Mary Miller fell in love with a man who made his fortune flipping houses. But when the relationship ended, Mary wasn’t just heartbroken — she wanted to beat him at his own game.
On the way to the bank to sign a $400,000 loan, Miller heard Lee Ann Womack’s“I Hope You Dance”on the radio. “Don’t let some hell-bent heart make you bitter,” she sang. “When you come close to selling out, reconsider.” Mary did reconsider, and on the verge of signing the papers, decided to cancel the deal. It was a lucky thing for her, since the housing market would crash shortly after that. Miller now makes her living her own way —singingcountry music and jazz standards.
(Originally aired October 26, 2012)
Is there a song, book, film, or other work of art that has changed your life?Tell us in a comment or byemail.
Video: Lee Ann Womack, “I Hope You Dance”
We want to hear your feedback so we can keep improving our website, theworld.org. Please fill out this quick survey and let us know your thoughts (your answers will be anonymous). Thanks for your time!