What I Learned From Country Music

I was never a fan of country music until a few years ago. Since artists like Tim McGraw, Faith Hill, and Dan + Shay have made it a more mainstream genre, however, I find myself listening more and more.

There are a few things I have learned from country music:

• There are no paved roads anywhere in the south; no matter where they live, they drive on dirt
• Everyone owns a pickup truck
• No one owns a dog under 10 years old because every canine mentioned must be a "good ol' dog"
• Everyone has just broken up with someone
• The only clothing women own are cutoff denim shorts, crop tops, bikini tops and plaid flannel shirts tied up to reveal their navels
• Women do not own shoes

Another thing I have learned is that country music is a man's world.  If you think I am wrong, read the lyrics to "Girl in a Country Song" by Maddie and Tae:

 

Well, I wish I had some shoes on my two bare feet

And it's gettin' kinda cold in these painted 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

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

Five years ago, you were a lot less likely to continually hear lyrics that were so stereotypical. Sure, those lyrics have always been an element in some songs, but not on such a wide scale.

Another trend seems to be the domination of male country singers. It is typical to listen to a country station and hear one female country vocalist for every seven songs sung by a male. You just have to watch the music award shows to confirm it. Women are being pushed out of country music.  Unless it is to straddle the tailgate of a truck or ride along in cutoff jeans and belly shirts with their bare feet on the dashboard.

Yet there are many talented female country singers out there if you are lucky enough to hear their songs between all the male voices. Kacey Musgraves, Kelsea Ballerini, and Lauren Alaina come to mind. And the ladies are pushing back, as evidenced in the Maddie and Tae song.

Come on, fellas.  Women have more to contribute to country music--or anywhere else for that matter--than shakin' their money-makers. No sugar for you.