Stand By Your Man (Listen/Vote)
Stand By Your Man, written by Tammy Wynette and Billy Sherrill in 1968, has been recorded famously by Tammy Wynette and the Blues Brothers; but equally worthwhile are the versions by Motorhead, yes, that Motorhead, and the Dixie Chicks.
According to legend, performer and producer wrote the song in the studio in 15 minutes in response to her earlier hit D-I-V-O-R-C-E. Some interpret the song as reactionary toward feminism. I can’t agree, for the song’s narrative suggests men are flawed and pitiful. Never forget its famous dismissal of men, “…after all, he’s just a man.” It’s a powerful–bordering on Buddhist–statement for compassion of the all-too human. Just look at Tammy’s beatific expression near the end of the song in this live television appearance.
Tammy Wynette (1968)
The Blues Brothers slow things down in the red-neck bar.
The Blues Brothers (1980)
UK musicians love American country music, regardless of their style. To prove this point, I present Motorhead, whose metal bona fides cannot be questioned, and American punk-rock queen Wendy O. Williams. It’s a completely different take on the
Motorhead featuring Wendy O. Williams (1982)
This upbeat, more countrified–if that’s possible–version is my favorite cover done by the Dixie Chicks.
The Dixie Chicks (2000)
