Goodbye Earl

“Goodbye Earl” was initially recorded by the band Sons of the Desert for an unreleased album in the late 1990s, the song gained fame when it was recorded by the Dixie Chicks on their fifth studio album, Fly. After charting from unsolicited airplay in late 1999, the song was released as that album’s third single in 2000, peaking at #13 on Billboard’s Hot Country Singles & Tracks (now Hot Country Songs) charts. The CD single includes an ironic ‘B-Side’ cover of “Stand By Your Man” by Tammy Wynette. Natalie Maines........I think initially when we heard it, we just thought it was so funny. We’re not saying kill your husband if he touches you. It was more [like], ‘This is a bad character, and these girls are going to do something really bad to him, but don’t take it too seriously. Lauren Holly, who played Mary Ann in the music video, talked about her appearance in it........You know what? I’m not really sure, to tell you the truth. But, it was so fun, and I love those girls. I’m so glad I did it. But, that was just a phone call I got asking if I would ever do something like that, and I said, “Sure. It sounds fun.” It was a blast, but I have no idea why they called me.

Goodbye Earl Lyrics Dixie Chicks [Verse 1] Mary Anne and Wanda were the best of friends All through their high school days Both members of the 4H Club Both active in the FFA After graduation Mary Anne went out Lookin' for a bright new world Wanda looked all around this town And all she found was Earl [Verse 2] Well it wasn't two weeks after she got married That Wanda started gettin' abused She put on dark glasses and long sleeved blouses And makeup to cover a bruise Well she finally got the nerve to file for divorce She let the law take it from there But Earl walked right through that restraining order And put her in intensive care [Pre-Chorus] Right away, Mary Anne flew in from Atlanta On a red-eye midnight flight She held Wanda's hand and they worked out a plan And it didn't take 'em long to decide [Chorus] That Earl had to die Goodbye, Earl Those black-eyed peas They tasted all right to me, Earl You're feeling weak Why don't you lay down and sleep, Earl? Ain't it dark Wrapped up in that tarp, Earl? [Verse 3] The cops came by to bring Earl in They searched the house high and low Then they tipped their hats And said "Thank You ladies, if you hear from him let us know" [Verse 4] Well the weeks went by and Spring turned to summer And summer faded into fall And it turns out he was a missing person Who nobody missed at all [Pre-Chorus] So the girls bought some land at a roadside stand Out on Highway 109 They sell Tennessee ham And strawberry jam And they don't lose any sleep at night, 'cause... [Chorus] Earl had to die Goodbye Earl We need a break Let's go out to the lake, Earl We'll pack a lunch And stuff you in the trunk, Earl Well, is that all right? Good, let's go for a ride Earl Hey [Outro] Well hey, hey, hey Aw, hey, hey, hey Well hey, hey, hey Produced By Paul Worley & Blake Chancey Written By Dennis Linde Release Date February 29, 2000