Dixie Chicks: Shut Up and Sing

Extract from the Documentary Dixie Chicks: Shut Up and Sing.
Dixie Chicks lead singer Natalie Maines
criticized President Bush on the eve of the Iraq war in 2003. Almost overnight, one of the most successful groups of any genre was boycotted by Nashville and disappeared from country radio.

[@Ernie1978]

I love Martie and you can tell she was honest in that clip. Those 3 women have an amazing relationship and have one of the best catalogs of music EVER! The musicianship they display and their work leaves me breathless. I am a super grateful fan since 1998 when they played "There's Your Trouble" at the CMAs.

[@youtuber9727]

Martie crying over this breaks my heart so much you can hear the love she has for Nat! such a beautiful friendship

[@georgepedone8506]

I am a Marine corp veteran. And I love the Dixie Chicks and I love America ! That's why I served. Chicks that's what freedom and being an American is about. Be bold, be brave and be you ❤️.

[@montognese]

That's so powerful. It made me cry when Martie said she'd give it all up if Natalie couldn't take it anymore.

[@DeborahBurgess-ik2sb]

I'm crying right now, I'm so touch.🎉😢😅

[@pancakesandyou]

This scene in the film is by far one of my favourites, thank you for posting it.

[@grantbaker7587]

16 years. 16 years of hurt, changes, growth, and everything in between and this clip is still as powerful as it was to me almost two decades ago. Long live The Chicks.

[@AndyZaturno]

This broke my heart. GOD BLESS THE DIXIE CHICKS AND GOD BLESS AMERICA.

[@cincygurl]

Wow that's a tear jerker. this is one of the best docs I've ever seen.

[@simplethingsbykathy1]

Attacking the Dixie Chicks was an act of bullying, pure and simple, from a couple of 'supposed' big shots.

[@rosalie_m7305]

"We've returned to the scene of the crime"😂

[@doogleandalix]

natalie maines has one of the most beautiful voices in the world ! I amy dying for them to make a new CD - I have total respect for them.

[@joeyfarris839]

I will always be a loyal fan of the Dixie Chicks until the end of my life. And for those who asked my answer is yes it breaks my heart and makes me want to cry when I see Martie cry

[@marlabartholomew180]

They have such courage and strength!! I'm so happy they are back!! I have been and will always be a huge Dixie Chicks fan!! I'm so glad I was able to attend their concert last week in my home town New Orleans the show was amazing!!! they rocked every second of it!!!! It's awesome that they are back!!!

[@sasenecal56]

Love it!! I think it was tragic what was done to these girls. But, I am glad to hear them again on the radio.....

[@oliviajaneparker8331]

I'm so proud of all three women, fighting for "Freedom Of Speech" became a huge fan because of this documentary

[@pakderws6485]

Same here. Found the docunentary at a video rental station in 2010. Became a fan since.

[@cincygurl]

I've seen them four times now and their show in Cincinnati last night was absolutely AMAZING! They haven't missed a beat. What amazing, talented women...Cincinnati was sold out!!!

[@mikesuszi1420]

You are the best Dixie Girls! Be proud and hold on to the truth and it will set you free❣️ I am a 68 yr old grandma who loves music and your talented group. Pls don’t ever stop the beautiful music that fills us all with joy and happiness. Take care on your journey ahead. I hope you have healed and find the blessings in your TRUE fans, friends and family! Peace, love and happiness is all you need. Enjoy❣️🌈Aloha Nui Loa🌺

[@jakelibo8721]

They can perform for me any day. If I owned a venue they would be my first pick.

[@vaggelismouss7986]

i am not cow boy but i like the power from this women they shocked all earth with this true words about g.w.b

[@BoUnDnBrOkEn627]

I love these women...they're so strong because of what they've gone through, and its amazing how close they are even through the hard times..

[@garyography]

The Dixie Chicks are legendary hero's, and THEY'RE BACK!

[@javier1359]

They're not back

[@Illementary]

doobiewah357 lol they are the top selling female group of all time. I wouldn’t call that “done and gone”

[@J-J833]

doobiewah357 they’re back now 😂😂😂🤪🤣

[@garyography]

What we're you guys saying? They're back, don't wanna say I told ya so, but... Told ya so lol

[@sk8t3xas]

Beautiful girls, beautiful souls, they are on the side of the people, Bush clearly, is not. I love them too

[@vol108um]

her comment caused a fundamental change to their lyrical style. while not realizing the potential ramifications of their words (however poignant), they still stand proud! stand fast to your ideals! your views are felt by many others! thank you!

