Introduction
“Goodbye Earl” is a song by the American country music group, The Dixie Chicks. The song was written by Dennis Linde and released on June 5, 2000, as the lead single from their album “Fly.” It is a story about two best friends, Mary Ann and Wanda, who plot to kill Mary Ann’s abusive husband, Earl. The song was a commercial success and peaked at number 13 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart.
The Lyrics
The lyrics of “Goodbye Earl” are a conversation between Mary Ann and Wanda, discussing the murder of Earl. The song is written in a humorous tone, despite the dark subject matter. Here are the lyrics:
“Mary Ann:
‘That’s Earl Had to Die’
‘Goodbye Earl’
Wanda:
‘Those black-eyed peas’
‘They tasted alright to me, Earl’
Mary Ann:
‘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’
Wanda:
‘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’
Mary Ann:
‘So the girls bought some land and a roadside stand’
‘Out on Highway 109’
Wanda:
‘They sell Tennessee ham and strawberry jam’
‘And they don’t lose any sleep at night, ’cause Earl had to die’
Both:
‘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’
‘Is that alright? Good! Let’s go for a ride, Earl’
The Inspiration
The writer of the song, Dennis Linde, was inspired by the true story of two women who killed an abusive husband in his hometown. Linde was fascinated by the story and decided to write a song about it. The song was initially offered to Reba McEntire, but she turned it down. The Dixie Chicks then recorded the song and it became a hit.
The Message
“Goodbye Earl” is a song that encourages women to stand up against domestic violence. The song’s message is that women should not tolerate abuse and should take action to protect themselves. The song’s humorous tone also serves to highlight the absurdity of domestic violence.
The Controversy
The song caused controversy when it was released because some people felt that it glorified murder. However, The Dixie Chicks defended the song, stating that it was meant to be taken as a joke and that they did not condone violence. The controversy did not affect the song’s success, and it remains one of The Dixie Chicks’ most popular songs.
The Music Video
The music video for “Goodbye Earl” was directed by Evan Bernard and features actress Jane Krakowski as Mary Ann and actress Lauren Holly as Wanda. The video follows the story of the song and shows Mary Ann and Wanda planning Earl’s murder. The video ends with the two women selling their products at their roadside stand.
The Legacy
“Goodbye Earl” has become an iconic song and is considered to be one of The Dixie Chicks’ signature songs. The song has been covered by several artists and has been featured in several movies and TV shows. The song was also parodied by “Weird Al” Yankovic in his song “Angry White Boy Polka.”
The Dixie Chicks
The Dixie Chicks are an American country music group that was formed in 1989. The group consists of Natalie Maines, Emily Robison, and Martie Maguire. The group has won numerous awards, including 13 Grammy Awards. The group is known for their outspoken views and activism, particularly in regards to politics and social issues.
Conclusion
“Goodbye Earl” is a classic song that tells the story of two women who take matters into their own hands to escape domestic violence. The song’s message is powerful and encourages women to stand up against abuse. The song’s humorous tone serves to highlight the absurdity of domestic violence and has made it a beloved song among fans of The Dixie Chicks.
