Thank you! Yes, there are a number of targets you have to hit when it comes to country writing specifically. The first line of the song MUST be very strong. It's a challenge considering so much has been written so very well already. When I heard the song I hope you dance, I almost gave up any hope of writing a worthy lyric again. It just doesn't get any better than that lyric. It was frightening, as a writer. But, there's lots of ways of spinning things and saying things. And the opening lyric is a very important target to hit a bullseye with. Thank you for noticing! LOL!

As for mixing, like anything else- time, practice, patience, and repetition is where it's at. Thanks for your kind words.

Dan