Single Review – Miranda Lambert’s “Little Red Wagon”
If you’re looking for the female equivalent to Bro-Country songs, i.e. something featuring lower brow formulaic songwriting, however less frequently they may find their way onto your radio, the proper comparison would be the “attitude song.” That’s what Miranda Lambert calls it.
“I love attitude songs,” says Miranda, who is regularly regarded as the queen of the style, and whose influence as one of the highest-grossing females in country music in the last half decade has seen female country performers like Carrie Underwood and others follow suit with similar songs not putting up with crap from their men, or the women who would be inclined to steal them. Attitude songs are all about keying paint jobs, swinging baseball bats, and lighting shit on fire, all while looking fabulous and sporting perfect hair. And like Bro-Country, they regularly list off items involved in such badassedry with little or no story conveyed.
Though attitude songs may not be as prevalent or intellectually torpid as Bro-Country, they can be just as tiring. Even Miranda Lambert agrees. “They can get old if you don’t do ’em right,” she says. “I don’t want to keep doing the same type of attitude song, I’ve got to change them up.” So her answer to this concern on her latest album Platinum is called “Little Red Wagon,” written and originally performed by fellow Oklahoma-dwelling singer and songwriter Audra Mae. It has been announced as the third single from Miranda’s latest release, to impact radio right after the holidays.
Oh, you only love me for my big sun glasses
And my Tony Lomas
I live in Oklahoma
And I’ve got long, blonde hair
And I play guitar, and I go on the road
And I do all the shit you wanna do
And my dog does tricks
And I ain’t about drama, ya’ll
I love my apron
But I ain’t your mama!
And on and on from there, with a reprise about how you can’t ride in her little red wagon because “The front seat’s broken and the axle’s draggin'” which I’m not sure lends any more point to this song.
The music of “Little Red Wagon” is unapologetically rock, with a frenetic and diverse arrangement punctuated by wild dynamics that if nothing else, gets your attention and sends the pulse racing. Arena guitar indicative of Guns & Roses weaves in and out of an extra loud drum track, while the song starts and is bisected by two ultra-hushed pianissimos. Yes “Little Red Wagon” paws for your attention with its pronounced topography and has some interesting and original textures, but it lacks in pentameter. No consistent groove emerges in the wild-ass mood swings and multiple instrumental layers, potentially a symptom of the production crew trying to pull this new version comfortably away from Audra Mae’s original.
But the one thing high-minded standards for music, and opinions peppered with musical terms like “pianissimo” can’t resolve is just how fun many people will find this song, especially amongst the female listener. This is the reason it has been slated for a single release, and will probably hold its own on the charts for a valiant run. It’s fluff, but it doesn’t try to portray itself as anything but.
Miranda Lambert’s Platinum has become mainstream country’s default critically-considered album in 2014 despite songs like “Little Red Wagon” and “Somethin’ Bad” that have little to no nutritional value being put out there as singles. Though deeper listeners may complain why tracks like “Hard Staying Sober” and “Holding On To You” remain shelved, the point of singles is to draw the most attention as possible to albums and artists, and “Little Red Wagon” will most certainly do that.
This is not a good song, or at least not a good version of it. But there’s much greater sins out there to get worked up about. Let the ladies have their fun.
– – – – – – – – – – –
1 Gun Up for being fun, involved, and invigorating.
1 Gun Down for being frenetic, pointless, and patently un-country.
December 23, 2014 @ 10:37 am
When I was in 3rd grade my teacher would always tell us not to use the word ‘and’ over and over again in our writing because it makes a story boring and repetitive. Miranda may not have written it, but she’s singing it and that’s the vibe I get when I listen to it.
December 23, 2014 @ 10:52 am
I wish she’d release “Another Sunday In The South” as a single, but it’s probably to good for “country” radio.
December 23, 2014 @ 11:01 am
I agree!! I love Miranda but such bad single choices!
Another Sunday in the South, Holding Onto You and Hard Staying Sober are amazing songs!! I don’t understand why she puts out her so and so material.
She had such great songs on her other albums as well that never were released…her marketing team or producer whoever picks singles needs to be fired. Something Bad and LRW should never have seen the light.
December 23, 2014 @ 11:40 am
I think a solid case can be made that one of the reasons there’s a lack of female representation on the radio is the songs being selected by suits as singles. Of course, Miranda is the one exception to the rule of women not getting played, but maybe if they selected some of her more meaty singles, it would entice listeners to look deeper into country’s women.
December 23, 2014 @ 11:15 am
I don’t know if it’s the song itself, or just this recording/performance, but what a mess. :p
It’s funny; when I’ve been seeing ‘Platinum’ on other year-end best-of lists, I’ve noticed how it seems like “Bathroom Sink” keeps getting singled out as a favorite track. It’s probably even more “rock” than this single, but overall I think it’s just a better tune, and the relatively introspective lyrics are an interesting break from more bland party anthems and love songs.
December 23, 2014 @ 4:06 pm
The whole album had me thinking that – when I tried to listen to it. I couldn’t figure out what the hell was going on. Like maybe they accidentally layered two albums over each other and QC didn’t catch it, or something. It’s like everyone playing/singing on it was distracted paying bills or checking their phones while recording it. It’s a mess.
