mindin' your business

Helpin' a stranger if he comes your way

Country is livin' in the city

Knowin' your people, knowin' your kind

Country is what you make it

Country is all in your mind

Country is workin' for a living

Thinkin' your own thoughts, lovin' your town

Country is teachin' your children

Find out what's right and stand your ground

Country is a havin' the good times

Listen to the music, singing your part

Country is walkin' in the moonlight

Country is all in your heart.

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