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.
Laughin' All the Way to the Bank
Michael Peterson Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
It's Monday 8am, traffic jam
But you and I have got a better plan
Forget the daily grind, dollar signs
Stress and life or death, deadlines
Let's live like millionaires today
Laughin' all the way...
To the bank of the river on the outskirts of town
With a fishin' pole in the water hole and throw a blanket down
Get a bucket of Kentucky fried, put twenty in the tank
Blow the dust off of that bottle of wine we never drank
There's never been a better day to be
Laughin' all the way to the bank
We're gonna live it up, the two of us
Feet in the mud and our heads in the clouds
Live like the wealthy crowd, fast and loud
Any rich man would be proud
To share this poor man's holiday
Laughin' all the way...
To the bank of the river on the outskirts of town
With a fishin' pole in the water hole and throw a blanket down
Get a bucket of Kentucky fried, put twenty in the tank
Blow the dust off of that bottle of wine we never drank
There's never been a better day to be
Who says time off doesn't pay
Laughin' all the way to the bank
The first verse of the song “Laughin’ All the Way to the Bank” by Michael Peterson describes the mundane aspects of life such as traffic jams, deadlines and stress, rather than focusing on the prospect of making money. The lyrics suggest that wealth isn't just about acquiring lots of money, but having enough freedom and leisure time to enjoy the simpler things in life. The song encourages people to take a break from their daily routines and live life to its fullest, even if it's just for a day. The singer wants to spend his day fishing by the river, eating fried chicken, drinking wine while enjoying the company of someone special. He is essentially talking about taking a “poor man’s holiday” by doing something that is affordable yet luxurious and allows you to find joy in life without focusing on the material.
The song is a reminder that sometimes the best things in life can be free, but we often miss out on them due to our hectic lives. It also implies that we should enjoy ourselves more often and not just save up for the future. The chorus, “Laughin’ all the way to the bank” is a metaphor, and can be interpreted in a few ways. It can mean that we should be able to find satisfaction even without being wealthy, or simply that we can find joy in the journey of life rather than always focusing on the goal of getting rich.
Line by Line Meaning
It's Monday 8am, traffic jam
Starting off the week with chaos and frustration
But you and I have got a better plan
Choosing to do something different than the usual routine
Forget the daily grind, dollar signs
Putting aside financial worries and work stress
Stress and life or death, deadlines
The heart-pumping feeling behind working for a living
Let's live like millionaires today
Experiencing opulence not usually afforded
To the bank of the river on the outskirts of town
Going to a quiet, peaceful place with natural scenery
With a fishin' pole in the water hole and throw a blanket down
Enjoying a leisurely day outdoors, with fishing and picnicking
Get a bucket of Kentucky fried, put twenty in the tank
Cost-effective but satisfying meal and transportation
Blow the dust off of that bottle of wine we never drank
Taking advantage of something previously neglected
There's never been a better day to be
The moment is perfect for taking a break
Feet in the mud and our heads in the clouds
Grounded but also enjoying the moment and feeling carefree
Live like the wealthy crowd, fast and loud
Living a lavish lifestyle for a day without holding back
Any rich man would be proud
The day's activities rival those of the wealthy's leisure time
To share this poor man's holiday
Enjoying a day off with limited resources, but to bask in it nonetheless
Who says time off doesn't pay
Getting paid in experiences rather than money
Laughin' all the way to the bank
Being content with the choice and the opportunity to experience something pleasurable
Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: RICK BOWLES, JOSH LEO, MICHAEL JAMES PETERSON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind