This spring he is launched a national tour promoting the strength and values of America and its citizens.
The "My Real Life – Strong For America Tour," which is being presented by the U.S. Army and supported by other sponsors such as the American Legion, New Holland Farm Equipment, Prince William Marina/Sea Ray Boats and others, challenges students, civic and business leaders and other community members to engage in building their community through several free initiatives and programs. Rejecting the traditional artist approach of in-and-out, one-night-only concerts, Peterson is investing a week of his time in each city.
"This Tour isn't about me," said Peterson. "I'm just a catalyst to help motivate a spirit of community-building that already exists. The star of this Tour is the individual who takes steps to invest more of his or her time and talent back in the community. Through the generous support of the U.S. Army and our other national sponsors, we are able to introduce tangible programs such as school assemblies, mentoring programs, internship programs and volunteer match programs at no cost to these communities."
Best known for topping the Billboard charts with "Drink, Swear Steal and Lie," and "From Here To Eternity," Michael has been an award winning artist for over a decade. Michael was recognized as country music's top selling new male artist for 1997 and 1998. He was also named Country Weekly's Male Newcomer and Gavin's Artist To Watch.
In 1999, he was selected by country fans as Male Star of Tomorrow at the TNN Music City News Awards, before hitting the charts again with "Something 'Bout A Sunday" and "Sure Feels Real Good," from his second CD, "Being Human," and even guest starred on the hit TV show, "Walker, Texas Ranger."
"Modern Man" was released in 2002, producing six songs in the top forty in the first week in Germany and another number one hit in Europe, a composition covered by his pal, Travis Tritt, "No More Looking Over My Shoulder." It was number 1 on the European hit indicator "The Hot Disc" chart and number 2 on the German country charts. Subsequent touring in Europe has included France, Germany and Switzerland in the last few years.
Michael has been spending much of his personal time mentoring aspiring young songwriters and teaching the craft to eager music students at some of Nashville's premiere songwriting programs including The NASHCAMP Songwriting Seminar, the Gibson Bluegrass Showcase, Tunesmith Songwriting Seminars and Loretta Lynn's Songwriting Festival.
In 2006, in addition to recording "Down On the Farm," a special promotional CD that was available strictly through New Holland tractor dealerships, Michael spent most of the that year working with his tour sponsor The New Holland Corporation and the U.S. Army around an initiative called "Harvesting Great Americans." This exciting initative was born out of New Holland's and the US Army's commitment to investing in America and Americas youth.
At the invitation of General Richard Cody (The Vice Chief Of Staff Of The Army), and the New Holland Corporation, Michael has been combining his gift as a seasoned presenter with his successful country music career to build a growing sense of togetherness between civilian and military communities. He is delivering this dynamic, proactive message around the world, inviting Americans from every walk of life to Answer The Call to a purpose bigger than themselves.
His commitment continued to grow when he was asked to serve as the national spokesman for The American Legion Legacy Scholarship Fund.
“Michael Peterson is a staunch supporter of this cause,” said National Commander Paul A. Morin. “I am delighted that he has agreed to champion this great program that benefits the children of our fallen heroes.”
The American Legion Legacy Scholarship Fund provides college scholarships for children of military personnel killed on duty since Sept. 11, 2001. Peterson pledged 50 percent of the profits from his DVD, “It’s Who We Are,” to go to the fund.
And for two years in a row he co-hosted the Hattie Larlham Doodle-thon on Time/Warner cable nationwide to raise money for people with disabilities and was instrumental in the National Christmas Tree Associations Trees For Troops program, helping to provide free trees for military families.
Being Human
Michael Peterson Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
All her friends are doin' it
And she wants to fit in
It's not about rebellion
She just has a need
To feel like she belongs
Her mama takes one look at her
And flies into a rage says,
And learn to act your age?"