December 23, 2014 @ 11:24 am
Something Bad and Little Red Wagon are the two worst songs on the album.
Weird thing is LRW is already getting airplay and people seem to like it…I guess I don’t get it.
Its a shame really, she has such better material to release. Bathroom Sink, Holding Onto You, Hard Staying Sober would be amazing singles. Show the real true Miranda. – Another Sunday in the South would have been a easy #1.
December 23, 2014 @ 1:51 pm
I think the song choice is showing the true Miranda.
December 23, 2014 @ 11:50 am
I agree. LRW and Somethin bad were just bad songs…
But I would always choose them over that’s my kinda night or that’s how we roll….
Also, am I the only one that notices sometimes Miranda has this weird twang in her voice? You can hear it on some of her tracks, but I hear it a lot in the Pistol Annies…
December 23, 2014 @ 12:04 pm
Yes, Miranda’s twang has an on/off switch. I don’t doubt the authenticity of it, because if you hear her talk and locate her hometown on a map of Texas, you know how people talk down there. But I wish there was more consistency there because at times it comes across as less than genuine. The more the attitude gets turned up, usually the twang is not far behind.
December 23, 2014 @ 12:35 pm
I guess this will be the first crappy song of 2015. As a woman who loves to listen to country music, I’ve been tired of these revenge/attitude songs for quite a while.
December 23, 2014 @ 12:35 pm
Regardless of this particular track , I think Miranda has been a light in the musical storm that is contemporary country radio . The good and even great material she chooses to release to listener’s is mostly so far superior to other radio stuff that by default it makes the rest look absolutely bush league ( to use a Miranda phrase ) . ANY artist has to mix up their offerings …not just to keep ” all kinds of kinds ” happy but to make for a dynamic live performance that also keeps the ARTIST happy and excited about a show . Miranda manages to sound comfortable and true to whatever she records from trad -type stuff to the edgier poppy- sounding stuff for the mostpart because the lyrics say something and go somewhere , with , granted , a few exceptions ( Something Bad ) . As noted , it could be argued that her singles are , perhaps , on the weak side ….but if that introduces and educates a listener to above average writing and performances the rest of her albums offer ( a la McGraw ) I’ll give her a by. In my opinion , each of her albums has taken this approach and always deliver accordingly . And I haven’t even mentioned that amazing pitch-perfect voice which absolutely oozes character and style . She’ll never be mistaken for any other female vocalist happening in these times with that voice and that approach to song choice and artistry .
December 23, 2014 @ 12:54 pm
talented people singing and playing a bad song.
That thing is a mess
December 23, 2014 @ 1:04 pm
Worst song I’ve ever heard
December 23, 2014 @ 1:51 pm
I wouldn’t go that far by any means.
It is not a good song, but it is not the worst song ever.
February 23, 2015 @ 4:56 am
Right up there with ” joe diffie”!
December 23, 2014 @ 1:24 pm
The simple fact is “Platinum” is not a great album. It has some solid solid, but it also has some bad songs, like Something Bad. It should have never been named album of the year.
December 23, 2014 @ 1:32 pm
These attitude songs do get tired pretty quick. The only thing that sets this one apart from her other ones is that it doesn’t mention arson, cigarettes, or how “crazy” she is.
December 23, 2014 @ 1:58 pm
I agree with most of the other comments.
She has such great material who ever is picking the singles should be fired. She performed Holding onto you on the CMT artist of the year. Everyone was talking about it. People in comment sections on her FB page and other media outlets actually raved about it. If they where smart they would have released that especially while it was hot…clearly they didn’t do the research. Its a perfect winter single that would easily blend into the follow up Hard Staying Sober or Another Sunday has summer singles.
LRW is already getting airplay…so it will be interesting the amout of plays it gets once its actually officially released in Jan.
I think its a song like something bad. It will split listeners in two. There are people out there that LOVE something bad. Personally I hate that Miranda stooped that low to a carrie style song. Anyway it was ceritfied platinum it is on the hot charts of all the end of 2014 list. People on twitter always talking about it. So It made some impact. It never went #1 radio wise but sale wise it was a commerical success. I see LRW doing to same. Some people will love it and then others will just hate it. I can see it be a top 10 just because its Miranda but not #1.
December 23, 2014 @ 7:36 pm
Personally I hate that Miranda stooped that low to a carrie style song.
Pretty much the only thing I like about “Somethin’ Bad” is the way it trolled Miranda Lambert fans with superiority complexes about the quality of her material/how she’d never go pop for sales at the same time it trolled Carrie Underwood fans with superiority complexes about her superior sales/airplay & voice. Because at the end of the day, *Miranda* is the one that picked the song, had the writers rewrite as a female-female duet instead of a female-male duet, *Carrie* is the one who hesitated on the song (I think she knew it sucked) but agreed because it was a chance to sing with a pal whom she respects a lot.
Seeing as Carrie and Miranda are 2 of the VERY few A-list acts trying to bring some substance and variety to mainstream country radio, I don’t get fans of either who look down their noses at the other. Not saying people have to like both, but this “slumming” stuff is so unnecessary. I think it’s pretty funny/ironic that Carrie’s streak of t2 country airplay hits, a streak running since her very 1st single promoted to country radio, wasn’t broken until she sang with a duet with Miranda, and that duet wasn’t even a high quality risky song, it was an example of them catering to country radio’s low standards.
There may be a mainstream blues/pop/rock feel to “Somethin’ Bad” that’s in the same lane as “Before He Cheats”/”Last Name”/”Undo It” but Carrie usually picks/cowrites songs with actual melodies, something that “Somethin’ Bad” lacked. The song was below *both* their talent levels and ranks among the worst of *both* their singles (down there with “Undo It” for Carrie and “Fastest Girl In Town” for Miranda). I’ve said all along, if Miranda wanted to do an edgy mainstream-style song, she should’ve let Carrie find the song because Carrie’s better at that, but since Miranda was doing the choosing, she should’ve picked a good rockin’ alt-country tune because she’s better at finding those.
I totally agree about “Holding On To You” and wish it were a single instead of this. One thing to remember is “Little Red Wagon” wasn’t their 1st choice for the next single. Miranda’s next single was supposed to be “Smokin & Drinkin” with Little Big Town – it was confirmed by Billboard and by Miranda herself, and they performed it at the CMAs. I suspect Little Big Town’s label yanked approval for their involvement when they decided to release “Girl Crush” as the 2nd single off their new album (that was a surprise pick because the 2nd single was supposed to be “Quit Breakin Up With Me”). IMO Capitol Nashville didn’t want 2 LBT ballads competing at radio at once, and that forced RCA Nashville to change singles. I prefer LRW to S&D so I guess I’m fine with this result, plus I really love “Girl Crush.”
December 23, 2014 @ 11:08 pm
The warring fanbases of female singers is one of the most tiresome aspects of the modern music scene. Carrie fans vs. Miranda fans vs. Taylor fans blah blah blah.
And it’s not just country music it’s Katy Perry fans vs. Rihanna fans vs. GaGa fans blah blah blah. This kind of stuff doesn’t seem happen between fans of male acts but for some reason with the women it’s like junior high 24/7.
December 23, 2014 @ 3:07 pm
I’m a country girl
Like driving on roads
In chevy’s and fords
With my blonde hair flowing
Hope the sunshine keeps going
My kiss is lightning
My love is thunder
My bite a rusty razor
blah blabh blah how hard is this sh$t to do? Every time I hear a song like “automatic” I think trends are changing but they let me down by releasing this tripe. I can’t believe this made it on an album period. When I hear songs like this i quickly realize why publishers pass on most of my songs, because I would never even consider pitching a song like this to them, I’d be far too embarrassed. Guess it’s time to start dumbing my lyrics down if I want to pay the rent.
December 23, 2014 @ 10:36 pm
Amen ….I hear you loud and clear D . When I decided to write songs several years back and put some serious effort and time ( and money ) into doing so , it was because I knew I could write better songs than what I was hearing on the radio . Turns out most writers DO write far better songs than you hear on the radio . It’s radio and labels that call the shots and they aren’t looking for BETTER songs …they’re looking for the SAME songs they are already playing cuz for some unknown reason PEOPLE LOVE MOST OF THAT CRAP !! BUT I’m convinced that if better songs were given a shot they would not only find a more appreciative audience but they’d raise the level of awareness for the folks who don’t listen to anything BUT their local mainstream stations and consequently the quality and standards of what gets airplay would improve .
You hit the nail on the head . I too would be embarrassed to write something that poor when I knew there was so much more I and many other writers could offer .
I derive far more pleasure from other pursuits than I would wasting my time writing another crap lyric and perpetuating the state of things .
Best of luck to you and your writing efforts .
March 4, 2015 @ 4:57 pm
“Automatic” gives you hope? Do you not realize the irony of that song? She complains that everything was better before it became automated. Oh, you mean like music careers? Seems like she has forgotten how much better country music was when game show winners weren’t top 40 artists. You know, back when artists struggled for years in dive bars and learned first hand about the angst they sang about? She is a joke and so is her music, not just this Gaga-esque offering.
December 24, 2014 @ 11:00 am
You better go register those lyrics,
got a winner there.
unfortunately.
December 23, 2014 @ 3:07 pm
Let’s not forget ‘Two Rings Shy’ which is a fantastic song. Co-written by Miranda & the genius Brandy Clark. ‘Gravity is a Bitch’ an airtight work by written by Miranda…my opinion is she’s a genius who knows how to get her real music heard. By inserting tracks like LRW & Something Bad she grabs the Tweens that is the largest fanbase & Boom! She’s HEARD!! And real music exists and is heard by this young crowd who will do anything to support the Queen. Miranda; you are brilliant & a Gem.
December 23, 2014 @ 6:03 pm
Oh yeah. Not sure I cared for the production on “Two Rings Shy” (I hope Brandy records her own version of it), but it’s just a good song. 🙂
December 23, 2014 @ 3:17 pm
No nutritional value? It is hard to get the nutrition if one is throwing up into one’s mouth. And Tony Lomas”¦.really? Loma? I don’t own a pair but I know how to pronounce it. I really like this website and glean a great deal of good info from it but I have to admit that until I discovered SCM, I did not know the depths of the cesspool of mainstream country music. The hip waders were filled and pulling listeners under a long time ago. Graci Ass Amigooos.
