Every year, like everyone else, I make the usual New Year’s resolutions: to eat healthier, exercise and lose 20 pounds; to save more money and stop buying trash; to stop wasting time on shallow endeavors.  By January 3, I’m planted on the couch watching a bowling tournament on ESPN2, stuffing Doritos in my mouth and drinking beer from a novelty mug I bought at the dollar store.

So I decided to do something different this year.  Since I always listen to music, I chose a bunch of songs as my personal manifesto for 2011.  These 17 songs may not make me thinner or wealthier, but they will remind me of my intention to be a better husband, a better father, a better friend and a better citizen. That’s right, I’m going to go all earnest on you.

Cast of Oklahoma! Oh What A Beautiful Morning: The corn is not “as high as an elephant’s eye” where I live – right now, the snow is – but I can still start the new day with a smile and a positive outlook. (OK, that might require a cup of coffee first.) What happened yesterday does not have to impact what happens today. 

Mary J. Blige, Work That: Yeah, it’s a female empowerment song, but why can’t it be a human empowerment song?  “It’s okay, show yourself some love / Don’t worry about who’s sayin’ what.”  Plus it’s got a kickin’ beat, and it’s good to start the day with a strut.

Sly and the Family Stone, Everybody Is a Star: Each person brings his or her own strengths and weaknesses to the table.  Don’t sneer at those who can’t do what you do.  Respect those who can do things you can’t.  Like Sly said, “Different strokes for different folks.”

Phil Ochs, There But for Fortune: This morning, as I walked out to my Toyota Camry in my London Fog coat, carrying my nice shiny mug of self-ground coffee, I saw two men fishing soda cans out of our co-op’s recycling dumpster.  Note to self: I’m no better than them.  I’ve just been lucky to have advantages that they haven’t.

Carole King, You’ve Got a Friend: How hard is it to be a good friend?  You listen to their tales of woe, you offer a helping hand before they ask, you attach no strings if they accept.

John Legend and the Roots, Wake Up Everybody: Pay attention to what’s going on in the world.  It’s harder for them to pick your pocket if you remain on alert.  Ignorance is submission.

Elvis Costello and the Attractions, (What’s So Funny About) Peace, Love and Understanding: Pretty self-explanatory. 

Arcade Fire, We Used to Wait: “I used to write letters, I used to sign my name.”  Everything is instant gratification now.  Exercise some patience instead.  Don’t obsess if someone doesn’t answer your email or text immediately.  Think long-term.  Remember: what gives you pleasure right now might cause you pain a year from now.

The Beatles, Why Don’t We Do It in the Road: Be a little bold, take a few risks.  Just because nobody else does it doesn’t mean you shouldn’t.

Gil Scott-Heron, I’m New Here: “No matter how far wrong you’ve gone, you can always turn around.”  Don’t continue down the wrong path because of “an ego the size of Texas.” (My wife interjects: “Yeah, and don’t be afraid to ask directions!”)

Merle Haggard, I’ve Seen It Go Away: “I’ve seen many a tomorrow turn into yesterday.” Things that you love can be “fleeting” – youth, popularity, the American dream - so appreciate it while you have it, but don’t be so invested in it that you can’t live without it.

Pernice Brothers, The Great Depression: “The bitch” is “crafty and insidious,” breathing while I’m sleeping.  A couple of times this past year, I stopped taking my antidepressants and I noticed my mood quickly darkening. The bitch sings like a siren, “It’s you and me, don’t fight it, baby.” Don’t listen. Follow the doctor’s orders. 

Dame Joan Sutherland and Jane Barbie, “Flower Duet” from Lakme: Because sometimes you should appreciate beauty even though you don't understand it.   

Blur, Song 2: Because you should go “woo-hoo” for two minutes each day.

Drive-by Truckers, Two Daughters and a Beautiful Wife: Even though the song is about loss (the man has died), it’s also about what is precious – his vision of Heaven is spending a lazy Saturday morning with his family. I have two daughters and a beautiful wife.  This is my song.

Elizabeth Cook, Sometimes It Takes Balls to Be a Woman: I have to remember, since I’m surrounded by women, that they face different obstacles than I do.  Nobody makes demeaning assumptions about my abilities because of my gender, nobody looks at my chest while they’re talking to me.  It’s important for me to understand and support them as they overcome their obstacles. 

Al Green, Let’s Stay Together: It’s my favorite song of all-time for a reason. Marriage is a commitment, but nobody said it would be easy.  Most problems are meant to be resolved, not fled.  And who wants to start over at my age? 

(Here's guitarist John Fahey performing "Auld Lang Syne.")