Goodbye Earl is a country song by the American music group The Chicks, formerly known as the Chicks, released in 1999 as the lead single from their album “Fly.” The song was written by Dennis Linde and tells the story of two friends, Mary Ann and Wanda, who conspire to kill Mary Ann’s abusive husband, Earl.
The song’s lyrics brave themes of familial abuse and empowerment, as Mary Ann and Wanda take matters into their own hands to protect Mary Ann from further harm. The upbeat tune and resonant chorus diversity with the bleak subject matter, fabricate a unique blend of humor and social commentary.
“Goodbye Earl” was celebrated for its bold narration and enthral tune, becoming one of The Chicks’ signature songs. In spite of its contended subject matter, the song resonate with audiences and received significant airplay on country radio stations.
The attending music video, steered by Evan Bernard, features actor Jane Krakowski and Lauren Holly as Mary Ann and Wanda, respectively, and actor Dennis Franz as Earl. The video received crucial accolade for its humorous take on the song’s report and further propelled the song’s popularity.
“Goodbye Earl” remains one of The Chicks’ most iconic songs and continues to be honor for its powerful message and spreading melody. It has also provoked discussions about familial violence and the portrayal of women in popular music.
Lyrics
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
Well, it wasn’t two weeks after she got married that
Wanda started gettin’ abused
She’d 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
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
That Earl had to die
Good bye, Earl
Those black-eyed peas
They tasted alright to me, Earl
You feelin’ weak?
Why don’t you lay down and sleep, Earl
Ain’t it dark wrapped up in that tarp, Earl
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”
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
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 Earl had to die
Good bye, 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 alright? Good! Let’s go for a ride, Earl, hey
Ooh hey hey hey
Ah hey hey hey
Well, hey hey hey