The original ‘Redneck Woman’ herself, Gretchen Wilson, is speaking out to clear the air about the misconstrued definition of her namesake. Over the years, the word has sparked a slew of negative connotations, but Wilson is here to remind us where it truly comes from and what it really means.
On a recent appearance on Big D and Bubba’s radio show, Wilson sat down with the two, and the conversation took a turn to discussing what the word ‘Redneck’ actually means. Anyone who listens to country music knows that the term goes hand in hand with the genre. Originally coined in the 19th century, it generally refers to a farmer or someone whose neck has been sunburnt from long hours spent working outside in the fields.
Many country artists, like Wilson, take pride in the nickname, and it suggests being a hard worker and their tough roots. Songs like Morgan Wallen and Hardy’s recent release, “Come Back As a Redneck” show that there’s something to proud of in the way of life. However, as Wilson points out, in today’s world, that meaning has shifted in ways she finds troubling.
“In the last 10, 20 years everybody has decided that the word ‘redneck’ means something other than what it does. And I guess because I’m the redneck woman, it kind of falls on me to define this for everyone.”
She goes on to talk about the current definitions that are circling in today’s world, specifically the harsh depictions in the media and movie industry. “Redneck does not mean racist. It does not mean some kind of white supremacist cult.”
With over 20 years in the industry and 13 charting singles, Wilson recently made headlines for a completely new and unique performance opportunity on Season 13 of The Masked Singer. Singing under the guise of “Pearl”, a bejeweled clamshell princess, she ended up winning the competition at the May 7 finale. Despite the victory, Wilson admitted to Big D and Bubba that she was nervous for her grand reveal upon winning.
“I was thinking to myself, and I run around with this fear. Ya know oh my gosh what are they gonna do when this mask comes off and they realize they gave the trophy to a redneck? You know I mean, are they going to want to take it back? I mean, this is the world I live in, and it’s because of just the misuse of the word.”
Wilson’s 2004 breakout hit “Redneck Woman” launched her into country music stardom and was quick to scale the Billboard Hot Country Singles Chart. It also became the anthem for women who embrace their country roots. But now, she worries that the very identity she once celebrated so proudly might be unfairly weaponized against her.
As one of the experts on what it means to be a redneck, she set the record straight telling listeners, “Redneck means it comes from being out in the farm, in the field all day long and coming back in and with your neck sunburned because you’ve been out on the plow all day and that’s basically what it comes from and it has nothing to do with racism and I’m really sick of it.”
Sure, the term has always had a bit of a taboo from those not ingrained in the lifestyle, but it’s disappointing to see it increasingly distorted. At its core, redneck is just a word that reflects a person’s livelihood and background.
So, put some respect on the redneck woman’s name and shout out to all the rednecks reading this. In Wilson’s words, “So here’s to all my sisters, Out there keeping it country, Let me get a big ‘h*** yeah’ from the redneck girls like me”
Watch the full interview here: