"I'm not crazy about country-western music. But the lyrics are good."
Alice Cooper
Today we are going to explore just the tip of the Country and Western iceberg, for social comment and change. I have never really been a fan of Country and Western until recently. I always held the stereotypical opinion that it was all a bunch of sad stories and love sick crooning, by cowboys and cowgirls. I never really listened to Country, and so I was not exposed to the true culture. “Rocky Mountain High” by John Denver, was probably my earliest exposure to pure country, and I loved that; but it wasn’t “cool” back in the 70’s in England to like C&W. The occasional hit by The Dixie Chicks or more recently, Kacey Musgraves, made me wake up and smell the proverbial coffee. I have long been a fan of The Indigo girls, but they did not really fall into the category of Country and Western , but an early KD Lang performance of “Cowgirls never get the blues” wowed me, and should have alerted me to a whole new world of music and lyrics !
Country music, in all its varieties, spread rapidly after World War II
Early country music records provide us with a retrospective image of tradition in a period of rapid change: Music ranges from, ballads and love songs, family, hearth and home, to tales of unrequited love, and restless migration.
The following is an excerpt from the U.S. Department of State publication, American Popular Music.
Country music has always been about the relationship between the countryside and the city, home and migration, the past and the present. This is not surprising if we consider the main audience for this music during the 1920s: rural people whose way of life was being radically transformed by the mechanization of agriculture and changes in the American economy, and migrants who left home to find jobs and establish new lives in the city.
There are countless examples of social and political messages wrapped into musical packages and delivered as entertainment dating back to the Great Depression, but I have chosen just a few examples to perhaps shine a different light on how you might think about Country and Western music, especially with regard to Women’s issues and Rights.
So here goes!
"Don't Take Your Guns to Town" is a 1958 single by Johnny Cash. The song tells the story of a young cowboy who, ignoring the advice from his mother, gets into a saloon gunfight and is killed.
A young cowboy named Billy Joe grew restless on the farm
A boy filled with wonder-lust who really meant no harm
He changed his clothes and shined his boots
And combed his dark hair down
And his mother cried as he walked out
Don't take your guns to town son
Leave your guns at home Bill
Don't take your guns to town
He laughed and kissed his mom
And said your Billy Joe's a man
I can shoot as quick and straight as anybody can
But I wouldn't shoot without a cause
I'd gun nobody down
But she cried again as he rode away
Don't take your guns to town son
Leave your guns at home Bill
Don't take your guns to town
He sang a song as on he rode
His guns hung at his hips
He rode into a cattle town
A smile upon his lips
He stopped and walked into a bar
And laid his money down
But his mother's words echoed again
Don't take your guns to town son
Leave your guns at home Bill
Don't take your guns to town
He drank his first strong liquor then to calm his shaking hand
And tried to tell himself he had at last he had become a man
A dusty cowpoke at his side began to laugh him down
And he heard again his mother’s words
Don't take your guns to town son
Leave your guns at home Bill
Don't take your guns to town
Filled with rage then
Billy Joe reached for his gun to draw
But the stranger drew his gun and fired
Before he even saw
As Billy Joe fell to the floor
The crowd all gathered 'round
And wondered at his final words
Don't take your guns to town son
Leave your guns at home Bill
Don't take your guns to to town
Originally recorded by Nine Inch Nails, the song "Hurt" has been adapted and covered by several artists, including Johnny Cash and Leona Lewis. The song includes references to self-harm and heroin addiction, although the overall meaning of the song is ultimately disputed.
An excerpt from Hurt, below:
Seems like it was yesterday when I saw your face
You told me how proud you were but I walked away
If only I knew what I know today
I would hold you in my arms
I would take the pain away
Thank you for all you've done
Forgive all your mistakes.
There's nothing I wouldn't do
To hear your voice again.
Sometimes I wanna call you but I know you won't be there
Oh, I'm sorry for blaming you for everything I just couldn't do
And I've hurt myself by hurting you
Some days I feel broke inside but I won't admit
Sometimes I just wanna hide 'cause it's you I miss
And it's so hard to say goodbye when it comes to this, ooh, whoa
After the tragic events of September 11th 2001, many new Protest Country songs were written,
These include:
Alan Jackson, "Where Were You (When The World Stopped Turning)"
Bruce Springsteen, "The Rising"
Steve Earle, "John Walker's Blues"
“By casting the infamous "American Taliban", John Walker Lindh as the song's narrator, country-rock icon Steve Earle projected Americans' alienation from their own culture and inspirations for fundamentalist terrorists” (ref: Politics daily.com)
Then came James McMurtry, "We Can't Make It Here Anymore"
“We can’t make it here anymore” takes a tough look at Poverty, minimum wage, the economy, importation versus “made in America”, war, and racism; the dashed American dream.
“will work for food, will die for oil, will kill for power / billionaires will pay less tax, the working poor will fall through the cracks”
"Dust devils dance in the noonday heat/ There's rats in the alley/ And trash in the street/ Gang graffiti on a boxcar door/ We can't make it here anymore."
Willie Nelson has to be mentioned in this context. Over the years he has been a singer-songwriter, musician, guitarist, author, poet, actor, and activist. He has written hundreds of songs that could fall into the category of C&W for social change. He writes from his own experiences in relationships “To all the girls I’ve loved before”; Life, ”Funny how time slips away”; and his dealings with the IRS for tax evasion, “The IRS tapes: Who’ll buy my memories.” He has always been an advocate for freedom of speech, and for the underdog. In his song Heartland, a track from Nelson's 1993 Across the Borderline, Willie and Dylan sing an elegy to America’s family farmers,
"My American dream fell apart at the seam.”
The song details the war between forlorn American farmers and their unsympathetic bankers, with the latter being the victor.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
And now for the women!
Tammy Wynette’s “Stand By Your Man” definitely did not help the reputation of Country music for speaking out about gender equality and women’s rights!
For years women in the country music industry have written songs about men breaking their hearts, cheating, and loving not-so-loving men.
However, many female country music artists are boldly singing out about these issues.
“Single girl/Married girl “sung by the Carter Family, is one of the earliest feminist songs, that echoes the roots of female dissatisfaction and rebellion for change.
The song is a tale that encourages women to savor their independence. The song emphasizes the differences between the single girl, who gets to flaunt her nice clothes, while the married woman rocks her baby and weeps. It talks of developing female independence, rather than dependence on a man.
Taylor Swift in Bad blood, addresses family violence
Band-aids don't fix bullet holes
You say sorry just for show
If you live like that, you live with ghosts
Band-aids don't fix bullet holes
You say sorry just for show
If you live like that, you live with ghosts
If you love like that blood runs cold
Maddie & Tae – “Girl In a Country Song”
This song was released in July, 2014 as their debut single. They were tired of girls being portrayed as sexual objects for many famous male performers.
Well, I wish I had some shoes on my two bare feet
And it's gettin' kinda cold in these painted on cut-off jeans
I hate the way this bikini top chafes
Do I really have to wear it all day?
I hear you over there on your tailgate whistlin'
Sayin', "Hey girl."
But you know I ain't listenin'
'Cause I got a name
And to you it ain't "pretty little thing", "hottie" or "baby"
Yeah it's drivin' me red-red-red-red-red-red-redneck crazy
[Chorus:]
Bein' the girl in a country song
How in the world did it go so wrong?
Like all we're good for
Is looking good for you and your friends on the weekend
Nothing more
We used to get a little respect
Now we're lucky if we even get
To climb up in your truck, keep our mouth shut and ride along
And be the girl in a country song
Well, shakin' my moneymaker ain’t ever made me a dime
And there ain't no sugar for you in this shaker of mine
Tell me one more time, "you gotta get you some of that"
Sure I'll slide on over, but you’re gonna get slapped (Hah!)
These days it ain't easy being that
Aww no, Conway and George Strait
Never did it this way
Back in the old days
Aww y'all, we ain't a cliché
That ain't no way
To treat a lady...
Dolly Parton.
Just Because I’m a Woman” is a song written by Dolly Parton in response to a conversation with her husband about how many lovers they’d had in the past. It has a simple message, yet a powerful and relevant one. Dolly implies that just because she is a woman, her mistakes are no worse than her husband’s. Released in 1968, this song made an impact, and spoke out about women’s rights long before people were ready to accept the message.
1975--Loretta Lynn, "The Pill" Loretta Lynn was banned from the radio in 1975! Here she celebrates reproductive choice, and it's freedoms!
You wined me and dined me
When I was your girl
Promised if I'd be your wife
You'd show me the world
But all I've seen of this old world
Is a bed and a doctor bill
I'm tearin' down your brooder house
'Cause now I've got the pill
All these years I've stayed at home
While you had all your fun
And every year that's gone by
Another babys come
There's a gonna be some changes made
Right here on nursery hill
You've set this chicken your last time
'Cause now I've got the pill
This old maternity dress I've got
Is goin' in the garbage
The clothes I'm wearin' from now on
Won't take up so much yardage
Miniskirts, hot pants and a few little fancy frills
Yeah I'm makin' up for all those years
Since I've got the pill
I'm tired of all your crowin'
How you and your hens play
While holdin' a couple in my arms
Another's on the way
This chicken's done tore up her nest
And I'm ready to make a deal
And ya can't afford to turn it down
'Cause you know I've got the pill
This incubator is overused
Because you've kept it filled
The feelin' good comes easy now
Since I've got the pill
It's gettin' dark it's roostin' time
Tonight's too good to be real
Oh but daddy don't you worry none
'Cause mama's got the pill
Oh daddy don't you worry none
'Cause mama's got the pill
The Dixie Chicks
Formed in Dallas, Texas in 1989 as a Western-themed bluegrass band, the Dixie Chicks became one of the most popular acts in contemporary country music, as well as the highest-selling female group in America.
Goodbye Earl is a commentary on domestic violence, and a satirical ballad about a young girl who ends up killing her husband, and opening a road side stall selling Strawberry jam; ( a symbol of revenge and new found independence. ) There is tongue-in-cheek video on #YouTube.com where they sing this song and act out the story..
Mary Anne and Wanda were the best of friends
All through their high school days
Both members of the 4H Club
Both active in the FFA
After graduation Mary Anne went out
lookin' for a bright new world
Wanda looked all around this town
and all she found was Earl
Well, it wasn't two weeks
after she got married that
Wanda started gettin' abused
She put on dark glasses
and long sleeved blouses
And make-up to cover her bruise
Well, she finally got the nerve to file for divorce
She let the law take it from there
But Earl walked right through that restraining order
And put her in intensive care
Right away Mary Anne flew in from Atlanta
On a red eye midnight flight
She held Wanda's hand and they worked out a plan
And it didn't take them long to decide
That Earl had to die
Goodbye, Earl
Those black-eyed peas?
They tasted all right to me, Earl
You're feeling weak?
Why don't you lay down and sleep, Earl
Ain't it dark?
Wrapped up in that tarp, Earl
The cops came by to bring Earl in
They searched the house high and low
Then they tipped their hats
and said "Thank You, ladies, if you hear from him let us know"
Well, the weeks went by and spring turned to summer
And summer faded into fall
And it turns out he was a missing person
who nobody missed at all
So the girls bought some land
and a roadside stand
Out on Highway 109
They sell Tennessee ham
and strawberry jam,
And they don't lose any sleep at night
'Cause Earl had to die
Goodbye Earl
We need a break
Let's go out to the lake, Earl
We'll pack a lunch
And stuff you in the trunk, Earl
Well, is that all right?
Good! Let's go for a ride, Earl.
Hey!
In “The Travelin’ soldier “ the Dixie Chicks make social commentary primarily about the Vietnam war, but this could apply to any wartime era.
"Travelin' Soldier"
Two days past eighteen
He was waiting for the bus in his army green
Sat down in a booth in a cafe there
Gave his order to a girl with a bow in her hair
He's a little shy so she gives him a smile
And he said, "Would you mind sittin' down for a while
And talking to me?
I'm feeling a little low."
She said, "I'm off in an hour and I know where we can go."
So they went down and they sat on the pier
He said I bet you got a boyfriend but I don't care
I got no one to send a letter to
Would you mind if I sent one back here to you
I cried
Never gonna hold the hand of another guy
Too young for him they told her
Waitin' for the love of a travelin' soldier
Our love will never end
Waitin' for the soldier to come back again
Never more to be alone when the letter said
A soldier's coming home
So the letters came from an army camp
In California then Vietnam
And he told her of his heart
It might be love and all of the things he was so scared of
He said, "When it's getting kinda rough over here,
I think of that day sittin' down at the pier.
And I close my eyes and see your pretty smile.
Don't worry but I won't be able to write for awhile."
One Friday night at a football game
The Lord's Prayer said and the Anthem sang
A man said, "Folks would you bow your heads
For a list of local Vietnam dead."
Crying all alone under the stands
Was a piccolo player in the marching band
And one name read but nobody really cared
But a pretty little girl with a bow in her hair
Kacey Musgraves has a made a huge impact in the country music world by sharing her liberal views. This song, “Follow Your Arrow” encourages people to do whatever makes them happy, and not try to please others. This song is a comment on feminism, body image, gay rights and acceptance.
If you save yourself for marriage
You're a bore
You don't save yourself for marriage
You're a horrible person
If you won't have a drink then you're a prude
But they'll call you a drunk
As soon as you down the first one
If you can't lose the weight
Then you're just fat
But if you lose too much
Then you're on crack
You're damned if you do
And you're damned if you don't
So, you might as well just do
Whatever you want
So, make lots of noise
Kiss lots of boys
Or kiss lots of girls
If that's something you're into
When the straight and narrow
Gets a little too straight
Roll up a joint or don't
Just follow your arrow
Wherever it points, yeah
Follow your arrow
Wherever it points
If you don't go to church, you'll go to hell
If you're the first one on the front row
You're a self-righteous son of a
Can't win for losing
You'll just disappoint 'em
Just 'cause you can't beat 'em
Don't mean you should join 'em
So, make lots of noise
Kiss lots of boys
Or kiss lots of girls
If that's something you're into
When the straight and narrow
Gets a little too straight
Roll up a joint or don't
Just follow your arrow
Wherever it points, yeah
Follow your arrow
Wherever it points
Say what you think
Love who you love
'Cause you just get so many trips around the sun
Yeah, you only, only live once
So, make lots of noise
Kiss lots of boys
Or kiss lots of girls
If that's something you're into
When the straight and narrow
Gets a little too straight
Roll up a joint or don't
Just follow your arrow
Wherever it points, yeah
Follow your arrow
Wherever it points
Miranda Lambert,”Gunpowder and Lead” breaks into the popular "revenge against an abuser" genre…..