But when a young girl's cry for attention
Lies beyond her mama's comprehension, it's just
Human beings being human
Not sure what they're doing
Trying to do the best they can
Just human beings being human
Every woman, child, and man
Harry's turning 49, his hair is turning gray
Now he's acting like he's longing
For his glory days
He buys a Harley, dyes his hair,
He's lifting weights and wearing new cologne
His wife of 20 years is worried
Where it's gonna lead
Will he turn to someone else
To fill his every need?
Lately she's afraid
He's gonna leave her
But he's just doing all
He can to keep her, it's just
Human beings being human
Not sure what they're doing
Trying to do the best they can
Just human beings being human
Every woman child and man
Sometimes we doubt sometimes we fear
Often wonder why we're here
Where do we fit in the plan
We're all bound to make mistakes
And when we do
It helps to understand it's just
Human beings, being human
Not sure what they're doing
Trying to do the best they can
Just human beings being human
Every woman, child, and man
Human beings being human
Not sure what they're doing
Trying to do the best they can
Just human beings being human
Every woman, child, and man
The song "Being Human" by Michael Peterson delves into the universal struggles that people face while trying to fit in and navigate through life. The lyrics focus on two different characters: Jenny, who wants to belong and fits in by getting a nose ring and tattoo, and Harry, who is going through a mid-life crisis and tries to relive his youth by buying a Harley and lifting weights. Both of these characters are simply trying to find their place in the world, and to feel accepted by others.
Jenny's mother doesn't understand why she wants a nose ring and tattoo and sees it as an act of rebellion. But for Jenny, it is more about finding a sense of belonging than rebellion. Similarly, Harry's wife doesn't understand why he is trying to relive his youth, but he just wants to feel alive again. The song suggests that as human beings, we are often searching for something that we can't quite put into words. We have doubts, fears, and questions about our purpose in life, and often don't know what we are doing or why we are doing it. However, it is comforting to know that we are all in this together, that we are all human beings being human, trying to do the best we can.
Overall, "Being Human" is a poignant reminder of the struggles and joys of being human. It provides a compassionate perspective on different life experiences and encourages empathy and understanding among people.
Line by Line Meaning
Jenny's got a nose ring and tattoo on her skin
Jenny has pierced her nose and got herself a tattoo that's clearly visible on her skin
All her friends are doin' it
All of Jenny's friends have already done what she has done, and she's following suit
And she wants to fit in
Jenny wants to blend in with the crowd and not be singled out, hence she's making efforts to look like everyone else
It's not about rebellion
Jenny's act of getting a nose ring and tattoo isn't a sign of her rebelling against her parents or society, it's an act of self-expression
She just has a need
Jenny feels the need to belong to a tribe or community and be accepted for who she is
To feel like she belongs
Jenny's ultimate goal is to be acknowledged and embraced by like-minded individuals
Her mama takes one look at her
Jenny's mother catches a glimpse of her daughter's new look
And flies into a rage says,
Jenny's mother is taken aback and angry at the changes she sees in her daughter's appearance
"When you gonna grow up child
Jenny's mother admonishes her, asking her to grow up and act her age
And learn to act your age?"
Jenny's mother wants her daughter to start behaving like an adult, as per what's expected of her
But when a young girl's cry for attention
The urge for attention and acceptance that Jenny has is common among young girls across the board
Lies beyond her mama's comprehension, it's just
Jenny's mother is unable to comprehend her daughter's need for self-discovery and self-expression
Human beings being human
Humans exhibit certain traits and characteristics that are innate to their existence be
Not sure what they're doing
Humans aren't always sure what's the best course of action or how to move forward, often they experiment and feel their way through
Trying to do the best they can
Humans try to make the best of every situation and circumstance they find themselves in, even if the results aren't always positive
Just human beings being human
In the end, humans are just being humans, with all that comes with that experience - the good and the bad, the happy and the sad
Every woman, child, and man
These experiences are universal and are inclusive of every member of the human race, men, women and children alike
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: CHUCK JONES, TOM SHAPIRO
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind