The Dixie Chicks have released a new single, Gaslighter. I was disappointed to discover that this was not a song about America's gaslighting, disinfectant injecting, stable genius, but a more personal anger statement.
For anyone who doesn't remember, The Dixie Chicks made a statement, in 2003, denigrating George W. Bush and his plans to invade Iraq. The Dixie Chicks are from Texas and this did not go down well with their redneck Republican fans, or even those who were never fans. It resulted in huge losses of revenue for them, with boycotts, protests and even death threats.
Other entertainers, including Bruce Springsteen and Madonna, defended their right to free speech. But many others, including TV producers, felt that Bush's right to invade another country, on the other side of the world, based on little to no evidence, was more important.
Although The Dixie Chicks' lead singer, Natalie Maines, who originally made the statement, made some concessions and perfunctory apologies, in the main (see what I did there?) they stuck to their guns and their musical response, to all of the attacks upon them, was 'Not Ready to Make Nice'.
At the 49th Grammy Awards Show in February 2007, the group won all five categories for which they were nominated, including the top awards of Song of the Year and Record of the Year for "Not Ready to Make Nice", and Album of the Year, for Taking the Long Way. So, while they were largely unsupported in their native Texas, the wider music world really appreciated their stand for peace and free speech.
However, all the of the pressure from the backlash against their statement took it's toll. While the Dixie Chicks also raised their children over the last 14 years, they have not released another album in all of that time.
Gaslighter, the title of the new single and album, breaks that quiet period. And, although the ladies are probably not in the mood to take on the Republican rednecks again, Gaslighter seems like the perfect title to describe President Trump. Who frequently makes outrageous, stupid and prejudicial statements in front of cameras and then later tries to persuade the country, or the world, that he said, or meant, something different.
The lyrics to Gaslighter are of a more personal nature and are apparently directed at Natlie Maines' ex-husband. But, if The Dixie Chcks are feeling up to it, I think a re-write to address the world's biggest gaslighter would be welcomed by many.
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