Dixie Chicks

"Not Ready To Make Nice"

Forgive, sounds good
Forget, I’m not sure I could
They say time heals everything
But I’m still waiting

I’m through with doubt
There’s nothing left for me to figure out
I’ve paid a price
And I’ll keep paying

I’m not ready to make nice
I’m not ready to back down
I’m still mad as hell and
I don’t have time to go round and round and round
It’s too late to make it right
I probably wouldn’t if I could
‘Cause I’m mad as hell
Can’t bring myself to do what it is you think I should

I know you said
Can’t you just get over it
It turned my whole world around
And I kind of like it

I made my bed and I sleep like a baby
With no regrets and I don’t mind sayin’
It’s a sad sad story when a mother will teach her
Daughter that she ought to hate a perfect stranger
And how in the world can the words that I said
Send somebody so over the edge
That they’d write me a letter
Sayin’ that I better shut up and sing
Or my life will be over

I’m not ready to make nice
I’m not ready to back down
I’m still mad as hell and
I don’t have time to go round and round and round
It’s too late to make it right
I probably wouldn’t if I could
‘Cause I’m mad as hell
Can’t bring myself to do what it is you think I should

I’m not ready to make nice
I’m not ready to back down
I’m still mad as hell and
I don’t have time to go round and round and round
It’s too late to make it right
I probably wouldn’t if I could
‘Cause I’m mad as hell
Can’t bring myself to do what it is you think I should

What it is you think I should

Forgive, sounds good
Forget, I’m not sure I could
They say time heals everything
But I’m still waiting

The musicians selected as the band of the year endured scrutiny from their fans, yet were able to defy all odds as their CD Taking the Long Way topped the Billboard’s national album chart at No.1. The Rolling Stones magazine is pleased to give the Dixie Chicks this honor. This recognition is well deserved given that as of May 2008, the female group has sold over 36 million albums and have won thirteen Grammy Awards. Their ever growing fan base is attributed to their gift to incorporate a traditional sound with modern ideas such as the 1990s “Girl Power movement.”

The Dixie Chicks formed in Dallas, Texas in 1989. The group originally consisted of four women, but now, the group includes Martie Maguire, Natalie Maines, and Emily Robison. Their musical influences came from Bela Fleck, Bob Wills, Sam Bush, Bonnie Raitt, James Taylor, Dolly Parton, Indigo Girls, Emmylou Harris, and Linda Ronstadt. Their song Travelin' Soldier tells a story of a man going to war, and the fears and heartache he is feeling once he leaves his life behind. Dixie Chicks' "Goodbye Earl" tells a story of a women and her high school friend putting matters into their own hands, as they poisoned her abusive husband named Earl. While they made clear they were not advocating harming their spouses, the Dixie Chicks wanted to empower women who were being physically or mentally abused by their husband. Some radio stations even played public service announcements regarding how to report spousal abuse after playing "Goodbye Earl,” which fostered community awareness.

The controversy all started when the Dixie Chicks were in a concert in London, England, and Natalie Maines stated to the fans, "Just so you know, we're ashamed the president of the United States is from Texas." This remark sparked an uproar in America. Several country radio stations banned their music, and their were rallies were thousands of their records were smashed. In an interview on CNN News, Larry King questions the women about Maines’ comment in London. Natalie Maines states, "It was the wrong wording with genuine emotion and questions and concern behind it. ... Am I sorry that I asked questions and that I just don't follow? No."

The Dixie Chick try to convey to the public that it is vital for people to be involved in their country. In response to their new found attention in political matters, they donated $10,000 to the Rock the Vote website, in attempt to get more young women to register to vote. They also gave their fans the opportunity to register to vote at their concerts. Maines stated, "We always felt like we were searching for ways to make an impact outside of music", and, "I believe everything that's happened in the last few months happened for a reason." Due their disapproval of the war, many found their beliefs and lyric to be unpatriotic. The Dixie Chicks responded to this by appearing on the issue of Entertainment Weekly naked with epithets including “Traitors,” Boycott,” and “Proud Americans,” on their bodies.A few of the countless people influenced by the Dixie Chicks include Taylor Swift and Dan Wilson. They ultimately are calling their supporters to fight for their freedoms, as well as question and challenge the status quo.