The Chicks (formerly Dixie Chicks) is an American country music trio which … Read Full Bio ↴The Chicks (formerly Dixie Chicks) is an American country music trio which has also crossed over into other genres. Formed in 1989 in Dallas, Texas, the band is composed of founding members (and sisters) Martie Erwin Maguire and Emily Erwin Robison, and lead singer Natalie Maines.
The trio is currently ranked as the highest-selling female musical group in the USA, according to RIAA Gold & Platinum album certifications. As of 2012, The Chicks had won 13 Grammy Awards. While The Chicks continues, Maguire and Robison are writing and recording as Court Yard Hounds as of Feb 2010. The Dixie Chicks renamed the band in 2020 to The Chicks dropping Dixie from the official name as the name had the word 'Dixie' referencing the American Mason–Dixon line, which separated the free and slave-owning southern states.

Robin Lynn Macy was an original bandmember, as was Laura Lynch. Macy left the group in 1992, while Lynch was replaced by Natalie Maines in 1995.

The group aroused considerable controversy for publicly denouncing President George W. Bush and the imminent invasion of Iraq during the European leg of their Top of the World tour supporting Home. Many country music stations immediately pulled their music from the air, and the band received criticism from many corners of the media.

Ready to Run
Dixie Chicks Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

When the train rolls by,
I'm gonna be ready this time.
When the boy gets that look in his eye,
I'm gonna be ready this time.
When my momma says I look good in white,
I'm gonna be ready this time

Oh yeah...

Chorus:
Ready, ready, ready, ready, ready to run
All I'm ready to do is have some fun
What's all this talk about love?

I feel the wind blow through my hair
I'm gonna be ready this time
I'll buy a ticket to anywhere
I'm gonna be ready this time
You see, it feels like I'm starting to care
I'm gonna be ready this time (ready this time)

oh yeah... (Repeat Chorus)

I'm ready to run... I'm ready to run...

Oh (Repeat Chorus)

I'm ready to run
I'm ready to run
I'm ready to run
I'm ready to run
I'm ready to run...ready to run...
ready to run...Yeah, I'm ready to run! (I'm ready),
Whoa, I'm ready to run...(I'm ready)
I'm ready to run... (I'm ready)
Oh, I'm ready to run! (I'm ready!)

(Violins)

(Tune fades)

Overall Meaning

The Dixie Chicks' "Ready to Run" is a song about a girl who is not interested in love but just wants to have some fun. She has been struck by men before, but every time she runs away. However, this time she is ready to face the challenge, and she won't run away again. She is ready to take risks, buy a ticket, and go anywhere to explore new places and adventures. She is convinced that she can take care of herself and not let love hold her down.

The chorus emphasizes the girl's excitement about the freedom to have fun without any strings attached. Love is not a priority for her, and she is happy exploring new places and taking risks while being independent. She repeats, "ready to run," emphasizing that she is ready to move forward without being held back by anyone or anything. The song ends with the same violin melody that opens the song, creating a sense of a self-fulfilling cycle of adventure and exploration.

Line by Line Meaning

When the train rolls by, I'm gonna be ready this time.
The singer has missed opportunities before, but this time they will take advantage of it.

When the boy gets that look in his eye, I'm gonna be ready this time.
The singer will be prepared when a romantic opportunity presents itself.

When my momma says I look good in white, I'm gonna be ready this time
The singer will be ready for a possible marriage proposal from someone they love.

All I'm ready to do is have some fun What's all this talk about love?
The artist is not interested in serious relationships and only wants to enjoy themselves.

I'll buy a ticket to anywhere I'm gonna be ready this time
The artist is prepared for an adventure and does not want to miss any opportunities for a new experience.

You see, it feels like I'm starting to care I'm gonna be ready this time (ready this time)
The singer is beginning to develop genuine romantic feelings and is ready for them when they come.

I'm ready to run...
The singer is ready to seize any opportunities that come their way.

I'm ready to run...I'm ready to run...
The artist is excited about taking advantage of what life has to offer.

Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: MARTHA MAGUIRE, MARCUS HUMMON

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

To comment on or correct specific content, highlight it

TRACKS

No Related Genres

More Genres

No Artists Found

More Artists Load All

No Albums Found

More Albums Load All

No Tracks Found

01Ready to Run4:30

PT4M30S

Dixie Chicks

02If I Fall You're Going Down With Me3:08

03Cowboy Take Me Away4:58

04Cold Day In July4:51

05Goodbye Earl4:37

06Hello Mr. Heartache3:59

07Don't Waste Your Heart2:50

08Sin Wagon4:34

09Without You3:32

10Some Days You Gotta Dance2:32

11Hole In My Head3:22

12Heartbreak Town3:53

13Let Him Fly3:08

Genre not found

Artist not found

Album not found

Search results not found

Song not found

Most interesting comment from YouTube:

D Crazy Persian Cat

8y↑37

When the train rolls by
I'm gonna be ready this time
When the boy gets that look in his eye
I'm gonna be ready this time
When my momma says I look good in white
I'm gonna be ready this time

Oh yeah
Ready, ready, ready, ready...ready to run
All I'm ready to do is have some fun
What's all this talk about love

I feel the wind blow through my hair
I'm gonna be ready this time
I'll buy a ticket to anywhere
I'm gonna be ready this time
You see it feels like I'm starting to care
And I'm going to be ready this time

Oh yeah
Ready, ready, ready, ready...ready to run
All I'm ready to do is have some fun
What's all this talk about love

I'm ready to run...I'm ready to run

Oh
Ready, ready, ready, ready...ready to run
All I'm ready to do is have some fun
What's all this talk about love
I'm ready to run
I'm ready to run
I'm ready to run
I'm ready to run...ready to run...
ready to run...yeah I'm ready to run. I'm ready
Whoa I'm ready to run...I'm ready...I'm ready to run...
I'm ready to run...I'm ready
Oh I'm ready to run..I'm ready.

All comments from YouTube:

Hayley Simmons

9y↑347

This was one of my favorite songs as a kid! I miss the Chicks!

melanie zirixa

6y↑3

Hayley Simmons mine two.

Tiff Prendergast

5y↑1

melanie zirixa it’s too

Holly Schwarzkopf

5y↑1

Mine too in high school

MultiCowgirl22

4y↑3

They're Back!!

Riley Hunter

3y↑3

I like how they said Dixie is racist so they are now The Chicks not right

9 More Replies...

Suzan Saranwrap

42w↑10

Still a classic in 2023 ❤

🩷preppy lovess🩷

27w

Yep

Olivia Sanborn

9y↑390

This video must've been so fun to make! What a shame these ladies don't make their music together anymore :( so much talent

elmagnificodep

4y↑24

They're trending right now with a new music video.

Donna Marie Davidson

4y↑10

@elmagnificodep yes. Gaslighter! I love it!

mynamjo

4y↑18

Boy do I have some good news for you!!!!!

Iris Skip

4y↑5

And now you've a whole new album to enjoy! A shame it has had to come through such a hard time in Natalie's life, but they are powerful and beautiful songs and videos! Also their BLM video has me in tears each time

Natorrie Lee

4y↑6

It's 2020 they are back 🤟🤟🤟🤟🤟🤟🤟🤟🤟🤟🤟🤟🖤🔥🖤

7 More Replies...

MUFFIN0FD00M

5y↑69

Never was a fan of much Country music, but these gals were on a whole nother level 🤘🤘

Ej Shipley

4y↑38

It's November 2019 and I'm having a little bit of nostalgia for simpler times. The Dixie Chicks were everything to me despite the constant ribbing of my buddies back in the day. I remember grabbing Home on release day and spending the entire weekend listening to it over and over.

🐉 𝔙𝔬𝔩𝔨𝔞𝔩𝔦𝔫𝔢🐉

7y↑11

They make me so happy! Me and my mom always listened to them when I was a child. Growing up this was my band. Here I am 20 yrs old feels good to go back❤️😊

BROOKS 74

9y↑24

Im not a country fan either but you can't deny that voice of Natelie and just and just cool melodies.. I really love this band...

Mary-Anne Brodie

9y↑23

I grew up with the dixie chicks. When I was a baby my mom and dad would play it for me when I was going to sleep as my lullaby, I'm not even kidding. I know almost all there songs lol💖

Jillian Barker

2y↑6

I love how fun and simple this music video is :) no need to have flashy lights or costumes, it just needs to fit the feel of the song, which is exactly what it does. :) I also love the part where their on the bikes :)

Kayla Schafer

8y↑44

I saw them in concert last night and it was the most amazing night of my life ...my whole childhood was brought back last night. if you ever have the chance to see them live i recommend it

Shirley Watkins

7y↑1

Love the Dixie Chicks

Ashley Lau

6y↑1

I love this song

Fatma D Mellom

9y↑475

I know their style is country, but they also have a celtic music style that reminds me of The Corrs. Love it!

Alberto Dominguez

4y↑9

They have always remind me of The Corrs, though The Corrs got famous a little earlier than The Chicks (1995-1997) they enjoyed fame at the same time as both band enjoyed success in the middle-late 90's/early-middle 00's.

Nicole Katherine

4y↑15

Folk music :)

Amanda Predmore

3y↑10

The Corrs. Every song pulled at ur soul. I thought I was alone in my love for the Corrs. Nice to find another kinder spirit 😁.

sithabile musoni

3y↑4

That is why I love them

Michael Shanks

3y↑6

Hadn't noticed that, but you're right. Thank you!

15 More Replies...

Stacey

43w↑5

Love the Dixie Chicks! ❤️❤️

Katrina

8y↑71

their voices, harmonies, instrumentals <3.

Whitney Gibson

4y↑37

Natalie Maines belts out tunes like nobody's business, a tiny woman w/ a powerful voice. All three talented ladies are gorgeous to look & listen to, making an amazing trio. Their music making of violins, banjos, steel & acoustic guitars, combined w/distinct sound of Natalie's voice created the sort of music that die-hard rock fans, like myself, became enchanted by, still listening today. I had & still have girl crushes on Natalie, Emily & Martie, they are just fantastic & listening to them play & harmonize will lift any mood. Take a drive & a listen, you'll return with an adjusted attitide.

DubstepPhene82

4y↑1

Well said.

Cathy Berry

Goodbye Earl! We've all known a man that needs to disappear in some way??
🥰🤣😳👍👍

Katiebugg725

7y↑3

One of my favorites by them ❤️

William Rolls

Hello Katie

Katya Cessaro

2y↑21

I just LOVE this music video. I was re-watching it after a long time, and had forgotten how funny it was. However, I have actually unintentionally crashed a wedding from getting eating too many weed brownies and needing to be babysat, so I know how it really feels to be that person that ruins someone's wedding. They did not want to see me for a good three or four months after that, lol, whoops! If you are reading this, so sorry!

Nick Velasquez

1y↑1

You’re invited to my wedding Katya!!!

nailslacquer

46w

Omg will you tell us the story haha. I'd love to hear it😂

zimzimzalabim

5y↑5

As a huge The Corrs fan from the 90s, when I first heard this song I was shocked that they were just one banjo away from sounding country. I've loved the Chicks ever since then. I've wished they would collaborate on something for the past 20 years.

Jerry Davis

10y↑3

Amazing talent ,musicianship,sense of song and skill ,gotta love some dixie chicks ya'll totally rock !

dante springfield

3y↑4

i love this song, always cheers me from a dark mood. love it when they performed it at a nashville festival in 1999 i think, and little girls dancing, representing themselves. eons ago now, lol

Simona M Guerrero

7y↑49

I miss driving through the Texas hill country listening to you ladies. wait I still do!!! ❤

Cadence M.

Yessssss

Tabatha Staples

Do you know where America is mentioned in the Bible ??????? Shepherd's Chapel Network !!!!!!!

Claudioluiscosta Costa

3y↑1

adoro esse som....

Bobbi J

6y↑48

God this album was everything!

ロンバード・デーレン

That whole album was absolutely unbelievable. Saw them do it live at The Staples Center in LA around 20 or so years ago and they had the REAL deal. Live vocals, live instrumental performance was absolutely perfect. Absolutely amazing experience with my (now late) younger brother.