December 24, 2014 @ 12:25 pm
This has to be the most embarrassing part of the song. I happen to own a pair of Tony Lamas (they’re boots, for you low information readers). Sounds like whoever wrote this down as a song lyrics knew how to pronounce it, but not spell it, and then when she recorded it she didn’t know what she was supposed to be singing about. Either that or I found there’s an old Brit motorcycle rider names Tony Lomas and she has him?
December 24, 2014 @ 1:25 pm
The bigger question staring us all in the face”¦and obviously that is what SCM grapples with, is why do people listed to this shit? Today, the radio, in many ways is obsolete. If you have an auxiliary jack and a hard drive of some kind, the majority of Americans do, why would one subject oneself to such punishment? When did people stop deciding whether they like this or that and start listening to whatever they are being force fed? Or do they really just like this? The 80’s was a painful music era on most accounts so I guess my generation was guilty of this too I suppose but today one has choices and I cannot imagine choosing that. Befuddled…
December 23, 2014 @ 4:02 pm
There’s only room for one creepy, mid-to-late-20s “woman” trying to pass herself off as being 7. That market’s been cornered…even if it did move to pop. So Lambert, Musgraves, and the other wannabe tweens better step back before Borchetta puts a hit out on them or something.
Maybe they can get jobs carrying Clark & Monroe’s guitar cases around until they mature enough to put out some decent music and quit trying to appease the Gerbers crowd with this crap.
Funny how the ones trying to figure out what grade to market to, instead of age group always manage to get ahead of the real musicians.
Kids these days… 😀
December 23, 2014 @ 4:08 pm
Trig – your review is the equivalent of putting a $20 bill in the salvation army kettle – way too kind. You must be dippin’ into the egg nog early.
How much influence does an artist like Miranda have on which sings songs are released as singles? I see comments that are blaming her, but my my understanding is it’s up to the label.
December 24, 2014 @ 12:14 pm
She did record this piece of garbage. She holds her fair share of responsibility for it.
December 23, 2014 @ 4:22 pm
Its not the best song in terms of production and story…def didn’t see it as a radio single. She has better material on the album to release….but I actually don’t hate the song .More I listen to it the more I like it. Its just a fun song that def brings out the sassy in the listener. This song is a great song to see LIVE at one of her shows.. Crowd goes wild.. I have been to many of her shows she has big bearly men to young little girls in the audience. I think if this song is gong to be a hit with anyone its the younger girl crowd that likes Miranda. So It will be interesting to see where it leads one the radio
December 23, 2014 @ 4:25 pm
When Joan Jett wrote this song it was called “Bad Reputation.” And it was more fun.
December 23, 2014 @ 4:29 pm
I hate that her label still pushes songs like this. Miranda is one of the only mainstream artist with songs with meaning and depth on the album made for women..Why do they insist on pushing these songs. Miranda’s best selling songs are House that Built Me and Over You. One of her most streamed songs Is More Like her….those are real songs. On her new album her song Bathroom sink made it to alot of the best of 2014 lists…thats not even a single and has no radio play. Clearly people like her softer deeper side more than that crazy boy hating side.
I REALLY hope this is a quick single and she releases something of value, I hope its Holding Onto You or Hard Staying Sober.
December 23, 2014 @ 4:59 pm
Loretta did the attitude thing without “trying” to do the attitude thing. This is so contrived.
December 23, 2014 @ 6:06 pm
Sounds just as insipid as the majority of the rest of her stuff since the “Kerosene” record, but damned if that first guitar solo and Miranda’s scat singing didn’t make me think of Jane’s Addiction’s “Been Caught Stealing”…may have to dig out my copy of that one JA album and compare ’em.
December 23, 2014 @ 7:00 pm
I enjoy Audra Mae’s version. This version I do not like. This song simply doesn’t fit the mold they’re trying to squeeze it into.
December 23, 2014 @ 7:10 pm
Four the record was an awesome album. Nobody’s fool, written by Chris Stapleton was such an awesome song on that cd. As a whole, platinum was basically a big letdown after listening to how good four the record was.
December 23, 2014 @ 7:30 pm
I still can’t believe Rolling Stone country picked “Platinum” as their album of the year and had Sturgill second. If Sturgill was gonna be on the list, there is no way he should have been behind a very average album like ” Platinum”. It would have been different if they only picked mainstream albums, but if you are gonna put Sturgill on the list he should have been number one. Miranda has kind of got the industry fooled right now, she has released very average material lately, but still gets all this publicity like she is so original and different from the crowd.
December 23, 2014 @ 8:49 pm
This is taken form an Army running cadence. I’ve heard it on my long runs…
The funny thing is that it goes after the first verse, “second verse, same a the first, just a whole lot louder and the whole lot worse.”
I’m sure anyone in any branch of the military has heard this more then they care to admit.
December 23, 2014 @ 9:57 pm
she even makes pulling a wagon look hot.
👉👌
December 23, 2014 @ 10:51 pm
For some reason, these bad girl or “attitude” songs as Miranda calls them annoy me even more than standard bro-country. They’ve been around longer, and they arguably have less merit than the former. Is bro-country terrible? Absolutely. But I almost believe that Tyler Hubbard and Cole Swindle get toasted every night while taking home some floozy in painted-on blue jeans. I DON’T buy into the idea that Carrie is going to “take a Louisville slugger to both headlights” of anybody’s automobile or that Miranda is going to “load her shotgun, wait by the door and light a cigarette.” I don’t care if these songs are empowering females: they’re patently inauthentic. The fact that Miranda has been vocal in the past about her distaste for tobacco products should tell you all you need to know about the song she co-wrote by the title of “Gunpowder and Lead”: it’s simply playing toward an image. So does bro-country, but I get the impression with all of the “we’re just writing what we know” talk from those idiots that they really believe what they’re doing is good for country music. Miranda KNOWS she isn’t the same “character” that she plays in her songs. Ugh.
December 23, 2014 @ 11:03 pm
Not sure I think that every singer has to be an authentic representation of their subject matter.
Did Johnny Cash endorse killing a man in Reno just to watch him die?
Did Porter Waggoner endorse stabbing your wife and her lover in their bed?
Not all songs have to be based on the writer or singer’s life experiences or personal lifestyles.
I think a bigger issue is when a singer goes back to the same thematic well over and over and that is a bigger issue with Lambert for me.
December 23, 2014 @ 11:16 pm
Whoops. Ironically, I’ve brought up that Johnny Cash example SEVERAL times in defense of other songs. It must have slipped my mind (he also wasn’t a boy named Sue :P). Regardless, I think thematic fatigue is what is wearing on me as well. It’s not so much the fact that she isn’t the same person that she sings about, it’s more that she sings about that same person for 50% of every one of her albums to the point of nausea. At some point, you’re either pushing your image REALLY hard or you’re living that image in some delusional grandeur in your songs. Let’s not forget, as per the Johnny Cash example, he only referred to killing a man in Reno one time. He didn’t base his whole career off of the idea. Neither did Porter Waggoner, I would argue.
On the other hand, it’s also a tad hard to stomach these “attitude” songs because they typically endorse breaking the law in some way or form. Bro-country encourages dumbass behavior, but if it weren’t for the mentally deficient and impressionable listeners, it would be largely innocuous. Compare this with Lambert quite literally threatening to burn down property (“Kerosene”) and even shoot her former boyfriend (“Gunpowder and Lead”), or Carrie Underwood talking about trashing a loose lover’s truck (the fact that she would be stupid enough to carve her own name into the seat is just icing on the cake of self-awareness). And don’t get me wrong: cheating on your significant other is bad and domestic abuse is downright awful, but these songs have a little too much fun with the idea of taking the law into your own hands and dealing out vigilante justice. Of course, you could make the case that the protagonist of “Gunpowder and Lead” is simply behaving in self-defense, but if she’s so sure that her jailbait ex is heading straight her way she could always call the cops.
Now I’m starting to sound like a prude, but I hope you get my point here. It’s bad enough that bro-country is 95% of the radio playlist these days and that women have all but been squeezed out. It’s worse that the only way they can seem to ever get on the radio at all anymore is through these types of songs (or the odd Maddie & Tae outing, assuming those two have any staying power past their first single).
December 23, 2014 @ 11:20 pm
Before I’m corrected: I forgot about all of the “dodging the blue lights” talk in most bro-country and the general negativity toward the police. And yes, Brantley Gilbert’s almost open acknowledgement of police violence in his music video for “Bottoms Up” is also suspect. But, given that I avoid most bro-country, forgive me if my memory slips up every now and then. There’s only so much garbage that I can throw in my bin before it needs to be emptied. 😛
December 23, 2014 @ 11:27 pm
Nor did he build a car ‘One Piece At A Time’ over 25 years, at least I’m pretty sure he didn’t anyway!
But yes I do agree with you about her playing a very similar character in a lot of songs. Now if she were truly clever she would write or find an ‘attitude’ song that doesn’t involve the tired old tropes. But I’m afraid that wouldn’t be the safe move to make and it seems like once these mainstream acts get a solid foothold with radio and the industry in general the number one objective becomes to hold on for dear life. Play it safe. Go with what’s proven to work.
And with the precarious nature of women in country right now it’s an even more perilous position to be in.
December 23, 2014 @ 11:31 pm
Getting a foothold and playing it safe from then on is a good way to look at what happens with a lot of artists nowadays. I don’t know what your opinion of Big & Rich is and if you’ve read any of my comments around here you know that I tend to find some dumb or otherwise tangental reason to mention them, but their newest album Gravity is one of the safest country pop records I’ve heard in the last five years. And this is coming from the guys who once injected rap into country and set traditionalists on fire. Ironic, isn’t it? “Hold on for dear life.” Couldn’t have said it better, my friend.
December 27, 2014 @ 9:48 am
she”™s so sure that her jailbait ex is heading straight her way she could always call the cops.
Because the cops always get there in plenty of time, right?
Sorry, I don’t mean to get all antagonistic, but this is something that’s always burned my ass. I can see why one might view things in that light given the context of Miranda Lambert’s catalog, but I still think that was a great song and that the protagonist was fully justified in doing what she did.
