`` Goodbye, Earl `` By Dennis Linde And Performed By The...

Set in the American South, the song â€Å"Goodbye, Earl,† written by Dennis Linde and performed by the Dixie Chicks, is a comedic story of vengeance and retribution. Best friends throughout high school, Wanda and Mary Anne part ways after graduation, but eventually meet back up to murder Earl, the abusive husband of Wanda. Using double entendres, strong imagery, and a light tone, Linde and the Dixie Chicks conveyed the strength of Southern women through their song, but also created controversy with a divisive music video. By naming one of the characters Mary Anne, the writer immediately evokes a sense of Southern lineage. Almost unheard of in other regions, double names are incredibly popular in the American south. On the other hand, the name Wanda etymologically means â€Å"a Wend.† While Mary Anne had been the one out of the two to physically leave after graduation â€Å"lookin’ for a bright new world,† Wanda â€Å"wends† all around town and stumb les upon Earl. In this aspect, Wanda does not choose to be in an abusive relationship – she falls into it. Additionally, the song mentions that both women were members of the 4H club and active members in the FFA. Both of these organizations are well-known youth development groups with academic advancement and leadership goals. Placing a great importance on community activism, Southern women are expected to be active participants in the community and at school. Differing in life goals, Mary Anne ventured out into the world while Wanda stayed in