Peacelove36 Goddess

8y↑30

Love love love these ladies!!! As a kid I sang all there songs especially this one... Ohh my!!! These wonderful people/singers made childhood easier ... Especially when I was in the hospital 😏 Thanks Dixie Chicks 😍😍😍 love y'all

Dairwood Barton

2y↑14

People just don’t fully appreciate just how talented the Dixie chicks are They use hardly any Computerization

Dairwood Barton

2y↑2

They are kind of like another singer that I’m always defending Taylor Swift there’s just so much talent in both

Jenn Hagan

They are underrated but I think it is bc they opened their mouths about politics. It hendered their career. 🥲

Dairwood Barton

@Jenn Hagan maybe that’s a possibility but they didn’t say anything that wasn’t true

Brittany Brewer

4y↑8

I'm not a country music person but omg!! I love this song!! Makes me wanna run at my wedding lol!! 2020 still here!! 💋🍄

jaime dodd

1y↑2

Miss these ladies! Love the Chicks and all of their songs❤

Mica Lee Williams

9y↑35

These are some of my favorite musicians. Love you ladies. Stay sassy and wise. And please keep making music.

William Rolls

Hello friend

Seasonal Mommy

9y↑512

I'm so sad the Dixie chicks are no longer around? God damn it. All for speaking their minds. Free speech and all.
I love them! Always will.

Zen Juddhism

9y↑17

Sylvia Knowles They're back, on tour next year

seansw1

8y↑9

+Sylvia Knowles (Seasonal Mama) their being gone is not because of fans like me I never cared what was said how many people shunning her or them for what they consider to have been saying the wrong thing have never done the same thing hipocrits get on my last nerve Go Dixie chicks Go ..the dixie chicks are the best I love their music the very next day after her comments I would have went to a concert purchased a cd or turned them up radio when they were played you are talented beautiful and amazing Natalie in my book the dixie chicks are not and have never been tainted

2P0X1 2P0X1

7y↑22

Freedom of speech does not equal freedom from consequences. Funny how leftwingers can't comprehend that concept (all the while trying to shut down free speech on college campuses if it doesn't mesh with your left-wing ideology).

Beth Boyle

7y↑16

Oh go away . These girls transcend politics.

Carol Fabyanic Fabyanic

6y↑1

Seasonal Momm

41 More Replies...

PRIVATE

So happy these ladies are back. Love their music 🎶 so much❤

William Rolls

Hello Lisa

Ann Defratie

8y↑154

This is what I call true Country pop. The melody of both country elements with really good catchy lyrics.

Reijo P.

7y↑3

There's no such thing as country pop. It is just country. I guess this term was invented by angry old-school country fans who said that Dolly Parton has made country songs in the same way the past 30 years, we cannot let artists like Shania Twain who try to make something different, be part of our group. She sells more albums than The Queen. Artists like Shania Twain and Dixie Chicks have made more to country music over the past 20 years than all those other old-school artists during the era 1967-1997. Country needed to get something new. Metal is constantly renewing and still there is no such term as pop metal.

Nicole oreilly

Ann Defratie

Reijo P.

5y↑2

countrygirl countrymusiclover Dolly the lamb.

1 More Replies...

Theo Valenti

4y↑3

I love this song so much, I was dancing to it, @ FULL BLAST!

Melody Cook

2y↑2

Love listening to good country music. I've been listening to all of the classics from the 80s and 90s. Takes me back

Anna K

Such a feel good video and song!!! Love it!

Jennifer Cotten

30w

When I was MUCH younger I worked about 35 min from home. I was pregnant at the time. I put DIXIE chickens on, opened the sunroof, windows and sang MY HEART out. While I kept headphones on my belly so the baby could hear classical! I have the MOST fond memories of this song!

Carli Hohenberger

52w↑2

I remember seeing this video as a kid. I couldn’t remember what the song was for years, but recently I heard it at a bachelorette party for a friend, and I was like “there’s no way it was that video, but it sounds so familiar!” IT WAS THIS ONE

Sherry Edwards

8y↑9

Love this album!!