December 28, 2014 @ 11:58 am
Not antagonistic at all. I knew that I’d be stepping on some toes with the assertion that maybe she should have just called the cops. However, you missed my point. I wasn’t saying that she shouldn’t have defended herself, I was mostly just pointing out what I perceive to be a slightly unrealistic response (or at the very least unlikely). If you had scrolled down just a tad and read my response to Rosalie, it would have shed more light on the point I was trying to make.
Here’s part of it:
“Again, I in NO WAY support domestic abuse or women otherwise not standing up for themselves. If someone is threatened and scared enough to feel the need to resort to a firearm to defend themselves as in “Gunpowder and Lead,” I say shoot the bastard (to quote Dirty Harry). I just don”™t think that”™s a realistic or justified scenario as often as many of Miranda”™s songs try to put across. I even liked “Gunpowder and Lead” when it came out, I”™ve just gotten tired of it like the others.”
December 24, 2014 @ 7:49 am
I understand what you are saying, but honestly I don’t mind the odd attitude song here and there. That’s why I didn’t mind “Before He Cheats” when it was released (I’m secretly ashamed to admit it’s my go to karaoke song. It’s SO FREAKING CATCHY). I do agree that repeating the same theme over and over again is the issue here. I love Miranda Lambert, but even I have to admit that this theme is tiring. I was fine with “Kerosene”. “Crazy Ex-Girlfriend”. Even “Gunpowder and Lead” (I will admit, one of my other karaoke songs. I CANNOT RESIST.) But by the time “White Liar” rolled around, I was sick of it. Thank God she released “The House That Built Me” right after. Miranda should take a hint. Her most successful song by far (THTBM) was the exact opposite of what she normally releases. Same with “Over You” (even though I did not particularly like the song, I appreciate that she released a single that wasn’t another attitude song. Also, I know that disliking “Over You” makes me a monster, but lets not get into that. I appreciate the song subject was very delicate and saddening, but I did not like the overall execution of the song. I don’t know why). Anyway back to the point. Miranda, release better material from your albums. Songs like “Holding Onto You” exist on Platinum. GOOD songs. Why release “Somethin’ Bad” AND “Little Red Wagon” when you have gems like these?
December 24, 2014 @ 11:31 am
Well, not to sound sexist, but I think part of the reason that I’m not as fond of these songs and am just generally tired of them is that I’m not a female. And don’t get me wrong, I’m all for women standing up for themselves as well as being treated as equals with men. “Before He Cheats” was something of a phenomenon when it was released, and I myself liked it once upon a time. It’s just that I’ve had eight years of countless replays and retreads to give me a headache. I think it’s just thematic fatigue, as I mentioned in my above comment. That’s not to say I begrudge anyone the enjoyment of these songs, they just don’t speak to me very often, particularly when they use the same old story and cartoonish revenge imagery. Again, I in NO WAY support domestic abuse or women otherwise not standing up for themselves. If someone is threatened and scared enough to feel the need to resort to a firearm to defend themselves as in “Gunpowder and Lead,” I say shoot the bastard (to quote Dirty Harry). I just don’t think that’s a realistic or justified scenario as often as many of Miranda’s songs try to put across. I even liked “Gunpowder and Lead” when it came out, I’ve just gotten tired of it like the others.
A song I think is fantastic along these lines is Sara Evans’ “Stronger.” Great, great song that covers similar ground in a more realistic manner, and also empowering for the female protagonist. I hope you understand and that I’m not coming across as some ignorant idiot, I’m just trying to be honest and put my own perspective out there so you and other readers can frame my comments. As for “The House that Built Me” and “Over You”, I’m not overly fond of either myself. The former hit the airwaves during a rough time in my life so it just stirs up unwelcome memories (nothing to do with the song itself, really, which has a decent amount of depth). The latter just has a quality to it that I can’t get over, just like you. I think it’s that the song can come across as a little overwrought. I’m sorry for Blake Shelton and his family that they lost his brother the way they did, and it’s touching that he and Miranda wrote a tribute to him that went on to be a big success and win lots of awards. But the actual arrangement strikes me as overwrought and a tad bit unclear. I thought she was singing about an ex-lover before I read about the song. It also tries a little too hard to pull at the heartstrings. I think it would have worked better with a more subtle hook and less polish; I’m thinking maybe her and a guitar. Eh, now I’m just coming across as smug, but I hope you get the gist of what I’m trying to say here.
December 28, 2014 @ 10:29 am
Just because all of her great songs have been mentioned–well, her great songs which include Kerosene and Gunpownder and Lead but every rehash after that can go straight to hell, I want to try get people to discuss “All Kinds of Kinds,” which I think is by far the best song Miranda has ever released. It was so different from what we hear on the radio, and it had some staying power. Along with that, I can hear Tom Petty or John Mellencamp singing that song in my head. It’s nostalgic and catchy and everything a person wants in a great song. Where does it rank for everybody else?
