What's That In Your Hand?

By Scott Coner
Country Artist

            So, at 80 years old, Moses is having a discussion with God. He is trying to convince God to use someone else.

            “I have other plans. I don’t talk well. People don’t listen to me. I’m too old.”

            To be honest, I wish I had the type of a relationship with God to actually have an open conversation like that. But God, being God, already had all of the answers. He told Moses to throw his staff to the ground. When he did, the staff turned into a snake. God told him to pick it up by the tale, and when he did, it turned back into a staff. 

            I believe most of us are a bit like old Moses. We have spent most of our lives being something that God can’t use. He wants us to change, but in order to truly transform, we are going to have to step out of our comfort zones a little bit.

I've recorded a cover of the classic rock tune "Locomotion"...

Let's get moving... Use your talents!

            I had spent the first half of my life doing what came natural to me. Construction had always been my primary involvement. I had moved away from the field and into the office side of things several years ago. I had a good job, I made great money, and I was comfortable. The problem was, this is not what my heart was called to do. It’s awfully hard to be content when you know you aren’t doing what you are called to do. I began to move more in the general direction of my purpose though, and I began to finally feel more at peace and less at war with myself.

            I want to be clear in saying that even though I do certain songs promoting my faith as well as family and commitment, I am involved in a broad range of music. But, I believe God has plans for me. I don’t know what they are. I don’t care what they are. I will do what God will have me to do when He gives me direction, and I look forward to the opportunity. It is a good feeling to know that God is control and that I am just along for the ride.

 

Scott Coner with his dog (Photo by Cynnamae Productions)

 

            I wonder where you stand with your own direction these days. What are you holding in your hand? Is it a simple staff, or is it the gift of baking? Do you seem to feel at your best when surrounded by people? Do you have the gift of designing? Can you take a simple little house and turn it into a beautiful home? Are you gifted on the computer? What is that you are holding in your hand? We all have God-given gifts, talents that allow us to feel alive when we use them. Maybe it’s time that you finally admit that you do have a skill that could and should be used. You might also want to remind yourself of the happiness and fulfillment that your gift actually gives you when you allow it to be brought to life.

            I am no preacher, but I am a believer. I believe that if we take a step in faith, God will be there to meet us and to support us. I think that taking these steps also has a way of strengthening our relationship with God. All I can tell you is that so far, my music has brought a lot of surprises to me. I have met some great and talented people. I have seen cities and towns I never would have been able to see. I have also been able to go to places in my mind through the process of writing that I wouldn’t have pursued had it not been for the opportunities to write and record with others.

            I am positive as you read this you have already let your mind jump once or twice to that shady little corner in your soul where you keep your talent. I hope you will get off your couch and just go for it. Nobody is asking you to part the Red Sea or pick up a snake. Just dust off your talent, and offer it up. Let it become part of you again. You never know where you will end up or what you might find. And aren’t you glad that God didn’t give you ultra small hands so you could be good at milking wild badgers? 

            Scott Coner is a country singer-songwriter who has worked in the studio with legendary artists such as Tanya Tucker, T. Graham Brown and Charlie Daniels. You can learn more about him and hear his music at www.Facebook.com/ScottConerMusic, www.YouTube.com/user/ScottConer, and www.ScottConer.com. Follow Scott at www.Twitter.com/ScottConer.

The Wall

By Scott Coner

Country Artist

            It’s a "sight on earth" how self-made plans have a way of changing on their own. I arrived in Nashville hoping to be a songwriter. I felt that my songs were different than most. And even though I wasn’t sure if that was a good or a bad thing, I kind of used it as my calling card. One of the first guys I hired turned out to be quite a bit less than what he promised. I made the mistake of judging the book by its cover, and man was that a money and time waster. I, being the hayseed that I am, figured that since his name came to the top of the list if you googled his service, he must be a pretty good choice. He was middle aged, he had extremely nice suits, and he drove some of the finest sports cars I had ever seen. What could go wrong here? Well, to be honest, not much went right, but I finally stepped free of his storytelling and moved on.

            There have been several of those types of people since him -- The kind of people that tell you one thing, but do absolutely nothing but drive to the bank with your money as soon as you leave town. It’s heartbreaking really. It hurts you all over as you begin realizing that you have been ripped off again and again all in the name of music. I think these people may have started as honest as the next guy, but for whatever reason, they begin to realize that it is easier to steal from the innocent than actually do the right thing. I suspect they begin their Darth Vader type of existence because they don’t carry enough clout with the bigger players. So, if they are going to survive in Nashville, it will have to be on the take. 

My song/video "Nashville Song" was inspired by my experiences on Music Row. 

            I was one of the lucky ones. I watched the table pretty closely as the cards were dealt, and put a timer on each play. If the promises made didn’t begin to show some color within my own private allocated time, they were either put on notice or fired on the spot. The sorry truth about this type of approach is you can’t help but become cynical. You begin to question almost everything and everyone. You don’t realize it, but you begin to build a wall. And like the song says, all in all, you're just another brick in the wall.

            Before I found myself completely entombed with my self-constructed wall of sound, I began to seek a different type of clarification. I began considering other avenues, a whole new route to take. The first thing I began doing was wondering if maybe I could actually write and sing my own songs. I started taking a handful at a time into Nashville, and I decided I was going to take off where I quit several years ago. Things kind of started to get a little bit of traction, and a whole new concept was born. However, like about everything else on this planet, I still had more than my share of problems. Once again, my biggest problem was the crooks. They are thick like bluegill in a farm pond. No matter where you throw your line, they either steal the worm, or you land a fish half the size of a biscuit. The obvious decision was to begin using the white-collared criminals as bait. I began dropping their names everywhere I went. And like a miracle, they began to swim back to the safety of the shallow water because they were becoming exposed. Kind of like a cockroach, but the bug actually has a lot more class. 

 Scott Coner visits the Ryman Auditorium (Photo by Cynnamae Media Productions)

            The music kept on coming. Before long, we were truly storming several studios bringing in all kinds of talent. Musicians are kind of like ball players. The best players really like playing and hanging out with each other. So as things began to gel, clarity began to take hold. I moved as quickly as possible, and continue to do so. Instead of trying to make a big splash around Nashville or shopping for a deal, I simply focused on writing, networking and recording whenever possible. My wife, Cynthia, and I worked hard at developing social networks, videos, songs and everything that a label is supposed to do for you. One day, I began taking note of all the songs that had been recorded and written, and I was taken back by the sheer volume. We had recorded years of releases. So instead of slowing down, we are speeding up even more. My plan is to shelf another album this summer, followed by another album in the fall. We will begin traveling everywhere early 2017 and then we might find time to rest. But then again, I wouldn’t mind booking studios around the country and see what that’s like. In the midst of this, I have also been working on a few books. Yes, I know what your thinking. Why does this guy think we want to hear his songs or for that matter read his books? I have no answer for you. I just got a little bit ticked off at the establishment in Nashville and decided to do what I came to do without their help. Like most things I do, it will probably end in a fiery crash, but the noise might be worth listening to. I just didn’t want to be another brick….

         Scott Coner is a country singer-songwriter who has worked in the studio with legendary artists such as Tanya Tucker, T. Graham Brown and Charlie Daniels. You can learn more about him and hear his music at www.Facebook.com/ScottConerMusic, www.YouTube.com/user/ScottConer, and www.ScottConer.com. Follow Scott at www.Twitter.com/ScottConer.

Dear Jim: I’ll See You Soon…

            As soon as I woke up this morning, my wife told me that one of my uncles, Jim Thompson, passed away in the night. My family has always been a little bit “clannish”, so it hit me hard. He had battled Alzheimer’s for several years, and the last year or so had been about as bad as it can get for someone. His name was Jim. Jim and I had spent thousands of hours working side by side in my younger days. He taught me all kinds of things. Things I’ll never forget. But mostly, he just set a great example of being a good and happy man. He was the kind of man that never had to look over his shoulder for any reason at all. I loved him very much, and I hope he knew that. I’m wishing at this moment I just would’ve told him.

Scott Coner enjoys a special moment with his Uncle Jim (left) and father (right)

            I was in Florida the day I first heard about his illness. My wife was still getting dressed to go to dinner, and I wrote the song I am including with this blog, "Still Standing Here"”, before she was ready to go. (This probably sounds impressive, but sometimes my wife takes “days” to get ready to go to dinner.) The song tells the story of someone who carries a photo album each time they visit their loved one as “proof” that they had indeed spent a life together. They had laughed together, raised children together, and shared all of the good and bad life has to offer together.

My song "Still Standing Here"

In memory of my Uncle Jim

            Early this morning, I went to the gym to get a workout in before the day truly began. As I left the parking lot, a song from the '80s that Jim had liked came on the radio. It was Elton John’s song, “I’m Still Standing”. I hadn’t heard the song since it had been on the charts years ago, but sure enough, there it was on my radio. I kind of felt like Jim was telling me he was okay and not to worry.

            I know many of you have lost loved ones. This is a pain none of us can avoid. I probably wrote this article more for me than anyone else, and I’m not going to get in the weeds. But, it has been a painful day. One of those days that is mixed with disbelief, grief and regret. But isn’t it odd that “I’m Still Standing” and “Still Standing Here” occur on the same day 30-something years apart? Jim brought me his hand tools as his illness began to progress. When I’m up to it, I’m going to go out to the barn and hold them in my own hands. Take care Jim. I’ll see you soon…

Love, Scott

All We Leave Behind

By Scott Coner

Country Artist

         When I think about a legacy, I think about the important things we leave behind. Those things that best describe who we are, who we were, what we stood for. Like you, I have seen my share of funerals. And it is certainly true that the older we get, the more opportunities we get to pay our final respects.

         These days when you walk into a funeral home, there is usually a television screen or two in the room on the outer walls that have a slideshow of the person’s life lying there in state. Sometimes, there might even be some music piped into the room that best represented the person’s life.

         One funeral that has always stayed with me was an old farmer who lived down the road from me. His name was “Junior”. He left behind three sons, two daughters, and his wife. This was and is a good family of farm people. Junior always used Case farm tractors on his farm. He was even a member of the antique tractor club in our area. Anyway, when I arrived at the funeral home on the evening of the “viewing”, I noticed both of Junior's Case tractors and a hay wagon were parked out back. I saw the slideshow about his life, his family, his commitment to the Baptist church, and I was overcome with warmth and respect for such a good man. Following the funeral the next day, Junior's casket was hoisted up onto the hay wagon and pulled back to our road to a small cemetery just down the road from me. When they lay Junior in the ground, some words were said, some bluegrass gospel was sung, and he was left to rest that afternoon. He had lived his life very well and left quite a legacy. His family still works the farm. 

Scott Coner's grandfather works the fields. (Photo provided by Scott Coner)

         My dad, Linville Coner, has accomplished about as much as any man I have ever known. He and my mom were married at 17 and 18 years old. They started with nothing. They both worked hard and saved every cent possible. My dad went through his electrical apprenticeship down in Ft. Myers, Florida, but in the early '60s, work was sparse in that part of the country. They moved to Indiana, but work slowed down again. Dad and his brother went to New York for two years and worked though the frigid winters and sent most of their paychecks back to their wives. Long story short, my dad worked his way up the ladder from an apprenticeship to one of the largest electrical outfits in the country. They didn’t just focus on volume either. They had millions of man hours worked without incident. They had many clients who stayed with them for years and years, and they had many employees who spent their careers with them. My dad and my uncle were an outstanding team. They are both strong and honest men. They lead by example. And when they retired, they walked away without owing anyone a single penny. Their work has affected our family for many generations to come. Quite a legacy if you ask me. 

Music Video: "Into The Clouds"

I wrote "Into the Clouds" on a Sunday Afternoon after leaving church. The promise of heaven is one that I believe in, but my heart struggles with the thought of one day passing from this earth and having to leave my family. I hope you all enjoy the song, and I hope you consider all of the love and acceptance Christ has offered all of us!

        When you think about your life, what is it that comes to mind? What stands out to you? What are you most proud of? Are you proudest of your children? Are you proud of your marriage? Are you proud of your career? These are certainly all things one could hang their hat on as far as a legacy goes. I, myself, can’t honestly sit here and tell you I have accomplished much in this world. Yes, I have helped raise two wonderful daughters. I have worked hard on my marriage. It almost fell apart because of me once, and I have never let my hand off of the wheel since. I am proud of what I have become. I have seen some very dark moments in my life. I have felt the breath of the devil at my back. But I forged ahead with my life and did my best to keep the most important components of my life in the center. I recognize that Christ is the center of all things, and I can accomplish little without His divine guidance.

Scott's wife, Cyndi (Photo by Scott Coner)

          So, all of this being said, my legacy truly is being a member of my family. I am a part of my grandparents on both sides of the aisle. I am a part of my mom and my dad. I am Cynthia’s husband. I am devoted to her, I lift her up in every way possible, and I adore her every move. I am the proud father of two wonderful daughters who have never given me any reason to be anything but proud of them. I am a Christian man. And I lastly, I am a singer-songwriter. It is my plan to leave a story of my life, my love, behind in song. I hope that my music is a part of some people’s lives. I hope my music feeds people in some way. Maybe, they will even read my books. My legacy then, is about a man who loved his God, loved his family, and loved his music. Through my daughters and my songs, I hope to live on for just a little while longer.

         What is it about you that we can remember? We all have something. We all are and were a part of this world. Think about it. Outside of your commitment to Jesus and your love for your family and friends, what else truly matters in the end?    

         Scott Coner is a country singer-songwriter who has worked in the studio with legendary artists such as Tanya Tucker, T. Graham Brown and Charlie Daniels. You can learn more about him and hear his music at www.Facebook.com/ScottConerMusic, www.YouTube.com/user/ScottConer, and www.ScottConer.com. Follow Scott at www.Twitter.com/ScottConer.

Oh Beth, What Can I Do?

By Scott Coner

Country Artist

         Of the many things we experience in life, there are those moments that occur, sometimes unexpectedly, that stay with us forever. That first kiss, the first time we feel love for someone outside of our own family, or even the first time we drive off in a car all alone. I have spent most of my life seeking out those very moments. I felt some of them early in life and became interested in the feelings they aroused. I’m no scientist, but hearts must trigger something pretty cool in our minds and bodies during those moments.

         When I was in the sixth grade, there was a girl named Beth that I had one of my first real schoolboy crushes on. Beth and I were both safety patrolmen at our school, so I guess you could say we were a pretty big deal. Although, I’m not positive anyone ever actually listened to me as I patrolled the mean sidewalks of our school trying to keep all of those young souls safe.

         Being a school safety patrolman had other hazardous duties as well. Beth and I both were often involved in taking the American flag down at the end of the day and folding it up nicely before taking it back to the front office. I remember as we folded the flag together my fingers touched hers, and I think that was all it took for me to fall in love. Of course, I may be a little over sensitive in such matters because I have always been a hopeless romantic. 

 (My video "You Got Me Right" was inspired by my beautiful wife, Cyndi)

         That year, I remember some of the songs on the radio being kind of cool. We had “Dream Weaver” (by Gary Wright I think…), “I Write the Songs”, (by Barry Manilow, but he didn’t write that one…) some band called Hot Chocolate had a song called “I Believe in Miracles (You Sexy Thing)”, and then there was a ballad by a band called Kiss that contributed a single called “Beth”. Early on, I didn’t really care for the song “Beth”, much because I wasn’t fully convinced that the guy singing the song could sing very well. But as my first love grew across the American flag, the song began to have new meaning.

         Back then, during high school basketball season, all of us kids would go to the high school and act like we belonged there. We had our own little section in the gym bleachers, and we began to learn how to communicate with other sixth graders that we would soon be sharing a school with the following year as we entered middle school. It was at one of those basketball games that Beth kissed me on the lips. I can’t really describe it because I think I may have blacked out for a minute or two. I didn’t know how to act after that. I didn’t know if I should try to hold her hand, be rude to her, or profess my undying love from the mountaintops. What I was aware of though was that time just stopped during that three seconds. I had actually become a man. 

Scott Coner (Photo by Cynnamae Media Productions)

         Well, I don’t guess I blew her mind by any stretch of the imagination, because she began dating some butt-headed kid that lived in her neighborhood who wasn’t actually terrified of girls. I heard the stories at the lunch table, and it killed me a little bit more each day. I didn’t live in town, so I couldn’t visit her. I wouldn’t have known how to visit her if I lived across the street from her anyway, so it didn’t matter much. These new feelings came at me like tiny torpedoes. I would see her in the hall sometimes, and she would walk right by me. She would fold the flag in the afternoons with me and not even attempt to be her normal, sweet self. Sometimes, she and her ugly, stupid-headed boyfriend would walk around the school together, and I couldn’t understand at all what I had done to deserve such treatment. The butt-headed guy was so sure of himself. He laughed with everyone and played basketball pretty well. And he sure had better clothes than me. I mean, I wasn’t wearing “Ger-animals” or anything, but I didn’t have the kind of nice clothes the kids in the wealthy neighborhoods got to wear. The good news was I had a back-up plan. There were some girls in my classroom that were actually nice to me, so they helped me bounce out of the pain. Yep, I had Staci and Margret to fill the cracks in my broken heart.

         Truthfully, the pain may have only lasted for a week or so. I never got a chance to date Staci or Margret. But they sure were nice girls. What I did get to take with me instead was my first kiss. It came quick and unexpected. It burnt me down all the way to the ground, and I really liked that feeling quite a bit. Anyway, that was the first really big moment in my life. It was the one moment that made me realize that women may be the most important gift God ever gave man. Ever since, it’s been songs about long-legged women for me. And that’s just fine.  

         Scott Coner is a country singer-songwriter who has worked in the studio with legendary artists such as Tanya Tucker, T. Graham Brown and Charlie Daniels. You can learn more about him and hear his music at www.Facebook.com/ScottConerMusic, www.YouTube.com/user/ScottConer, and www.ScottConer.com. Follow Scott at www.Twitter.com/ScottConer.