'Close to the Land'

Ohio, unlike the western landscape that's so often the subject of Michael Martin Murphey's music, isn't known for its cowboys and ranches. But in the poignant "Close to the Land," Murphey captures the spirit of "America's Heartland," including my home and yours, simply and brilliantly.

You can see it in the eyes of every woman and man,
Who spent their whole lives livin' close to the land.
There's a love for the country and a pride in the brand
In America's Heartland, livin' close to the land.

He paints the Heartland that spans this nation, border to shore and city to town, the Heartland that beats in the American breast from generation to generation. It's home -- our home, my home.

"America's Heartland" isn't about politics, precincts or preaching, or even patriotism. It commits to verse the sacred place that holds our most precious treasures -- the good earth, our families and our communities, hard work and decency -- as well as our promise.

There's something that the people know,
Who make things live and make things grow,
Deeper than the words of any sage --
That unless you've touched this earth,
Planted seeds or given birth,
The human heart can never come of age.

Watch the "Close to the Land" video. Just how you react to it not only will fix your position -- it'll show you who you, at your core, truly are.