County road two thirty-three under my feet
Nothin' on this white rock but little ol' me
I've got two miles till he makes bail
And if I'm right, we're headed straight for hell
I'm goin' home, gonna load my shotgun
Wait by the door, and light a cigarette
If he wants a fight, well, now he's got one
And he ain't seen me crazy yet
He slapped my face, and he shook me like a rag doll
Don't that sound like a real man?
I'm going to show him what little girls are made of
Gunpowder and lead
Well, it's half past ten, another six-pack in
And I can feel the rumble like the cold black wind
He pulls in the drive, the gravel flies
He don't know what's waiting here this time
Yeah, I'm goin' home, gonna load my shotgun
Wait by the door, and light a cigarette
If he wants a fight, well, now he's got one
And he ain't seen me crazy yet
He slapped my face, and he shook me like a rag doll
Don't that sound like a real man?
I'm going to show him what little girls are made of
Gunpowder and lead
His fist is big, but my gun's bigger
He'll find out when I pull the trigger
I'm goin' home, gonna load my shotgun
Wait by the door, and light a cigarette
If he wants a fight, well, now he's got one
And he ain't seen me crazy yet
He slapped my face, and he shook me like a rag doll
Don't that sound like a real man?
I'm going to show him what little girls are made of
Gunpowder and, gunpowder and lead
Gunpowder and lead
Kira Isabella’s song,”Quarterback” is a catchy, clever, and telling song exposing rape culture.
It was Friday night and the lights were shinning
Everyone was sitting in the stands
He was being scouted by a big time college
She played trumpet in the marching band
In the parking lot, when the game was over
She had a bus to ride
When he pulled up in his buddy's truck
And the door swung open wide
He was the quarterback
Smile at her, imagine that
How do you explain the star of the game
And the no name girl from the freshman class
She got out at a bonfire party
Never had a drink before
But he held it to her lips and she took her first sip
And before she knew it, she had three more
She always heard that a girls first time,
Is a memory she'll never forget
She found out the hard way about love
When she saw those pictures on the internet
He was the quarterback
Smile at her, imagine that
Who you gonna blame the star of the game
Or the no name girl in the freshman class
He was the quarterback
Smile at her, imagine that
Who you gonna blame, the star of the game
Or the no name girl in the marching band
Monday morning when the word got out
Everybody picked a side
He had the school and the whole town too
And she had nothing but the truth inside
He was the quarterback
Smile at her, imagine that
Who you gonna blame, the star of the game
Or the no name girl in the freshman class
He was the quarterback
Lied to her, imagine that
He was the quarterback
She was in the freshman class
He was the quarterback
Who you gonna blame the star of the game
Or the no name girl in the freshman class
Pretty powerful stuff…
To finish, I want to include a funny Country and Western song by David Frizzell, called “Im Gonna Hire a Wino to Decorate our Home “I think the message is self-explanatory! J
I came crawling home last night, like many nights before:
I finally made it to my feet as she opened up the door.
And she said, "You're not gonna do this anymore."
She said: "I'm gonna' hire a wino to decorate our home,
"So you'll feel more at ease here, and you won't have to roam.
"We'll take out the dining room table, and put a bar along that wall.
"And a neon sign, to point the way, to our bathroom down the hall."
She said: "Just bring your Friday paycheck, and I'll cash them all right here.
"And I'll keep on tap - for all your friends, their favorite kinds of beer.
"And for you, I'll always keep in stock, those soft aluminum cans.
"And when you're feeling macho, you can crush them like a man."
She said: "We'll rip out all the carpet, and put sawdust on the floor.
"Serve hard boiled eggs and pretzels, and I won't cook no more.
"There'll be Monday night football, on T.V. above the bar.
"And a pay phone in the hallway, when your friends can't find their car."
She said: "I'm gonna' hire a wino to decorate our home,
"So you'll feel more at ease here, and you won't have to roam.
"We'll take out the dining room table, and put a bar along that wall.
"And a neon sign, to point the way, to our bathroom down the hall."
She said: "You'll get friendly service, and for added atmosphere.
"I'll slip on something sexy, and I'll cut it clear to here.
"Then you can slap my bottom, every time you tell a joke.
"Just as long as you keep tipping, well, I'll laugh until you're broke."
She said: "Instead of family quarrels, we'll have a bar-room brawl,
"When the Ham's bear say's its closing time, you won't have far to crawl.
"And when you run out of money, you'll have me to thank.
"You can sleep it off next morning, when I'm putting it in the bank."
She said: "I'm gonna' hire a wino, to decorate our home,
"So you can feel more at ease here, and you won't have to roam.
"When you and your friends get off from work, and have a powerful thirst.
"There won't be any reason, why you can't stop off here first."
She said: "I'm gonna' hire a wino to decorate our home,
"So you'll feel more at ease here, and you won't have to roam.
"We'll take out the dining room table, and put a bar along that wall.
"And a neon sign, to point the way, to our bathroom down the hall."
Have a great week! And as the Ol’ Cowboy sayin’ goes..
”May your belly never grumble, may your heart never ache, may your horse never stumble, may your cinch never break!
(Thanks to #zeusianfog for their metafilter blog entry about feminism and country music.)
