How to write a country song

Step 1: The Title. You need a catchy phrase. Doesn't matter if you don't know what it means -- the important thing is, does it sound cool?

Step 2: The Chorus. Expand on the original phrase (you know, The Title). Add some yodeling.

Step 3: The Tune. "This part separates the songwriting women from the girls."

- Tips from Gail Gilchrist's (oh so straight) "The Cowgirl Companion" (1993)

Sometimes, girls will be boys. Check out the Jane Waynes:

"Her name was Sasparilla,
She didn't have a fella.
She preferred the cowgirl on her side.
Her rhythm was infectious,
I think she was from Texas.
She could do the two-step in triple time."

The two-step? Slow, slow, fast, fast. Left foot, right foot, left foot, right foot. Repeat.


POSTED 14:13 Tucker's e-mailed to say that the Jane Waynes's last show was Dec. 16, and the band's retired. But hey, the CD's still for sale!

And Barry Rueger checked in, all nostalgic: "I couldn't let the Jane Waynes tune go by without making some reference to the late great 'Lost Dakotas', who give us the always entertaining 'Cowboys are frequently secretly fond of each other.'"

"Cowboys are frequently secretly fond of each other.
What did you think those saddles and boots was about?
There's many a cowboy who don't understand the way that he feels towards his brother,
Inside every cowboy there's a lady who'd love to slip out."

... also covered by Pansy Division.