I was a big fan of the Dixie Chicks (how can you not love “Goodbye Earl”?) until Natalie Maines spouted off in England about being ashamed that they come from the same state as President Bush. The problem was the context: they were in another country on the eve of war, dissing our President. Had they been in the States, I would have been okay with it. Had those words come from, say, Sean Penn, I would have just chalked them up as the ramblings of a confirmed idiot. The fact that the words came from a women’s trio…I do think the reaction was based on a good degree of sexism, the feeling that pop-culture women shouldn’t be speaking forcefully about politics. Leave that to the menfolk.

So the context really stunk, and Natalie should have been more discrete. But when you have strong opinions about something, and you’re in the public eye and performing regularly in front of thousands of people–well, you’re bound to say some inappropriate things. I certainly excrete plenty of stupid, brash, and ill-conceived nonsense on this blog. The difference between me and the Chicks is: nobody cares what I have to say.

But now, the Dixie Chicks have this new song out, called “Not Ready to Make Nice.” And let me just say: I think it’s a marvelous song. And I admire this threesome’s spunk. Most male musicians, faced with a staggering career setback, would have caved in and uttered an apology, eaten some dirt, groveled, etc. The Chicks didn’t. While regretting perhaps saying those words in that particular context, they haven’t backed off from the sentiments. Good for them! It’s costing them lots of money, but they’re not backing down.

And as for the song: I love it. And the music video is absolutely stunning. I catch it some Saturday mornings. Here are some of the opening lyrics and then the chorus. I think this is superb writing.

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.

These gals have courage and convictions, and I admire it. And they’re articulate, able to defend themselves without sounding like celebrity airheads. But Natalie–please, think before you spout off again. In the end, your words in England simply weren’t worth it.