Alice Cooper
Today we are going to explore just the tip of the Country and Western iceberg, for social comment and change. I have never really been a fan of Country and Western until recently. I always held the stereotypical opinion that it was all a bunch of sad stories and love sick crooning, by cowboys and cowgirls. I never really listened to Country, and so I was not exposed to the true culture. “Rocky Mountain High” by John Denver, was probably my earliest exposure to pure country, and I loved that; but it wasn’t “cool” back in the 70’s in England to like C&W. The occasional hit by The Dixie Chicks or more recently, Kacey Musgraves, made me wake up and smell the proverbial coffee. I have long been a fan of The Indigo girls, but they did not really fall into the category of Country and Western , but an early KD Lang performance of “Cowgirls never get the blues” wowed me, and should have alerted me to a whole new world of music and lyrics !
Country music, in all its varieties, spread rapidly after World War II
Early country music records provide us with a retrospective image of tradition in a period of rapid change: Music ranges from, ballads and love songs, family, hearth and home, to tales of unrequited love, and restless migration.
The following is an excerpt from the U.S. Department of State publication, American Popular Music.
Country music has always been about the relationship between the countryside and the city, home and migration, the past and the present. This is not surprising if we consider the main audience for this music during the 1920s: rural people whose way of life was being radically transformed by the mechanization of agriculture and changes in the American economy, and migrants who left home to find jobs and establish new lives in the city.
There are countless examples of social and political messages wrapped into musical packages and delivered as entertainment dating back to the Great Depression, but I have chosen just a few examples to perhaps shine a different light on how you might think about Country and Western music, especially with regard to Women’s issues and Rights.
So here goes!
"Don't Take Your Guns to Town" is a 1958 single by Johnny Cash. The song tells the story of a young cowboy who, ignoring the advice from his mother, gets into a saloon gunfight and is killed.
A young cowboy named Billy Joe grew restless on the farm
A boy filled with wonder-lust who really meant no harm
He changed his clothes and shined his boots
And combed his dark hair down
And his mother cried as he walked out
Don't take your guns to town son
Leave your guns at home Bill
Don't take your guns to town
He laughed and kissed his mom
And said your Billy Joe's a man
I can shoot as quick and straight as anybody can
But I wouldn't shoot without a cause
I'd gun nobody down
But she cried again as he rode away
Don't take your guns to town son
Leave your guns at home Bill
Don't take your guns to town
He sang a song as on he rode
His guns hung at his hips
He rode into a cattle town
A smile upon his lips
He stopped and walked into a bar
And laid his money down
But his mother's words echoed again
Don't take your guns to town son
Leave your guns at home Bill
Don't take your guns to town
He drank his first strong liquor then to calm his shaking hand
And tried to tell himself he had at last he had become a man
A dusty cowpoke at his side began to laugh him down
And he heard again his mother’s words
Don't take your guns to town son
Leave your guns at home Bill
Don't take your guns to town
Filled with rage then
Billy Joe reached for his gun to draw
But the stranger drew his gun and fired
Before he even saw
As Billy Joe fell to the floor
The crowd all gathered 'round
And wondered at his final words
Don't take your guns to town son
Leave your guns at home Bill
Don't take your guns to to town
Originally recorded by Nine Inch Nails, the song "Hurt" has been adapted and covered by several artists, including Johnny Cash and Leona Lewis. The song includes references to self-harm and heroin addiction, although the overall meaning of the song is ultimately disputed.
An excerpt from Hurt, below:
Seems like it was yesterday when I saw your face
You told me how proud you were but I walked away
If only I knew what I know today
I would hold you in my arms
I would take the pain away
Thank you for all you've done
Forgive all your mistakes.
There's nothing I wouldn't do
To hear your voice again.
Sometimes I wanna call you but I know you won't be there
Oh, I'm sorry for blaming you for everything I just couldn't do
And I've hurt myself by hurting you
Some days I feel broke inside but I won't admit
Sometimes I just wanna hide 'cause it's you I miss
And it's so hard to say goodbye when it comes to this, ooh, whoa
After the tragic events of September 11th 2001, many new Protest Country songs were written,
These include:
Alan Jackson, "Where Were You (When The World Stopped Turning)"
Bruce Springsteen, "The Rising"
Steve Earle, "John Walker's Blues"
“By casting the infamous "American Taliban", John Walker Lindh as the song's narrator, country-rock icon Steve Earle projected Americans' alienation from their own culture and inspirations for fundamentalist terrorists” (ref: Politics daily.com)
Then came James McMurtry, "We Can't Make It Here Anymore"
“We can’t make it here anymore” takes a tough look at Poverty, minimum wage, the economy, importation versus “made in America”, war, and racism; the dashed American dream.
“will work for food, will die for oil, will kill for power / billionaires will pay less tax, the working poor will fall through the cracks”
"Dust devils dance in the noonday heat/ There's rats in the alley/ And trash in the street/ Gang graffiti on a boxcar door/ We can't make it here anymore."
