From kcbd.com
It’s called “Lubbock or Leave It.” It’s not even playing on the radio yet, but the lyrics to the newest Dixie Chicks song is already causing a buzz in Lubbock. NewsChannel 11’s Kealey McIntire has reaction from the Maines family.
You may know Natalie Maines is from Lubbock, many radio stations in Lubbock and nationwide banned the Dixie Chicks after Maines said she was disappointed that President Bush is from Texas three years ago.
We begin by speaking with Natalie’s uncle Kenny Maines, who lives here in Lubbock he tells NewsChannel 11 he believes the song “Lubbock or Leave It” is part of a healing process.
Two months ago NewsChannel 11 told you many Lubbock radio listeners still weren’t ready to hear the Dixie Chicks. A local radio station fielded negative comments after playing the group’s first single of their latest album, however some listeners now say they are curious to hear another song on the album: “Lubbock or Leave It.”
The album doesn’t come out until May 23rd but the lyrics were released this week. The song refers to Lubbock as a “dust bowl” and “bible belt.” The chorus says: “temptation’s strong, salvation’s gone, to hell’s half acre. How will I ever get to heaven now.”
The Chicks also refer to Lubbock artist Buddy Holly saying this: “I hear they hate me now just like they hated you. Maybe when I’m dead and gone I’m gonna get a statue too.”
The song also makes reference to Loop 289, the strip and the Lubbock International Airport.
The chicks have a preview of the new album,”Taking the Long Way Home” on Amazon.com, in it Natalie describes the album’s tone. “Very personal, very autobiographical,” said Maines.
Her uncle and Lubbock musician Kenny Maines says this album is therapeutic for her, as it was hard on the trio when some fans opted not to listen to them after Maines’ comment about President Bush.
“Probably some feelings were hurt, in my opinion it was blown out of proportion, everything from both sides. At some point, hopefully we’ll all move on from this,” said Maines.
On the Dixie Chick’s Henhouse website, Maines says “The song is not just about Lubbock but about any small hypocritical town.”
We also asked the Convention and Visitors Bureau if they’re worried about any bad publicity. Director Marcy Jarrett says, there’s no such thing. “Our budget, we could never pay for the kind of publicity. Lubbock’s going to get off that cd and single, so I hope they sell millions of them,” said Jarrett.
Again, your first chance to buy that album is May 23rd.