By Ali Lewis, Database & Web Manager
I’ve picked a few country songs with domestic violence themes to share. Music is a good way to bring awareness and start conversations about tough subjects.
Martina McBride uses her amazing voice to two songs about spousal and child abuse.
Big & Rich sing a song based on a real-life experience of Big Kenny’s sister.
John Michael Montgomery sings what is possibly the saddest song ever.
And finally, using humor to bring awareness about an issue that is not at all funny, the Dixie Chicks said Earl had to die.
You can view the full playlist on our YouTube channel: http://www.youtube.com/view_play_list?p=10C033674A0AEE92
Watch each video individually:
Martina McBride – Independence Day
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4VPpAZ9_qAw
Martina McBride – Concrete Angel
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KtNYA4pAGjI
Big & Rich – Holy Water
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4dXLC1butGc
John Michael Montgomery – The Little Girl
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SvISU1xPazg
Dixie Chicks – Goodbye Earl
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gw7gNf_9njs
What genre should we look at next? Rock, hip hop?
ps – These songs contain some Christian themes. As I’m writing for a Jewish organization’s blog, I thought I’d point that out for our readers. Abusers and their victims can be Jewish, Christian, Muslim, any religion (or none at all). What’s important is that we bring awareness, and eventually an end, to this epidemic.
you can add “The Thunder Rolls” by Garth Brooks to that list
Shari, I made this list with my husband. He suggested “The Thunder Rolls.” But after reviewing the lyrics, we decided that it’s more of a cheatin’ song. Although in that sometimes-skipped third verse, she does pull a pistol out of her drawer…. But I finalized the list based on my emotional reactions to the songs. All of these make me weepy (minus “Earl,” which I threw in to lighten the mood), and emotion is what makes people take action!
while the lyrics of the song suggest cheating only… when you watch the video, the wife waiting at home shows signs of abuse (she has a black eye and bruised chin) and their daughter watches the final “confrontation” between her parents
when the wife grabs the gun to shoot him, it is portrayed that she thinks he is about to go after the daughter and hit her…. not something the song alone gives you
I remember the first time I saw this and it did evoke an emotional reaction for me… I got angry…
coincidentally , my involvement in JWI started soon after
here is a link to the video
http://vodpod.com/watch/276425-the-thunder-rolls-video