Brittany Brewer

3y↑5

2021 I love this song! One of the best country songs of the late 90s hands down! 📢📢🎯🎯🥰🥰🥰🍒🍒💋💋

William Rolls

Hello Brittany

Raynette Cuson

5y↑2

I pray that all is well now because you three are so gifted with a lot of talent from above!!! Hey I truly believe... it is..what it is and if you truly believe it, so let it be. More power to you. Life goes on. Love you’re music, style and spiritual being. Please keep singing and loving every moment you have here. No matter where you come from, Trust and Believe. So let’s enjoy every moment and thank you all for sharing your talent, your life and keep going. Love you three and praise only He’s name. Always..., “BE Still” ALOHA from Hawai’i 💖🙏💖

Matt Cole

8y↑5

great group.... great talent.......

dream luvr

can’t get enough of the chicks 💘💘

Katie Speed

10y↑483

I gotta love how these ladies are all about girl friends and girl power. Im really not into country but these ladies are some I will always listen to.

Austin Rutherford

9y↑7

Yeah right these ladies rock

Erin Franks

9y↑1

Katie Speed yeah use be close in the world fuck that up when lead singer talk down about bush

mJOYb1

9y↑8

Erin Martin That only iced the cake. Dixie Chicks are awesome.

Elizabeth Wolf

9y↑3

+Erin Martin Everyone talked down about Bush XD Just about everyone in this country hated him and still hates him XD Ever listen to Pink's Dear Mr. President? She wrote that song for him.

18 More Replies...

Emma Rice

4y↑29

My sister had this taped on a vhs when I was little, and I have been trying to figure out what song it was for so long! I'm glad I could finally find it!

Emiliapocalypse

Should googled any of the lyrics you remembered, you’d have found it sooner

Emma Rice

@Emiliapocalypse Unfortunately, I couldn't remember any of the words! Just that there was a wedding, a pool, and lots of colors! 😂

Rae Brooks

4y↑6

This song use to come on every morning before school lol I learned to love it

Libby O'Meara

6y↑1

LOVE this song. A wedding is NOT the finishing line, ladies!!!

Heath Fekiff

2y↑1

This is probably my favorite music video, watching it always makes me happy lol

Jillian

41w

Love them!!! 🎉🎉

Michael Haniotes

3y↑2

The chicks are the best things to come to country music ever.

Gloria Lorna

6y↑1

I enjoy the way that Natalie's singing has mutual composition with her musicians. Found the video-clip entertaining & fun.

45 and ALIVE

4y↑3

The instruments used are soooooo amazing!!

William Rolls

Hello Sandra

Sisters Attic

I absolutely love them and always have.

Debbie S.

Love the Dixie Chicks wish they were still playing 😎

joman66

3y↑6

As a 6 y/o in 2001, this melody was catchy as hell! I had to search "ready ready ready run" to find this song lmao.

rodrigo randoli

great group.... great talent.......
Why doesnt this have more views? This was my favorite video when I was little on CMT

Thana

5y↑2

I'm cackling! This is great! I loved this song so much as a kid, and now I remember why.

Lilla Dykes

2y↑8

The Dixie Chicks were the most underrated country music group in my opinion.

Billie Dorsai

Rude

Jacob Ibarra

@Billie Dorsai rude how?

Coniece23

I forgot how much I loved this song😍😍🙌🙌

Craig Vogt

47w↑1

No need for inappropriate outfits great job love this so much!!! ❤

Regina Barron

3y↑1

I love, this song! ❤

Liz W

2y↑1

They are timeless <3

zachary braddy

These are classics it reminds me of my grandma some reason lol 😂

Hailey

6y↑5

Love this video :p Being silly and accepting each other at the end of it all. So cute, this would be an epic wedding day with your besties & grooms!

Stella Lowman

5y↑2

This song was stuck in my head the night before my last wedding. Should have been a sign the guy was abusive and really messed me up. But now I got a great guy and I'm marrying him in a year

Livia Chang

3y↑1

Gonna do this on my wedding, can't wait for that day😂

E Br

42w

2023... still love my old school Dixie chicks ❤❤

AGDemo

Love this jam!

Jairo Alexander Bustos Rincon

excelente canción

Brina Kay Codding

10y↑3

I would love to do that at my wedding!!!

The foodtube princess

I used to play the HECK OUT OF THIS 😍🥰❤️

Maria Simonsen

Love it! <3

Roy Medley

dixie chicks still my favorite girl group since 1998 & i hope that dixie chicks will make a come back

evie

OMG I've loved this song for so long!

