SPECS and SLIMS: Not Ready To Make Nice, By the Dixie Chicks

Subject Matter:

The subject matter of this song is about not forgetting what you have done, even if you have offended people. Because you believe in it and your not going to stop being yourself.

Purpose:

This song was written about backlash that the band faced after Natalie’s comments about G.W. Bush, the president of America at the time. It was written to show people how they did what they did because the believed in it and you cant take away people’s beliefs because then they wouldn’t be themselves anymore.

Emotion:

The emotion in this song is very strong willed and determined. You can sense the bravery and the strength behind the words of the song, as they are fighting for what they believe in.

Craftsmanship:

The author has used a variety of techniques in the song including lanuuage, tone, emotion, sound and structure to really impact us and make us feel the way that the band does.

Summary:

Structure:

The song has eight stanzas, three of which are the chorus and the rest are the verses. Most of the stanzas are not the same length and have different content in each.

Language:

The language in the song has a very strong demeanor, it is also very impacting. You can tell that the choice of the words that the writers are putting there heart and soul in to the lyrics.

Imagery:

Within this song there are a lot of examples from the situation the band actually went through. So you get a picture painted of what was going on even if you were not there to experience it. For example “That they'd write me a letter Sayin' that I better shut up and sin Or my life will be over” this is relating to the hate that they got after the comments were made.

Movement:

The song does not really have any sound features, however it is musical as there is music that goes with it. The words as well as the music help create a beat that you listen or read it to which is the movement of the song.

Sound:

There is alliteration in the line “I don't have time to go round and round and round” this affect makes the song more catchy and go more in a rhythm. The song also rhymes which also helps add to the beat and rhythm of the music.