Okay, let's talk about something. Something kinda…sacred. It involves a song. And free sheet music. Don't judge me!
The Elephant in the (Music) Room
We've all been there, right? You're at a wedding. Or a karaoke night. Suddenly, someone launches into… well, that song. You know the one.
It's "Always On My Mind." Yes, THAT "Always On My Mind". Sung by Elvis, Willie Nelson, and countless others. Prepare yourself, the waterworks are incoming.
And before you shout "sacrilege!", hear me out! I have an unpopular opinion. A very, very unpopular one. About free sheet music for this legendary song.
The Free Sheet Music Phenomenon
Let's be honest. Google "Always On My Mind free sheet music pdf". You get approximately a billion results. Okay, maybe not a billion. But it feels like it.
It's everywhere. Piano arrangements, guitar tabs, vocal scores… the whole shebang. All conveniently downloadable and printable. For free! What's not to love?
Well... everything. Kidding! Mostly. But bear with me here.
The Problem with "Free"
Okay, maybe "problem" is too strong. Let's call it a…quirk. A pervasive, slightly irritating quirk.
Every beginner pianist ever learns "Always On My Mind". With that free sheet music they found online. It's like a rite of passage.
And every wedding singer. And every bar band. And every well-meaning uncle with a guitar. You get the picture.
The result? We're drowning in "Always On My Mind". It's a beautiful song. I'm not denying that. But overexposure, my friends, is a real thing.
My Unpopular Opinion (Brace Yourselves)
Here it comes. The opinion that might get me banned from every music forum on the internet. I think. We need to *retire* "Always On My Mind" free sheet music. At least temporarily.
I'm not saying ban the song! Heavens, no! Just… maybe hide the free sheet music for a while. Let the song breathe.
Let aspiring musicians discover other gems. Let them explore the vast world of music beyond this one, ubiquitous tune.
A Call for Musical Adventure
Think of all the amazing songs waiting to be discovered! The hidden masterpieces! The quirky indie tunes! All neglected, because everyone's too busy playing Willie Nelson.
I'm not saying "Always On My Mind" is bad. It's a classic. A tearjerker. A guaranteed crowd-pleaser. But is it the ONLY crowd-pleaser?
I dare you. I double-dog dare you. To pick a song. Any song. That ISN'T "Always On My Mind." Learn it. Play it. Share it with the world.
Let's break free from the tyranny of free sheet music. Let's embrace musical diversity. Let's… okay, I'm getting carried away.
Just a Thought…
Maybe I'm wrong. Maybe "Always On My Mind" is the perfect song. The ultimate expression of love and regret. Maybe it's a masterpiece that deserves to be played ad nauseam.
But even masterpieces benefit from a little rest. A little vacation. A little time out of the spotlight. Don't you think?
So, next time you're tempted to download that "Always On My Mind" free sheet music pdf… pause. Take a breath. Consider your options.
Maybe, just maybe, you'll discover something even better. Or at least, something different. Your ears (and the ears of everyone around you) will thank you.
Disclaimer: I still occasionally play "Always On My Mind". I'm only human!
And hey, if you DO download that free sheet music? Play it with passion. Play it with feeling. But maybe, just maybe… play it softly.
Very, very softly. So the rest of us can have a little peace and quiet. And maybe discover a new favorite song ourselves. The end (for now!).