Willie Nelson has to be mentioned in this context. Over the years he has been a singer-songwriter, musician, guitarist, author, poet, actor, and activist. He has written hundreds of songs that could fall into the category of C&W for social change. He writes from his own experiences in relationships “To all the girls I’ve loved before”; Life, ”Funny how time slips away”; and his dealings with the IRS for tax evasion, “The IRS tapes: Who’ll buy my memories.” He has always been an advocate for freedom of speech, and for the underdog. In his song Heartland, a track from Nelson's 1993 Across the Borderline, Willie and Dylan sing an elegy to America’s family farmers,
"My American dream fell apart at the seam.”
The song details the war between forlorn American farmers and their unsympathetic bankers, with the latter being the victor.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
And now for the women!
Tammy Wynette’s “Stand By Your Man” definitely did not help the reputation of Country music for speaking out about gender equality and women’s rights!
For years women in the country music industry have written songs about men breaking their hearts, cheating, and loving not-so-loving men.
However, many female country music artists are boldly singing out about these issues.
“Single girl/Married girl “sung by the Carter Family, is one of the earliest feminist songs, that echoes the roots of female dissatisfaction and rebellion for change.
The song is a tale that encourages women to savor their independence. The song emphasizes the differences between the single girl, who gets to flaunt her nice clothes, while the married woman rocks her baby and weeps. It talks of developing female independence, rather than dependence on a man.
Taylor Swift in Bad blood, addresses family violence
Band-aids don't fix bullet holes
You say sorry just for show
If you live like that, you live with ghosts
Band-aids don't fix bullet holes
You say sorry just for show
If you live like that, you live with ghosts
If you love like that blood runs cold
Maddie & Tae – “Girl In a Country Song”
This song was released in July, 2014 as their debut single. They were tired of girls being portrayed as sexual objects for many famous male performers.
Well, I wish I had some shoes on my two bare feet
And it's gettin' kinda cold in these painted on cut-off jeans
I hate the way this bikini top chafes
Do I really have to wear it all day?
I hear you over there on your tailgate whistlin'
Sayin', "Hey girl."
But you know I ain't listenin'
'Cause I got a name
And to you it ain't "pretty little thing", "hottie" or "baby"
Yeah it's drivin' me red-red-red-red-red-red-redneck crazy
[Chorus:]
Bein' the girl in a country song
How in the world did it go so wrong?
Like all we're good for
Is looking good for you and your friends on the weekend
Nothing more
We used to get a little respect
Now we're lucky if we even get
To climb up in your truck, keep our mouth shut and ride along
And be the girl in a country song
Well, shakin' my moneymaker ain’t ever made me a dime
And there ain't no sugar for you in this shaker of mine
Tell me one more time, "you gotta get you some of that"
Sure I'll slide on over, but you’re gonna get slapped (Hah!)
These days it ain't easy being that
Aww no, Conway and George Strait
Never did it this way
Back in the old days
Aww y'all, we ain't a cliché
That ain't no way
To treat a lady...
Dolly Parton.
Just Because I’m a Woman” is a song written by Dolly Parton in response to a conversation with her husband about how many lovers they’d had in the past. It has a simple message, yet a powerful and relevant one. Dolly implies that just because she is a woman, her mistakes are no worse than her husband’s. Released in 1968, this song made an impact, and spoke out about women’s rights long before people were ready to accept the message.
1975--Loretta Lynn, "The Pill" Loretta Lynn was banned from the radio in 1975! Here she celebrates reproductive choice, and it's freedoms!
You wined me and dined me
When I was your girl
Promised if I'd be your wife
You'd show me the world
But all I've seen of this old world
Is a bed and a doctor bill
I'm tearin' down your brooder house
'Cause now I've got the pill
All these years I've stayed at home
While you had all your fun
And every year that's gone by
Another babys come
There's a gonna be some changes made
Right here on nursery hill
You've set this chicken your last time
'Cause now I've got the pill
This old maternity dress I've got
Is goin' in the garbage
The clothes I'm wearin' from now on
Won't take up so much yardage
Miniskirts, hot pants and a few little fancy frills
Yeah I'm makin' up for all those years
Since I've got the pill
I'm tired of all your crowin'
How you and your hens play
While holdin' a couple in my arms
Another's on the way
This chicken's done tore up her nest
And I'm ready to make a deal
And ya can't afford to turn it down
'Cause you know I've got the pill
This incubator is overused
Because you've kept it filled
The feelin' good comes easy now
Since I've got the pill
It's gettin' dark it's roostin' time
Tonight's too good to be real
Oh but daddy don't you worry none
'Cause mama's got the pill
Oh daddy don't you worry none
'Cause mama's got the pill
The Dixie Chicks
Formed in Dallas, Texas in 1989 as a Western-themed bluegrass band, the Dixie Chicks became one of the most popular acts in contemporary country music, as well as the highest-selling female group in America.
Goodbye Earl is a commentary on domestic violence, and a satirical ballad about a young girl who ends up killing her husband, and opening a road side stall selling Strawberry jam; ( a symbol of revenge and new found independence. ) There is tongue-in-cheek video on #YouTube.com where they sing this song and act out the story..