Shelby Caron

5y↑1

The dixie chicks are still a band and still making music

katherine coffel

7y↑75

My wedding is in 4 months and I'm scared out of my mind. I just turned 21 yesterday as well, and this whole adult thing is freaking me out, so naturally I watch this music video to cope. 😂

CNG

6y↑2

How is the marriage goin?

T T

6y↑14

@CNG probably divorced by now. Twenty one is too young to get married.

T T

5y↑11

@Vanissa Vasquez , and probably right lol

Holly Schwarzkopf

Yep me in high school

9 More Replies...

Britney Jones

I still listen to this song and like it more everytime. Get em's girls!! Lol!

My Luckett Starz

4y↑1

My jam in high school and woke up singing it Feb 2020!!🏃🏽‍♀️🏃🏽‍♀️

Rachel A

Love the Chicks ❤️✨

Nadia G

10y

Such a fun video! Love it!!!

Dale Shew

One of the most authentic country bands of our time. They should’ve changed their name.

tbone0785

9y↑317

Country music isn't the same without this group

Galen Warren

9y↑2

+tbone0785 Gone and for good reason.

Galen Warren

9y↑1

Wilson P. Higgsbury To you, I'm sure I do. After all, when you're a UK troll who's never paid his own way, living in a dream world of animation and not worth the lime it would take to keep you from stinking up the landfill, the only method you can think of to have any social interaction where you won't immediately get ignored is to confront strangers on the net with criticism. Well, here's a bit to help you get through the next few minutes. Feel better now, little mind? So sad.

tbone0785

9y↑26

+Galen Warren For good reason how? Because the lead singer had the guts to speak her mind? (she ended up being 100% correct by the way). Now because of a bunch of religious zealots and conservative whackjobs that couldn't stand somebody criticizing George W, we have terrible meaningless country music filling the charts.

Lead singer exercised her 1st amendment right as given to her by the constitution, that the country music scene allegedly supports, and she gets bashed for it

MNN - Local News

8y↑6

+tbone0785 As a civilian I hated them for speaking out....hated them. As a soldier now...I learned to forgive them. Fuck politics...just good music.

tbone0785

8y↑12

+Ordnance Corps What made you change your mind? I think they stood up for the soldiers from day one. They just didn't agree with the government and their handling of the middle eastern conflicts. I think there's a big difference

27 More Replies...

Guy onInternet

this song is still the jam

Victoria

Boy do I have good news for all these people from the past regarding The Chick's music careers. Love their new music and their old.

Nancy Kavick

Very Entertaining!!! The Dixie Chicks Are Massively Talented.

Shannon Housel

Love it

SONIA CARCACHE

3y↑1

Tremendous girls, I like the song.

The World of Jillian

9y↑3

I almost listened to this at least 50 or 60 times already awesome songs!!!!!!

Hallie Harris

Love this song.

Kendra Spencer

6y↑1

Just found out about this song from run away bride a few days ago and I love this song

rhied

2y↑1

Dixie Chicks are great.

David Morice

9y↑2

I love them!

christar 95

4y↑1

This is great! Exactly what I was going to do to my husband at the beach where we got married. Throw a bunch of seaweed in his face.😆😂. I should have ran like they did!

yellow submarine

😆😂

D Crazy Persian Cat

8y↑37

lalaithan

4y↑2

Thank you kind person.

Rebecca Trammell

1y↑2

Just added to my playlist!!! February 1, 2023!!! ❤❤❤

Dennis Raymond

You're absolutely right... good evening how are you doing over there, it's a lovely day that the lord has made

Adam Mitchell

47w↑1

I love these trippy videos....they got the prettiest voices in all the world

Martin Kreps

I love this song! The Celtic style of this song reminds me of The Corrs.

Jeremiah Haubenreiser

Listen up ....I love the Dixie Chicks.
They are very talented. SO GOOD...

Quentin Fernandez

Theses Chics are very very good. great performers and super songs. This is a super one

Allison Lucas

10y↑3

Was watching Run Away Bride and heard it for the first tine in a long long time and decided to search it up on here and listen to it, and I love it!!!!