December 28, 2014 @ 12:04 pm
Actually, “All Kinds of Kinds” has been done before. See Montgomery Gentry’s “It Takes All Kinds” from their 2006 album Some People Change. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6a4LeSgTy4w
I tend to make generalizations with subject matter and thematic material in songs, but this one was close enough that Miranda’s version didn’t do anything for me. In fact, it burnt my ass a bit that her song was a big single when MG released basically the exact same song on an album seven years previous, and they have trouble getting big radio hits most of the time. So much so that they’ve resorted to idiotic songs like “Titty’s Beer” and bro-country like their “Headlights” single.
December 28, 2014 @ 12:06 pm
Oh, I absoloutely loved “All Kinds Of Kinds”. It was definetly my favourite single of “Four the Record” (I really didn’t like the single choices for that album execpt for “Kinds” and “Mamas” (I know, I know, another attitude song, but still. I think I like it more because of the lyrics themselves and the fact that Kacey and Brandy co-wrote it. Of course, I prefer both Kavey and Brandy’s more subtle versions)). “Kinds” was probably more favoruite song of Miranda’s, tied with “House” I wish it had gotten more airplay and recognition. The reason I thought it didn’t was because it was almost the “Follow Your Arrow” before “Follow Your Arrow” (as in the song could have been viewed as gay-friendly, openly accepting all kinds of people. It mentions pills, cross-dressing etc. which is why I think radio was hesitant to play it). Also, it was the fifth single off the album, which is probably why it wasn’t promoted as much as her previous singles (less sales, less airplay. It only reached 15 on Billboard Airplay charts, and 24 on Hot Country Songs)
December 28, 2014 @ 12:23 pm
Roy Orbison had a song called “It Takes All Kinds of People” in 1972. He co-wrote it with Mike Curb.
December 28, 2014 @ 12:25 pm
Yes it was one of her very best singles. I always liked ‘New Strings’ also which was from her first album I believe.
As for the chart position of ‘All Kinds Of Kinds’ if I remember correctly her label backed off promoting it because of the release of the Keith Urban duet ‘We Were Us’ and with the way radio is they can barely play anything by women besides playing two songs by the same one at the same time. So it did peak at #15 when it may have at least creeped into the top ten if left to it’s natural run.
December 28, 2014 @ 9:42 pm
I didn’t say that “All Kinds of Kinds” was a unique concept…I said it was different from what had been on the radio at the time, and that is true.
December 24, 2014 @ 3:14 am
I love Audra Mae, and have the album that this song is on. Miranda should have left it alone, though. And why isnt Audra Mae popular?
December 24, 2014 @ 5:19 am
Well, I s’posed somebody’s gotta fill the gap left by the Dixie Chicks…
December 24, 2014 @ 9:32 am
Texas plates, candy-apple red rodeo . . . . . . oh sorry, wrong song.
December 24, 2014 @ 10:34 am
I bought Miranda’s first 3 CDs based on Trig’s coverage of her, along with the 2 Pistol Annies CDs.
I took a pass on Platinum, though, after her husband’s “old farts and jackasses” comment.
I may pick up Platinum one day, but there is so much authentic country/roots/americana/folk music out there that I want to buy that patronizing these Big Music types is a low priority.
I wish Miranda and her faux country music husband the best, but I like supporting the folks whose authenticity I don’t question.
Merry Christmas to all.
December 24, 2014 @ 6:48 pm
I am personally just not a fan of this song at all. Overall, I just found “Platinum” to be a huge step down for Miranda. To me, this song just came off as petty and annoying.
Even from that sassy tough girl, this song just doesn’t cut it. Largely, the problem lies with the presentation of the character in the song. Usually, when she’s being tough or sassy, her character in the song at least has a reason to be pissed off. “Gunpowder and Lead,” “Baggage Claim,” “Kerosene” all present a character who’s been cheated on, beaten, or scorned in some way. There’s rationale behind the emotions of the girl who’s giving this attitude. Even “Fastest Girl in Town,” at least presents her character to the counterpart before they get involved. “Little Red Wagon” comes off as petty…a character who just thinks she’s better than someone and is just saying “you don’t have a shot.” It reminds me of TLCs “No Scrubs,” but with even less motivation. There’s no indication that someone in this song has acted wrongly toward her or even acted in a way that would make her want to have nothing to do with him. That at least would be understandable. None of that is present here.
This song is just beneath Miranda.
December 24, 2014 @ 7:09 pm
While I was a fan for a number of years, the endless undeserved awards and overexposure on radio had really turned me off of Miranda. New blood anyone?
Or a return from the great Reba?
December 24, 2014 @ 10:32 pm
With a couple of exceptions, I don’t think any of the material she’s put out as a major-label artist is in the same league with most of the original music she performed as a teenage Nashville Star contestant.
December 24, 2014 @ 10:39 pm
I’m so sick of Miranda and her Gunpowder and Led rehashes. What is this, the thousandth version of that song?
Find something new to sing about or shut the hell up.
December 26, 2014 @ 9:28 am
I worked at a summer camp for years, and the “you can’t ride in my little red wagon, the front seat’s broken and the axel’s dragging” was a really common “repeat after me” camp song/chant we did. Bizarre to hear it in this context.
December 26, 2014 @ 9:09 pm
One word for how I feel about both this and Something Bad … ick!
