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Sin Wagon

"Sin Wagon" is a song written by Natalie Maines, Emily Erwin, and Stephony Smith and recorded by The Chicks for their 1999 album Fly. Though never released as a single, it charted as an album cut. It has been featured in five tours: Fly, Top of the World, Accidents & Accusations, Eagles with Dixie Chicks and the DCX MMXVI World Tour.[2]

"Sin Wagon"

History[edit]

The song's title was conceived by Dixie Chicks lead singer Natalie Maines. It is a reference to a scene in Grease; after Danny tries to make a move on Sandy at the drive-in, and she furiously calls his car a "sin wagon".[3]


"Sin Wagon" was written "really quickly". The song's message is that "even the most good girl just has that wild side and you got to let it out occasionally,"[3] a contrast to country music's "stay-at-home" stereotype.[4]


It was released as a downloadable song in the Rock Band series.[5]

Controversy[edit]

According to Maines, Monument Records was "scared to death" about the song's reference to "mattress dancing", and refrained from discussing the subject publicly.[6]


In 2000, the family of Albert E. Brumley filed a $500,000 lawsuit against Sony over the song's sampling of the gospel hymn "I'll Fly Away".[7] The Dixie Chicks have made no comment on the case.[8]

Critical reception[edit]

Stephen Thomas Erlewine of Allmusic gave "Sin Wagon" a positive review, calling it "rip-roaring" and "wickedly clever".[1]

"Sin Wagon" has been performed on by contestant Amy Adams[11] and country singer Carrie Underwood.[12] On season 3 of The Voice, 2Steel Girls and Gracia Harrison performed the song as part of the Battle Rounds.

American Idol

American country music parody artist released a parody of "Sin Wagon" on his album Just Another Day in Parodies, titled "Wife Naggin'".

Cledus T. Judd