[@jjguy23]

That is true friendship right there.

[@Mycreativewayss]

I believe in freedom of speech

[@CocoaChaos13]

You will always have my love and support.

[@MsJoella]

i just dont get they were black balled for what they said about bush i have herd people say realy ugly things about obama but i guess thats ok its a double standered

[@kevinchisham9661]

Joella Mayo it is custom that you don't attack the President while on foreign soil. Yes it's stupid, I doubt she knew it at the time. Today something like this would hardly even be noticed.

[@LarryNathanielPhoto]

Joella Mayo Bush tried to defend out country. Obama did everything he could to sabotage it. That is the difference. Keep your uninformed opinions to yourself.

[@mandiehague3569]

I think there's some things that played a major role into why the Dixie Chicks were treated the way they were. First, The world was different then. We actually showed respect to our President wether we agreed with him or not. Actually for the most part people respected people although that was declining fast when Riots were called Protests. Anyways, yes if you disagreed with something that the government or someone in it was doing you had the right no matter who you were. But it wasn't until Obama that speaking out about stuff included hate and disrespect became commonplace. Now with President Trump the only thing spoken against him is down right disrespect and I'm ashamed that Americans behave like this. Secondly, you are talking about how the Country Music fans and industry reacted. If you know Country Music you know that "world" is built on a strong christian faith, love for family and neighbors, and most of all a huge sense of Patriotism! I think Country fans saw this group who is in another country not to long after 9/11 (more on this in next point) expressing a negative opinion about our president in a setting where it was innapropriate. These were Americans speaking against our leader. That's not patriotic. Thirdly, It was so soon after we were Attacked on our own land! We lost A LOT of people and the WHOLE COUNTRY was affected negatively (scars wether physical and visible or mental and not are still there just barely healing after 18years for some) in one way or another. We were being told as a nation that the attack on Iraq had something to do with the WAR ON TERROR. Which even this "make love not war" hippie idealist was all for. The Vast majority of this Country wanted the terrorists to pay for what they did. Can you imagine how strongly country music fans felt about that since we were singing lyrics like ".... battle will rage. This big dog will fight When you rattle his cage And you'll be sorry that you messed withThe U.S. of A. 'Cause we'll put a boot in your ass It's the American way" by Toby Keith. All we knew as a country was we were Attacked, President Bush vowed to make sure the terrorists couldn't do it again with the WAR on Terror, the Dixie Chicks spoke out against this in a country where Americans weren't liked very much to begin with. I can see how that was taken the way it was. I personally think she had the right to her opinion but in the aftermath of 9/11 and the location of where she said it I say what she did was absolutely disrespectful towards the President, our country, and most of all the victims of 9/11. I was so busy with 3 kids and 2 on the way, being a navy wife, and dealing with the affects it had on me I was not aware of the actual details of this story at the Time. But if I did know I would of banned them from my house too. I don't like war I am disgusted with the fact that we were led to believe war on Iraq was war on Terror. But I whole heatedly have the opinion that you can disagree without disrespect or hate and there's a time and place to voice your opinions!

[@johnm24358]

@@LarryNathanielPhoto Talk about uniformed opinions... Mr Pot meet Mr Kettle.....

[@LarryNathanielPhoto]

@@johnm24358 Marxist!

[@bruklincarey8173]

These girls are legends

[@lilywhitedmb]

I really need to see this documentary. Then I should probably own it. Dixie Chicks are incredible and I am so completely impressed by their integrity and willingness to stand up for what they believe.

[@jennyadams9670]

love theses songs

[@daj4444]

A message to all Dixie Chicks haters: I believe that the Dixie Chicks have every right to voice their opinion,& I believe that all US citizens have a right to voice their opinions,however,we must remember that their opinion is their opinion & respect that. Whether they are guilty of treason depends on whether they intended to give comfort to our enemies,I do agree that they probably should not have made the speech outside of the United States,but,as I have said,we must remember that our opinion.

[@joey1985able]

@laurawally To me they are THE most respectable artists EVER..They stood up for what they believed..even if it meant their record sales. Just shows how much they are true artists. Their music will forever live through generations to come regardless of the truth they spoke. I hope by now Natalie has realized the movement in which she begun..she alone is truly an inspiration. I have passed on what they taught me to my own daughter..and one day she will teach her own too! Thanks Dixie Chicks :)

[@countrygirlx3]

okay, this is the first time i ever found out what they exactly said. because i was little when this happened. i heard they called him a bit** . (i'm from the south). and man, i had NO IDEA people burned her cd's, and threathen to kill them. dang. that's totally stupid. they spoke up, using freedom of speech, and just because someone doesn't like someone, doesn't mean you have to hate them they are very talented and great women! i love them still, no matter what.

[@Eric_1991]

Same here. I didn’t remember specifics but I know there was a time they were mocked, and now I know what’s up.

[@angel6252]

The song is "Easy Silence" it`s on their last album "Taking The long Way" I would love to see perform live and even better if they played Scotland, because we here appreciate good music

[@elifazizi5566]

The Dixie Chicks are legendary hero's, and THEY'RE BACK! This clip kills me!!! I love these women

[@Kingtate55]

Legendary lol they were ousted!

[@jeffmorrison323]

Go Chicks! let the haters hate! your TRUE fans still love you!

[@bloodsling]

1:15-1:43 :( what a sweetheart..she needs a hug

[@tonivanilli]

3 amazing women... then, now and will always be. Hats off to you ladies.

[@Leonid3s]

Hi Carre! Nope, still no concert dates scheduled. Keep waiting though. I am sure they will be starting up any day now.

[@MartinHCollection]

I´m still so angry with country music industry and country music fans... I still can´t believe what they´ve done to Dixie Chicks! They are the best country group and now they are broken just because of that Bushit!

[@IndianMOx]

Natalie come back to your fans! You said what needed to be said. Your music fills our hearts.

[@dixiegirl101]

If the Dixie Chicks hadn't cancelled their show in Florida I would have gone and cheered so loud tht I would have lost my voice! They are my favorite and will always be my favorite! XD

[@johnmclaughlin4373]

So proud of these girls, I believe in freedom of speech

[@ronni6346]

Same here

[@ellie7720]

God Bless you Dixie Chicks and God Bless America. Natalie, you did nothing wrong. I became a fan the day of the incident. I'm from NY and am so embarrassed our president is from NY.

[@SWolvenProductions]

Someone please explain what happened to them in a nutshell?! I don't get what happened. Where the hell was I? lol

[@drheiabett]

Such an important exerpt! Thanks for posting it!

[@sleepee42005]

a feeling of self-respect and personal worth satisfaction with your (or another's) achievements; "he takes pride in his son's success" the trait of being spurred on by a dislike of falling below your standards a group of lions be proud of; "He prides himself on making it into law school" unreasonable and inordinate self-esteem (personified as one of the deadly sins)

[@positivepush7503]

Always welcome in the uk :)

[@whatteverr3]

there are no lyrics that mention him directly. its a long story to explain the lyrics but in general it reflects "the incident". if you watch the movie i think you'll understand better

[@teachbydefault]

I didn't even know who Melanie was until she said this. PLEASE accept my thanks! You have given me so much strength to fight my own fight and to speak my own mind. My life wouldn't be worth living if I had to do it in silence or censored for one more second. I will shout it out to the world! Thank you a million times. thank you.

[@rhymeandreasoning]

The freakin American Gov't during the Bush years , insulted every single American..and no one said a word..except these girls, who had the courage to at least say something.

[@jtrenoweth]

I have the dvd of the doco but it is still fun to see

[@Illementary]

I don’t think I would mind giving up my career after banking 8 figures either, lmao. Love the Dixie chicks!

[@Lu.malfoy90]

after everything that happened they won a grammy!!

[@MegaSmk]

..and of course you are right. Just about as right as everyone else who has an opinion about it. Can't we leave it at that?

[@gomperogify]

Dolly...I.cry every time....this from a 48yo middle-aged guy

[@dannylondon11]

god bless the Dixie chicks, very proud they started it in my hometown, they are welcome in london anytime, all the time.....

[@flfox44]

she stood up and said something, what have you done today......

[@weiminglin2119]

This broke my heart. GOD BLESS THE DIXIE CHICKS AND GOD BLESS AMERICA. Love those chicks !

[@marshmellow1453]

i love the ending the chicks rock and always will

[@sherrysilva3193]

Where's the Dixie Chicks when we need them now..!

[@achappie]

If you don't like what they have to say then don't listen to their music, but to hate people for voicing a difference of opinion is ridiculous. It is embarrassing to me that in 2008 there is still so much ignorance and hostility in this country. I wasn't really a fan until I heard "Not Ready to Make Nice" (not a huge country listener) and it still gives me goosebumps every time I hear it. It should serve as an anthem for anyone who has stood up for what they believed even if they stood alone.

[@osuwarudo15]

What is the song that the Dixie Chicks are playing in this specific video? It sounds so beautiful.

[@tracey1968ish]

I loved it how both girls stood up for Nat,and showed how much they love her,the other two are sisters so thier love goes with-out saying but it's like they have just pulled Natalie into the fold to try and pretect her as much as they can. Those people that gave the ovations night after night with what she said about the president where were they the next day,wk,mnth,cause it appears to me that you just left her out in the cold,you got what yr 2nd1/2 3hr's of entertainment then u basically led

[@AUSSIETRAINDRIVER]

Beautiful girls! Love the dixie chicks! Natalie maine's voice is amazing!!

[@benfromkentucky]

@Therealmensa There was nothing 'hateful' about 'Taking the Long Way.' To call it 'hatefully produced' is a huge oversimplification. They addressed the controversy in the lead single, which was a stunning musical testament of the truth that you pay a price for standing up for what you believe. Beyond that, they addressed a wide variety of themes in what was their most mature and personal album to date. To dismiss it for political reasons is to deprive yourself of some great music.

[@Yerizzo]

I love how people got mad over words. LOL, Oh no, they don't like ice cream. WTHecks, I don't like them no mores!!!!!!!!!!OMGosh

[@benfromkentucky]

@Therealmensa For PROFIT? How ridiculous. What of all the backlash and death threats that came afterwards? And she didn't deny it was a true statement - she apologized for disrespecting the office of the presidency, later amending that she felt Bush as a person deserved no respect.

[@kikidee1212]

@Therealmensa When I went Natalie said herself this is my Shut up and Sing tour even though it wasn't officially named that. I was seven when I went and it was in Dallas Texas pretty soon after she made that comment. We had to go through security and we couldn't bring anything in. I remember it all. I'm fourteen now and I guess I was never told the actual name of the tour. Hope this makes it more believable....

[@ericwaffle31]

@CourtS2187 i agree with you. i am an American (and sometimes ashamed of it lol, but still love my country). first i hate it when this happens: one american criticises america and then another american tells him he is unamerican and unpatriotic. first of all, its good to have people speak their mind cause if we were all followers it would be baad. you are right, america brags about freedom of speech, yet this celebrity got dissed about that. if america was truely free, media wld shut up

[@violeteyes14]

I can't believe how big of a deal it was, people getting so pissed off about it. Its really not that big of a deal I still love them.

[@Lu.malfoy90]

totally agreed with you.. Dixie Chicks are really talented, and even though i'm not a number one fan, i really like their music, and what's the big deal with everybody bitching them about Bush? whatever.. what happened, made them even more successful than what they already were.. so happy for them!

[@tracey1968ish]

Where were all the people that gave Nat and the girls an ovation when she spoke out about the president,night ater night concert after concert,then basically left them out in the cold when they really needed yr support.It's like well they gave you the entertainment that you went there for then after that u kinda led them like a lamb to the slaughter house. She never once disrespected the troop's nor her country,what she did say was that she would not appollagise for what she said about the pres-

[@osuwarudo15]

Thanks!

[@tatoodlvboy]

Are we such a sensative nation, that we cannot tolerate some saying "I am ashamed that Geoge Bush is from TEXAS"? Hell, I am embarassed that he is FROM AMERICA! These women were used in the POLITICS of the war machine. They were an easy target, and as we often do as Americans, everyone jumped in for the "TURKEY SHOOT" I never liked them UNTIL THIS EVENT! I NEVER listened to any Country Music. I am happy that I finally gave them a listen. THEY WON GRAMMYS FOR THEIR LAST ALBUM. sony's #1

[@emmmilyrose]

oh my gosh everytime she cries i cry.

[@ryeabvil]

what's the title of the song she's singing?

[@robbiebygraves253]

did i already say that ilove you all. best band of all

[@fauxindigo]

ahh! lol this made me laugh so much. I love the dixie chicks!

[@DeborahBurgess-ik2sb]

They were the best back and the bedt now!!!!

[@sharidavis9295]

These are my bitches!! Ride or die!! Thats patriotic!!👏👏👏

[@baffledbrandon6971]

And as entertainers, they have the right to say whatever they want while on stage. They do have bodyguards. If anyone tried to get on stage to stop them from saying what they feel, security would drag them out and tell them not to come back. It's a thing called freedom of speech. I suppose you feel the same way about Kanye West saying, "Bush doesn't care about black people" on national television.

[@jasoncarpp7742]

I still love the Dixie Chicks. :)

[@countrygirlx3]

i realize they didn't call him bit***, i was just sayin i didn't find out the real story til a couple of weeks ago. but on youtube, there is local news channels showing people burning their cd's, and smashing them.

[@sireng2357]

Such a good movie

[@shuaiflip]

Natlie speaks for many of us here in Texas. We love the soliders not the politicans that get them killed nor the ones that would be President.

[@djack7778]

your always and forever welcome north of the border, keep strong ,you go Nat !!!!!!!!!!

[@xlifewritex]

We support you NATALIE and the dixie Chicks. We understand you, sorry that so many other dumbies didnt get it!!!!

[@NatalieSpa888]

Other people's opinions don't necessarity count as lies, just alternate viewpoints.

[@cynthiaglenn9079]

Natlie... stand tall be proud. Come back to us. Bring that heart and your feistiness back to us. Let the hurt go. Let the disappointments go. Politicians are double talkin disappointing fools. Im from Texas and Im very proud of you. Your divorce disappointed you leave it all behind. It dulled your shine. But you need to light that fire and come out blazing like you girls did before. You girls are captivating. Stand proud and move on. Come on girls don’t hesitate draw them guns again. Let it go girls we love you. Let it go. NATALIE FOR PRESIDENT!!!!

[@Machelle3200]

where can you watch this documentary...

[@aprilgosa3884]

when they smashed the records I laughed cuz they made themselves look like kids throwing a tempper tantrum like say Wah Dixie Chicks we don't like you no more but the threats totally disgusted me and the other vile things that were said about these girls if a man had said it about Bush nobody would have cared Men Celebs have said worse about Bush I found a video of Robin Williams bashing Bush where is the backlash on him before his tragic death I loved Robin by the way I am just saying its hypocritical

[@aprilgosa5779]

What got me is these protestors threatened to harm their kids ! Like are you serious right now?

[@SPANGLED_Ed_and_Democracy]

These intelligent, loving, and most graceful women who make up the dixie chicks were RIGTH and crucified by the ignorant. May God bless them abundantly and favor them always.

[@francescafoley]

They never said they hated America, they stated their unhappiness at the administration. They were persecuted because some people read between lines that weren't there. There is no excuse for threatening behaviour against those who are stating a legitimate opinion. They have nothing to be ashamed of. There are as many people that agree with them as disagree. I think if you listen to Ohio by Neil young, you might get an idea. Just listen.

[@jjguy23]

Check out their new song... Dixie Chicks Lucky One

[@nora7816]

I was proud of what natalie said,,being american is suppose to mean we have freedom of speech..but we dont now do we??I got in trouble for saying what I thought of bush on myspace!! and war is never ok,bullying smaller nations is an outrage..I would like to see natalie in the senate,if we had more like her,then we could all enjoy world peace..

[@osuwarudo15]

I´m pretty sure that if they said what they said last year, 70% or more would agree with her.

[@aoifegall]

Leeeeeeeeeeeeegends!!..best part of the film. That along with "Fans United Together in Kindness"..brill!

[@benfromkentucky]

@Therealmensa Nonsense. The Grammys were hardly a political statement. The music won purely on its own merit. The Chicks made the best music of the year, and they were justly rewarded. Incidentally, they had already won Grammys long before the controversy hit. While they may not have outsold their co-nominees, the fact remains that a double platinum album is nothing to sneeze at. People can dispute the Chicks' politics all they want, but their musical excellence is indisputable.