Miranda Lambert In Song

            “Timbral, inflectional, articulatory and grammatical details come together to make the sound of another’s voice as instantly recognizable to the ears as another’s face is to the eyes. And yet words and voice, though they were intimately intertwined, were not reducible to one another. Knowing all the words did not mean knowing a song. The right words had to be saturated with the sweat and specificity of a particular body, a particular life, and a particular voice.” (Fox 315).

I have mentioned in my prior posts that  because of Miranda Lambert’s ability to be empowering while still remaining vulnerable, she is a relatable idol. Above I posted Miranda Lambert’s “Fastest Girl In Town” music video. Here she embodies an empowering, tough girl, my way or the highway, country girl. Aimed more towards women, this song and video is very feminist and strong, giving the gender a bold face. This concept is aided by the setting of the music video in a bar, where Lambert sports a bad chick, ripped jeans and leather vest outfit. Smoking cigarettes and drinking beers, it is clear to the viewer that Miranda Lambert is in control. “’Fastest Girl In Town’ is Lambert breathing fire again.” (Dukes) Lambert and her friend in the music video manipulate a man at the bar, stealing and making a get away, hence the title “Fastest Girl In Town”.

            The release of the single “Fastest Girl In Town” was somewhat of an image saver for Miranda Lambert. Having been recently married, people were wondering if “Nashville’s most explosive firecracker has settled into life as a domestic diva.” (Dukes). However, “the song works better because she is married now. Conservative country fans will breathe easy knowing she’s playing something of a character, whereas before she seemed too dangerous to trust. Somehow, down gives this singer room to push her songs further. That is dangerously delicious cocktail.” (Dukes). In a way “Fastest Girl In Town” gives Lambert some mystery. Everything about this artist seems so real, but is it really possible to be so much? That’s up to the viewer to decide. Because Miranda Lambert embraces so many personas, she sort of becomes what you want her to be, making her so popular. Lambert can be your settled down woman or your on the loose bad girl.

            Musically “Fastest Girl In Town” is supported by Miranda Lamberts consistent use of scream singing. Combing speech and song, Lambert frequently yells a lot of her lyrics. Because she has such a strong voice, Miranda Lambert is able to pull this off, essentially making her music bolder. An example of when she does this is during the phrase “ain’t ya baby”. By screaming this lyric she transforms the phrase from possibly sweet to fairly mocking and daunting.

            However, at the same time, Miranda Lambert always seems to dwindle down to a very honest, vulnerable woman who is relates to both sexes. Her heart wrenching song “The House That Built Me” is a perfect example of this.

            This music video and song is something that almost everyone can relate too. At some point almost all of us have to leave home, whether for a period of time or for good. Miranda Lambert is very innocent in this song and video. Pulling her vulnerable side, you see Lambert reach into very deep-rooted emotions. “The production is pleasingly stripped down throughout the song; it builds up a bit approaching the bridge, but Lambert wisely resists the urge to turn the song into a bombastic power ballad as she sings:

You leave home and you move on and you do the best you can


I got lost in this old world and forgot who I am.

Most people can relate to the deeply ingrained memories that are attached to one’s childhood home, and Lambert’s nostalgic musings will undoubtedly lead the listener on a similar trip down memory lane.” (Razor X).

            “The House That Built Me” is simple. Because Miranda Lambert naturally has a very strong voice, combined with the guitar, the voice is enough. She bends notes and takes her time to pull your emotions, tugging on your memories. Lambert makes herself personable to make herself successful. She proves that she is a real person and in doing so generates a large country fan base. Miranda Lambert is every woman you want her to be. Whether you need to scream or cry, she’s your girl.

Works Cited

Dukes, Billy. "Miranda Lambert, ‘Fastest Girl in Town’ – Song Review." Taste Of Country. N.p., n.d. Web. 29 Nov. 2012. <http://tasteofcountry.com/miranda-lambert-fastest-girl-in-town-song/>.

Fox, Aaron A. Real Country. Durham: Duke University Press, 2004. Print.

Miranda Lambert- Fastest Girl In Town. YouTube. N.p., n.d. Web. 29 Nov. 2012. <http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EbaEVA259IE>.

Miranda Lambert- The House That Built Me. YouTube. N.p., n.d. Web. 29 Nov. 2012. <http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DQYNM6SjD_o>.

Razor X. "Single Review: Miranda Lambert – ‘The House That Built Me’." My Kind Of Country. N.p., n.d. Web. 29 Nov. 2012. <http://mykindofcountry.wordpress.com/2010/02/09/single-review-miranda-lambert-the-house-that-built-me/>.