That's true, ILoutlaw, and the connection to thinking of J. W. Lind as if it were his own son helped give a direct pat to understanding the motivations, contradictions, and great sadness of the boy.
This is a remarkable work of empathy and just plain excellent songwriting.
But I wasn't aware at the time that this song was very "controversial" -- I thought it was truly under the radar. It's not like they were playing much Steve Earle on the radio anyway!
That's the thing you have to realize with what the Dixie Chicks went through: they were at the absolute "Top of the World" as far as fame went in the commercial County music world went, and then one made a declarative statement about Bush being a shame for Texans and Americans, at a time when Americans have never been so propagandized and fearful, and false-Patriotic.
They were advised to "take it back" and at first made an awkward attempt to mend the broken relationship they suddenly had with much of their fanbase, and then said screw it and owned their new bad commercial-radio reputation, moved on up.
I'm not a Dixie Chicks fan, but I admire what they do at their level, and they deserve much respect sacrificing all the fame and monetary gain at that time for a higher principles.
And all praise to Steve Earle who never betrays his convictions or his talent.
That's true, ILoutlaw, and the connection to thinking of J. W. Lind as if it were his own son helped give a direct pat to understanding the motivations, contradictions, and great sadness of the boy.
This is a remarkable work of empathy and just plain excellent songwriting.
But I wasn't aware at the time that this song was very "controversial" -- I thought it was truly under the radar. It's not like they were playing much Steve Earle on the radio anyway! That's the thing you have to realize with what the Dixie Chicks went through: they were at the absolute "Top of the World" as far as fame went in the commercial County music world went, and then one made a declarative statement about Bush being a shame for Texans and Americans, at a time when Americans have never been so propagandized and fearful, and false-Patriotic.
They were advised to "take it back" and at first made an awkward attempt to mend the broken relationship they suddenly had with much of their fanbase, and then said screw it and owned their new bad commercial-radio reputation, moved on up. I'm not a Dixie Chicks fan, but I admire what they do at their level, and they deserve much respect sacrificing all the fame and monetary gain at that time for a higher principles.
And all praise to Steve Earle who never betrays his convictions or his talent.