Hello, my favorite Monday peeps! It’s a 3-day weekend for many of us, as we remember and honor those who are no longer with us, who fought valiantly for our freedom. My late grandpa was one of those:
As was my late father-in-law:
Freedom does not come easy.
Meanwhile, since it is Monday, you know that Monday means music! This week’s theme is “In the US, May is National Barbecue month. It’s time to go hog wild! Share music that make you think of a great cook out.” Let’s get this cook out party started!
Let’s start with a song that feels like it was made specifically for backyard cookouts, campfires, lawn chairs, and those summer nights where nobody’s in a hurry to go home. 😄
With its laid-back groove and feel-good vibe, the song basically turns into instant sunshine the second it starts playing. If somebody handed me a paper plate full of barbecue while this song was on in the background, honestly, that would feel pretty on-brand.
Interestingly, the artist originally wrote the song to pitch to other country artists, but after revisiting it later while working on his own album, he realized it perfectly captured the message he wanted to share: life is short, so enjoy it while you can. He’s said he wanted to create music that helps people forget their stress for a little while and just have fun with family and friends—and that carefree spirit is exactly why this song became such a massive hit.
Even the music video leans all the way into that energy, featuring a campfire party with friends hanging out in the woods. Honestly, it’s hard to hear this song and not want to fire up the grill.
Get ready to dance, here’s Niko Moon with “Good Time”:
Next up is a song that absolutely screams “summer cookout playlist.” This artist’s song has that carefree, windows-down, warm-weather energy that instantly makes you think of burgers on the grill, lawn chairs in the driveway, and somebody trying to keep paper plates from blowing away in the wind. 😄 It’s bright, catchy, and basically bottled sunshine in song form.
The track actually started as a simple voice memo while the artist was sick and trying to write something upbeat to pull himself into a better mood. About 30 minutes into the writing session, the now-famous hook “I got my head out the sunroof” clicked into place. After connecting with his producer through Instagram, the two turned it into one of the biggest feel-good hits of 2022.
Thanks to TikTok, the song exploded into a massive summer anthem—and honestly, it’s easy to hear why. Everything about it feels like good vibes, sunny skies, and not a single care in the world.
Give a listen to Nicky Youre with “Sunroof”:
Next up is a song that might just be one of the ultimate warm-weather, cookout-ready songs ever recorded. Released in 2012, the track became the group’s very first No. 1 country hit and basically turned into the soundtrack for lake days, floating parties, and backyard barbecues everywhere.
And honestly, they nailed the vibe perfectly. Between the lyrics about floating instead of skiing, grabbing drinks from the cooler, and “barbecue on the pontoon,” the whole song feels like sunshine in musical form. It captures that slow-motion summer energy where nobody’s checking the clock, everybody’s relaxing, and the only real responsibility is making sure the burgers don’t burn. 😄
More than a decade later, it still feels impossible to hear this song without immediately picturing sunglasses, lawn chairs, and somebody yelling, “Who needs another hot dog?”
Without further ado, here’s Little Big Town with “Pontoon”:
Last, but definitely not least, is a song that feels like it was specifically designed for backyard cookouts, pool parties, and standing around the grill pretending you know exactly when the burgers are done. 😄 This favorite artist’s song is pure summer escapism wrapped up in three minutes of sunshine, cold drinks, and zero responsibilities.
The artist called it “the perfect summer song,” saying people just needed a moment to let go—and honestly, that’s exactly the vibe it delivers. Inspired by beach vacations and carefree good times, the track became one of the biggest summer anthems of 2020.
Even the music video doubled down on the fun, filmed during the artist’s special event in Mexico with dancing, beach scenes, and laid-back party energy everywhere you look. If there’s a soundtrack for balancing a paper plate in one hand and a drink in the other while someone inevitably burns the hot dogs, this song absolutely belongs on it.
Get ready to dance here’s Luke Bryan with “One Margarita”:
That’s a wrap for this week – have a great Monday! See you on the dance floor!
Now, onto the particulars of Monday’s Music Moves Me: 
I have the supreme honor and privilege of being a co-host with the inimitable Xmas Dolly and our musical cohort, the awesome Cathy from Curious as a CAThy, and Alana of Ramblin’ with AM!
Want to join in the fun? It’s easy – just find a tune that rocks your boat, post it, and link up! Check out the other music lovahs and let’s jam!
Interesting playlist.
I love the photos of your father in law and grandfather.
That’s nice of you to mention your loved ones who served. I so do appreciate their service to our country. You’re right freedom doesn’t come easy. Thanks for sharing your collection of song picks. I loved listening to each one and Pontoon has that lazy summer vibe which makes for great chillaxing music. Have a boogietastic week, darlin’ Stacy! xo
So true that freedom doesn’t come without great cost. My father served during World War II, as did two of his siblings, and also my father in law. My mother worked in a war time factory. Thank you for sharing your family photos. Country singers certainly know how to party, don’t they? Nice selection this week.
“Pontoon” just screams summer on the lake. Well played!
Your blog feels like opening a bottle of bubbly—full of surprises, stories, and a little fizz of fun. Loved how you mix everyday life with humor; it’s like parenting meets happy hour. My own chaos could use a cork, so thanks for sharing the sparkle!