It’s my belief that a country song is not good because it’s good. It’s good because it’s a good country song. There is a Platonic ideal for a country song, and like Plato, the definition alludes me. While Steve Goodman may be crowned as king of the “perfect country and western song,” I don’t think it’s right to bestow such an honored title in perpetuity. I also don’t think it’s right that See the Big Man Cry should even have to compete with a novelty song and He Stopped Loving Her Today.