December 26, 2014 @ 9:18 pm
Wow! Just read some comments on the actual You Tube page –
“This is pure country! Miranda Lambert is slowly becoming the new queen of country! Taylor Swift and Carrie Underwood (though I love them) nothing! This is pure country right here. If you’re looking for country that stays true to country, then I suggest you check out anything by Miranda!”
“Carrie Underwood is just as amazing as Miranda! It’s called #Somethin’Bad girl! Haven’t you ever heard of that song?!”
“One of my favorite songs ever from Miranda. She is so true to country music and definitely pure country along with Carrie Underwood, Lee Ann Womack, LeAnn Rimes, Martina McBride, Kellie Pickler, and all the other country singers. I even love Taylor Swift as well. I’m a huge true country fan though I also love alternative country, country bluegrass, country/folk, and all kinds of music. I hate rap and hip hop kind of stuff.”
I need to stop now. Ick, ick, ICK!
February 26, 2015 @ 2:05 pm
I bet those Youtube comments were posted by kids under the age of 16 too.
December 27, 2014 @ 12:44 am
I was all ready to agree with my friends that Miranda was overexposed and possibly headed for a slump until I bought platinum. This is probably my favorite Miranda album. Hard staying sober and bathroom sink are great and there is a lot that is good about this album. I like this song if you step back and just take it for what it is – attitude song is a good description. Great song to liven up a show
December 27, 2014 @ 7:48 am
Yall could suck the fun out of the tri state fair and rodeo, sheesh. Lighten up.
December 27, 2014 @ 12:09 pm
I thought this was the weakest song on the album personally
January 22, 2015 @ 10:54 am
I can’t hate this song. I just can’t. Miranda is just having too much dang fun, and it’s infectious. I remember when I first heard this I was like… what? But the riff stuck in my head, so I gave it a few more listens and now I really dig it. Unlike FGL’s dreck, this is a song I’d actually wanna crank at a party. The rock riffs remind me of 60s hit “Hey Little Girl,” and somehow it works for me.
I just wrote a post about how I wished Hard Staying Sober had been the next single choice, since I think Somethin Bad and LRW are too similar in tone (and HSS is just a great damn song). But I can’t really fault this choice. It’s certainly memorable, if nothing else. 🙂 Miranda has had success with non “attitude” songs (Automatic, House that Built Me, Over You), so I hope that will be kept in mind for the next single release. Hard Staying Sober is a great song that should really strike a chord with country listeners.
February 8, 2015 @ 9:02 pm
Agreed. It’s fun, it’s catchy and why can’t we like it? If the music moves you…then it’s done its job. All this is it authentic, not authentic, obsessive over analysis of her work is missing the point. Music is strictly appreciated through the ears of the individual. Why is it anyone’s job to dissuade you otherwise with their opinions? I like LRW and I love the album Platinum. In fact, I love all her work, I love her. I’m a fan. Her music speaks to me.
February 17, 2015 @ 2:20 pm
Miranda lambert is talentless…. and the song “little red wagon” is just a ripoff of an old military running cadence….. I hope some of those proceeds go back to service members.
February 26, 2015 @ 2:01 pm
This “little red wagon” song is embarrasing to listen to even if you are in the truck alone.
Also, Miranda Lambert has a huge, abnormal forehead.
March 10, 2015 @ 8:24 pm
I’m surprised all the comments about people being confused about the lyrics… It’s actually just stolen from an Army running cadence. I guess people are running out of creative ways to come up with song lyrics that they have to steal Army cadences. The song is quite catchy, but I think I prefer the “real” thing. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Little_Red_Wagon_(Miranda_Lambert_song)#Lyrics_Origins
March 31, 2015 @ 9:46 am
I actually thought about liking the song…….until I heard the part of Tony Lomas!! Just aggravates me every time I hear it! Your supposed to be country, don’t you know it’s Tony Lama? You’ve never been to Texas?????
April 1, 2015 @ 6:35 pm
This song is awesome can’t stop watching it. Love you Miranda. My dad says he can’t stand it but I say shut up. Definitely give it a 10/10
April 14, 2015 @ 1:48 pm
I just don’t get the song! Like what does it mean!?! Maybe I’m being totally dumb but I just don’t understand the lyrics!
April 16, 2015 @ 10:59 am
I wonder how Miranda got that big ass forehead of hers in that little red wagon?
April 26, 2015 @ 10:52 am
I love Miranda, but I HATE this song “Little Red Wagon”. I don’t know who chose it, but please stop pushing it as a chart topper, it stinks!!!! It is so not her normal good material. The first time I heard it was when she sang it on some sort of awards show months ago, and I absolutely hated it and switched to another channel until it was over. Now it’s in the top 20 countdown???? Who is picking this countdown, surely NOT the fans!
July 15, 2015 @ 9:58 am
I think they picked LRW so Miranda could perform it live and show off her new bod. Regardless, I like her and most of her stuff -so if this song comes on the radio, I change the dial and pray FGL isn’t on the other station.
December 19, 2018 @ 2:58 pm
The song & video to this are so bad, I’m actually fascinated & drawn to it! It’s not just regular bad, it’s SO bad & so strange that you can’t believe it actually slipped through the cracks, got a mainstream, hit singer for it & came out on the radio! It’s like they’ve tricked us all!