Martina McBride’s Poetic Choice

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Martina McBride photo courtesy of Sony BMG Nashville.


Nov. 20, 2008 — Martina McBride’s topical songs — including "Independence Day" and "Love’s The Only House" — have inspired millions of country fans. But who inspires Martina?

For one, poet Maya Angelou, who Martina honors in the pages of Reader’s Digest.

"One time when I was talking with Maya, she asked me why I didn’t write songs," Martina told the magazine. "I didn’t have a good answer for that. Maya said that sometimes we’re afraid to push ourselves, to really reach as far as we can, because we’re afraid that when we succeed, the world will ask more of us."

With that sort of insight, it’s perhaps not surprising that Martina’s first success as a songwriter came with "Anyway," a song that celebrates dreams, love and prayer.

"Maya opened my eyes to the power of my words," Martina observed. "I now take care to use words wisely and with integrity."

Martina has a new album on the way in 2009, and at least one of the songs come from her pen.

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