Posted on 11.05.2018

Dotting I's and Crossing T's

Frequently I am asked in interviews if I could go back and change anything about my life or career, what it would be. My stock and honest answer is that, I believe that there is a reaction to all actions and that anything I could reach back and change would have an impact on the way things turned out, and that, since I’m pretty happy about the way things did turn out, I would leave well enough alone.

I would, however, add one small caveat to that conviction, and that would be that I wish that I had paid a little more attention to detail, not that it would particularly change the outcome of what has happened to me, but the quality of my personal and professional habits and abilities.

For instance, when I learned to play guitar, instead of taking the time to learn and become proficient at chord structures, progressions and the different ways to play them, I rushed forth to learning to play the lead parts, bypassing the ear training and basic musical knowledge that can only be acquired by learning rudimentary theory, the construction of chords and the notes that make them up.

Now, I’m not complaining, I think things turned out pretty well but I have to put a little more time and effort into working out my parts than the guys who understand how everything fits together and where to find the pertinent progressions in different octaves and positions.

And take handwriting for instance, I learned how to write but I never really tried to develop my penmanship and, over the years my longhand has deteriorated to the point that I can’t even read it myself and, any handwriting I do has to be done in block letters for anybody to be able to decipher it.

Even if I hand write a letter, unless I want to painstakingly devote a lot of time constructing a couple of paragraphs, I have to do it in printed form, making my correspondences resemble something a third grader would do.

Now I am not an athlete, I’ve never had the smooth moves and liquid action natural athletes are born with, but if I had only have concentrated on the mechanics of the sports I tried to play instead of jumping way ahead of the limited talent I had and doing things I didn’t have the ability to do, I would have been way ahead of the game, pun intended.

And, although I use computers every day, I still find myself an analog sort of guy stuck in a digital world and if I hit a glitch, and I’m speaking elementary kinds of problems, I’m staring at a screen completely out of my control that usually a simple phone call to my son can remedy, usually “Dad, just turn your computer off and turn it back on.” which I have at least learned is called a “reboot”.

If I had only started with actually learning the capabilities of the machine and how to put it through its paces I could have saved a lot of aggravation.

I love to fish but marvel at those who really take it seriously and know which lures work in which conditions, those who have developed the sixth sense for the exact second to set the hook and those who have had the patience to learn the finer points of fly fishing, putting the bug on the riffle or under overhanging brush with the flick of the wrist.

I had a great chance to learn, my granddaddy was a master at such things, who could scull a boat with one hand and handle a cane pole with a popping minnow tied on and placing it where he wanted to under the overhanging trees where the fish hung out.

But unfortunately, I never took the time to learn the finer points of fly fishing, tending a trot line finding the places where the squirrels were plentiful or where the big bucks would cross the road, things my granddaddy would have gladly taught me.

It seems that I’ve forever been in a hurry, going somewhere, doing something or just dreaming my dreams.

I honestly wouldn’t trade places with anybody, I am very content with my lot and the many blessings God has bestowed on me, but looking back I could have paid a little more attention to the little things that go to make up an orderly approach and a knowledgeable understanding of the details.

Seems I’ve always been attracted to the big picture, leaving the examination of the pixels to those more meticulous souls with the inquiring minds.

What do you think?

Pray for our troops, our police and the peace of Jerusalem.

God Bless America

— Charlie Daniels

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Check out "Mudcat" from Beau Weevils - 'Songs in the Key of E'

Comments

words of wisdom,to live by
Lost my partner of 25 years on the 6th October. I have a lot of guilt. However your words have helped me at times that it was his time as.opposed to my fault. Which is heavy burden to carry. Just wantrd.to thank you charlie, GOD bless. Thank you again Peg
Posted by Peggy
Dotting I's and crossing T's
I spent over 50 years of my life learning and staying up on the new trends of building. I loved building and remodeling more than anything in the world. Like you Charlie there's a few other things I would have liked to have a little more about. God put us where we are for a reason. Your life has affected someone for the kingdom of God and you'll probably never know who or why. You are an American icon and a great inspiration to more people than you'll ever know. God bless you Charlie.
Posted by David
Dotting I’s and Crossing T’s
What an inspirational soapbox! I learned MANY life lessons in my 62 years in spite of myself! My father had a stroke in his 20’s while in the Army. He was able to teach me to ride a bike, go crapping, use a cast net,etc. His left sided paralysis was a minor thing. My paternal Grandadaddy was a Georgia dairy farmer. From him I learned my love of the land, hard work, love of family and animals. My Mom that love is eternal! God Bless you, Hazel, and your family.
Posted by M. Elaine
taking the time
So agree with what you have written. I became a lead guitar player when my lead player walked off the stage in the middle of a set. I just made it up as i went. so many thing we look back at but we know as long we keep looking forward we will continue the journey. Stay well and Play well.
Posted by Jason
Generations of Faith, Family and Music for America
Charlie is definitely a Family man. the music and comments, articles, blog notes and stories written, never heard a bad word or scandal of Charlie. You can play his music anytime of the year and in mixed company. Even Grandmothers love it. It's so rare to hear generations of music that is cherished by a family. Much Love, Many Blessings to Charlie Daniels! Thank you for helping us Make Every Day Count!
Posted by Sherran
Dotting I's and Crossing T's
Oops edit to my earlier post "crapping" should have been CRABBING😱‼️☺️
Posted by M. Elaine
[T]he small details...[pixels]
I once knew of a fellow..and for some reason I was directed to seek out the wisdom of this gentleman.. But with time, it passed, and what once was look upon as being positive of the wisdom that was being brought forth.. I come to realize that sometimes when someone hasn't walked in the direct shoes of another.. They truly dont know, especially when they in their life, have had people they could learn from. In trusting the wisdom of this fellow, I found myself to become less trusting of this fellow for what I was being drawn to do. Sometimes when we lose that trust, no matter what..you will start clinging to what you truly know.. And the pixels become to have a glaze to it..for what once was thought upon, is in a true form it becomes tarnished. So one loses the perception of what one is looking for..or found to a point of what one was looking for.. And the road ends....
Posted by Robert
Looking between the lines
Whether you actually read these or not...or someone relays them to you.. Only thing I know for certain...is what I have discovered thru the spirit of my beginnings and to where i am connected thru my ancestors.. For i was never to speak a word of what i long to search for...it was almost like sin.. If i would have gotten to find these things out at a earlier age , I would have truly known how and why I ticked... But I have conquered that research..and now, I am stagnated for there is no more mystery.. In all.parts....some is disappoint to know...for in the end....all what I held close and obeyed...doesn't mean diddly... And looking any further is just useless and time consuming.... For the spirit is greater than I can comprehend...for the will of our father is greater...
Posted by Robert
Detail
Saw a lot of ME in here. A little late in the game to change things much - but I’m trying! A little paying attention to detail isn’t likely to hurt (much)
Posted by B
Dotting I’s and crossing T’s
Mr. Daniels, I have appreciated your music for many decades and feel there is an free flow and honesty to the way you make music. While I understand taking time and learning all you can, sometimes that can inhibit the end product you are to get out to your fans. I have played bass guitar for over45 years in many varieties of styles both professionally and semi- professionally. I took classes in music theory when I had been performing for about 10 years. It did help to communicate better with other musicians especially when playing jazz. But I strongly feel it didn’t change my approach and have always attempted to play as much from the heart rather than using only the correct approach. Any way, I also understand that many things I have done in my life I could have paid more attention to details and the might have went smoother. But I feel you just can’t beat anything when it comes from the heart! And also I believe Charlie Hayward is one of the best bass players and musicians I have ever heard!! Live and recordings!
Posted by Larry
Spot On
You sure got an AAA+++ on that one. "Regrets I've had a few" as Sinatra said. But then I had to look that up cause I didn't know who said it. That kind of fishing instinct that you also read about in mags is something to be admired. I've been blessed with some great teachers and mentors, but still didn't inquire as much as I should have. Franky, I hear you.
Posted by Jeff
The secret sauce
I’ve tried to read one conservationist for years, who writes for major magazines. He’s from the same area. I’m always amazed the info you can glean from his articles that he has spent a lifetime honing. So I guess, in the end, it is that commitment and love of it that shines through. I believe he’d say much the same as you if asked. How he turned that into a career, with all it entails, is also impressive. People like that who share their wisdom, like you do, keeps the whole thing going. (i.e not keeping it bottled up like some secret proprietary formula) My 2 cents - NIMOC
Posted by Jeff
Carry A Tune
Amen, Amen & Amen Charlie a well written and excellent piece, I can carry a tune as well as the next guy,but the problem is when I try to unload it :) I appreciate living life in the fast lane, my preacher use to say he knew a few folks who burnt the candle from both ends but somehow I figured out how to light it in the middle also. If one thing I ever figured out besides, never approach a bull from the front, a horse from the rear or a fool from any direction.It is that most people would live their lives just as they have, including the good, the bad, and the ugly.....nuff said God Bless and keep your powder dry, Plowboy
Posted by Plowboy
Love the Article
Such great advice! Really enjoy your tweets, especially your morning prayers. May God continue to bless you!
Posted by Pam