Mary Anne and Wanda were the best of friends
All through their high school days
Both members of the 4H Club
Both active in the FFA
After graduation Mary Anne went out
lookin' for a bright new world
Wanda looked all around this town
and all she found was Earl
Well, it wasn't two weeks
after she got married that
Wanda started gettin' abused
She put on dark glasses
and long sleeved blouses
And make-up to cover her bruise
Well, she finally got the nerve to file for divorce
She let the law take it from there
But Earl walked right through that restraining order
And put her in intensive care
Right away Mary Anne flew in from Atlanta
On a red eye midnight flight
She held Wanda's hand and they worked out a plan
And it didn't take them long to decide
That Earl had to die
Goodbye, Earl
Those black-eyed peas?
They tasted all right to me, Earl
You're feeling weak?
Why don't you lay down and sleep, Earl
Ain't it dark?
Wrapped up in that tarp, Earl
The cops came by to bring Earl in
They searched the house high and low
Then they tipped their hats
and said "Thank You, ladies, if you hear from him let us know"
Well, the weeks went by and spring turned to summer
And summer faded into fall
And it turns out he was a missing person
who nobody missed at all
So the girls bought some land
and a roadside stand
Out on Highway 109
They sell Tennessee ham
and strawberry jam,
And they don't lose any sleep at night
'Cause Earl had to die
Goodbye Earl
We need a break
Let's go out to the lake, Earl
We'll pack a lunch
And stuff you in the trunk, Earl
Well, is that all right?
Good! Let's go for a ride, Earl.
Hey!
In “The Travelin’ soldier “ the Dixie Chicks make social commentary primarily about the Vietnam war, but this could apply to any wartime era.
"Travelin' Soldier"
Two days past eighteen
He was waiting for the bus in his army green
Sat down in a booth in a cafe there
Gave his order to a girl with a bow in her hair
He's a little shy so she gives him a smile
And he said, "Would you mind sittin' down for a while
And talking to me?
I'm feeling a little low."
She said, "I'm off in an hour and I know where we can go."
So they went down and they sat on the pier
He said I bet you got a boyfriend but I don't care
I got no one to send a letter to
Would you mind if I sent one back here to you
I cried
Never gonna hold the hand of another guy
Too young for him they told her
Waitin' for the love of a travelin' soldier
Our love will never end
Waitin' for the soldier to come back again
Never more to be alone when the letter said
A soldier's coming home
So the letters came from an army camp
In California then Vietnam
And he told her of his heart
It might be love and all of the things he was so scared of
He said, "When it's getting kinda rough over here,
I think of that day sittin' down at the pier.
And I close my eyes and see your pretty smile.
Don't worry but I won't be able to write for awhile."
One Friday night at a football game
The Lord's Prayer said and the Anthem sang
A man said, "Folks would you bow your heads
For a list of local Vietnam dead."
Crying all alone under the stands
Was a piccolo player in the marching band
And one name read but nobody really cared
But a pretty little girl with a bow in her hair
Kacey Musgraves has a made a huge impact in the country music world by sharing her liberal views. This song, “Follow Your Arrow” encourages people to do whatever makes them happy, and not try to please others. This song is a comment on feminism, body image, gay rights and acceptance.
If you save yourself for marriage
You're a bore
You don't save yourself for marriage
You're a horrible person
If you won't have a drink then you're a prude
But they'll call you a drunk
As soon as you down the first one
If you can't lose the weight
Then you're just fat
But if you lose too much
Then you're on crack
You're damned if you do
And you're damned if you don't
So, you might as well just do
Whatever you want
So, make lots of noise
Kiss lots of boys
Or kiss lots of girls
If that's something you're into
When the straight and narrow
Gets a little too straight
Roll up a joint or don't
Just follow your arrow
Wherever it points, yeah
Follow your arrow
Wherever it points
If you don't go to church, you'll go to hell
If you're the first one on the front row
You're a self-righteous son of a
Can't win for losing
You'll just disappoint 'em
Just 'cause you can't beat 'em
Don't mean you should join 'em
So, make lots of noise
Kiss lots of boys
Or kiss lots of girls
If that's something you're into
When the straight and narrow
Gets a little too straight
Roll up a joint or don't
Just follow your arrow
Wherever it points, yeah
Follow your arrow
Wherever it points
Say what you think
Love who you love
'Cause you just get so many trips around the sun
Yeah, you only, only live once
So, make lots of noise
Kiss lots of boys
Or kiss lots of girls
If that's something you're into
When the straight and narrow
Gets a little too straight
Roll up a joint or don't
Just follow your arrow
Wherever it points, yeah
Follow your arrow
Wherever it points
Miranda Lambert,”Gunpowder and Lead” breaks into the popular "revenge against an abuser" genre…..
County road two thirty-three under my feet
Nothin' on this white rock but little ol' me
I've got two miles till he makes bail
And if I'm right, we're headed straight for hell
I'm goin' home, gonna load my shotgun
Wait by the door, and light a cigarette
If he wants a fight, well, now he's got one
And he ain't seen me crazy yet
He slapped my face, and he shook me like a rag doll
Don't that sound like a real man?
I'm going to show him what little girls are made of
Gunpowder and lead
Well, it's half past ten, another six-pack in
And I can feel the rumble like the cold black wind
He pulls in the drive, the gravel flies
He don't know what's waiting here this time
Yeah, I'm goin' home, gonna load my shotgun
Wait by the door, and light a cigarette
If he wants a fight, well, now he's got one
And he ain't seen me crazy yet
He slapped my face, and he shook me like a rag doll
Don't that sound like a real man?
I'm going to show him what little girls are made of
Gunpowder and lead
His fist is big, but my gun's bigger
He'll find out when I pull the trigger
I'm goin' home, gonna load my shotgun
Wait by the door, and light a cigarette
If he wants a fight, well, now he's got one
And he ain't seen me crazy yet
He slapped my face, and he shook me like a rag doll
Don't that sound like a real man?
I'm going to show him what little girls are made of
Gunpowder and, gunpowder and lead
Gunpowder and lead
Kira Isabella’s song,”Quarterback” is a catchy, clever, and telling song exposing rape culture.
It was Friday night and the lights were shinning
Everyone was sitting in the stands
He was being scouted by a big time college
She played trumpet in the marching band
In the parking lot, when the game was over
She had a bus to ride
When he pulled up in his buddy's truck
And the door swung open wide
He was the quarterback
Smile at her, imagine that
How do you explain the star of the game
And the no name girl from the freshman class
She got out at a bonfire party
Never had a drink before
But he held it to her lips and she took her first sip
And before she knew it, she had three more
She always heard that a girls first time,
Is a memory she'll never forget
She found out the hard way about love
When she saw those pictures on the internet
He was the quarterback
Smile at her, imagine that
Who you gonna blame the star of the game
Or the no name girl in the freshman class
He was the quarterback
Smile at her, imagine that
Who you gonna blame, the star of the game
Or the no name girl in the marching band
Monday morning when the word got out
Everybody picked a side
He had the school and the whole town too
And she had nothing but the truth inside
He was the quarterback
Smile at her, imagine that
Who you gonna blame, the star of the game
Or the no name girl in the freshman class
He was the quarterback
Lied to her, imagine that
He was the quarterback
She was in the freshman class
He was the quarterback
Who you gonna blame the star of the game
Or the no name girl in the freshman class
Pretty powerful stuff…
To finish, I want to include a funny Country and Western song by David Frizzell, called “Im Gonna Hire a Wino to Decorate our Home “I think the message is self-explanatory! J
I came crawling home last night, like many nights before:
I finally made it to my feet as she opened up the door.
And she said, "You're not gonna do this anymore."
She said: "I'm gonna' hire a wino to decorate our home,
"So you'll feel more at ease here, and you won't have to roam.
"We'll take out the dining room table, and put a bar along that wall.
"And a neon sign, to point the way, to our bathroom down the hall."
She said: "Just bring your Friday paycheck, and I'll cash them all right here.
"And I'll keep on tap - for all your friends, their favorite kinds of beer.
"And for you, I'll always keep in stock, those soft aluminum cans.
"And when you're feeling macho, you can crush them like a man."
She said: "We'll rip out all the carpet, and put sawdust on the floor.
"Serve hard boiled eggs and pretzels, and I won't cook no more.
"There'll be Monday night football, on T.V. above the bar.
"And a pay phone in the hallway, when your friends can't find their car."
She said: "I'm gonna' hire a wino to decorate our home,
"So you'll feel more at ease here, and you won't have to roam.
"We'll take out the dining room table, and put a bar along that wall.
"And a neon sign, to point the way, to our bathroom down the hall."
She said: "You'll get friendly service, and for added atmosphere.
"I'll slip on something sexy, and I'll cut it clear to here.
"Then you can slap my bottom, every time you tell a joke.
"Just as long as you keep tipping, well, I'll laugh until you're broke."
She said: "Instead of family quarrels, we'll have a bar-room brawl,
"When the Ham's bear say's its closing time, you won't have far to crawl.
"And when you run out of money, you'll have me to thank.
"You can sleep it off next morning, when I'm putting it in the bank."
She said: "I'm gonna' hire a wino, to decorate our home,
"So you can feel more at ease here, and you won't have to roam.
"When you and your friends get off from work, and have a powerful thirst.
"There won't be any reason, why you can't stop off here first."
She said: "I'm gonna' hire a wino to decorate our home,
"So you'll feel more at ease here, and you won't have to roam.
"We'll take out the dining room table, and put a bar along that wall.
"And a neon sign, to point the way, to our bathroom down the hall."
Have a great week! And as the Ol’ Cowboy sayin’ goes..
”May your belly never grumble, may your heart never ache, may your horse never stumble, may your cinch never break!
(Thanks to #zeusianfog for their metafilter blog entry about feminism and country music.)
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