Gretchen was born in Pocahontas, Illinois to a 16-year-old mother. Her father left before she was two years old, and she and her mother lived in trailer parks and relative poverty. Gretchen's mother worked as a waitress, and Gretchen herself dropped out of the 8th grade at age 15 to work as a cook and bartender in rural Illinois.
After a failed marriage to former Baywolfe bandmate Larry Rolens, Gretchen moved to Nashville and began dating Mike Penner. They have a daughter, Grace Frances Penner, who was born November 9, 2000.
Gretchen, who had sung for Kmart as a child, sang in two bar bands by the age of 20. In 1996 she moved to Nashville to sing back-up and record sample songs. In 2000, she met John Rich, a former member of Lonestar, who invited her to become his song-writing partner. Wilson signed with Epic Records in 2003 and recorded Here for the Party within the year.
Her first single, "Redneck Woman", was released in early 2004 and reached the top of the Hot Country Songs charts and #22 on the Billboard Hot 100. The success of "Redneck Woman" prompted an earlier-than-planned release for Here for the Party -- May 11, 2004 -- and it debuted at #1 on the Billboard country chart. It also reached #2 on the Billboard 200 and Billboard Internet album sales charts. She performed as a support artist for Brooks & Dunn and Montgomery Gentry.
She released the title track Here For The Party as the second single. It peaked at #3 on the Billboard country chart. Two other songs were released as singles, and both reached the top 10. Released in markets outside the U.S., the album hit #2 on the Australian country charts (behind Kasey Chambers) and the top 50 of the Australian charts. As of July 5, 2004, "Redneck Woman" was #1 on a world composite country chart (based on the U.S., UK, and Australia charts). The album went on sell more than 4 million copies in the U.S. and 5 million worldwide and was certified four times platinum.
On September 27, 2005, Gretchen released her second album, All Jacked Up, which peaked at #1 on both the Top 200 and Country album charts, but, after initial decent sales, the album quickly fell off the charts. It was certified Platinum and sold 1 million copies. The title track, All Jacked Up, peaked at a disappointing #8 on the Country singles chart and was the only song from the album to reach the top 10. The second single, I Don't Feel Like Loving You Today, peaked at #22. The third and the fourth singles were Politically Uncorrect and California Girls, which peaked respectively at #23 and #25 on the Country chart. Kid Rock appeared on "The Other Side of Me," an exclusive track that Target released with the album.
On February 28, 2006, Gretchen appeared on Kid Rock and The Twisted Brown Trucker Band's "Live" Trucker, as she performed "Picture" recorded at Detroit's Cobo Hall, 3/26/04. On November 2006, she released a new single called Come To Bed, a song produced by her friend John Rich, who also sings the background vocals. The song's suggestive video received a TV-14 S rating when aired on CMT.
Gretchen's "I Don't Feel Like Loving You Today" was nominated for two Grammy Awards: Best Female Country Vocal Performance, and Best Country Song. In 2006, Wilson contributed a well-received cover of Kris Kristofferson's Sunday Mornin' Coming Down on the tribute CD The Pilgrim: A Celebration of Kris Kristofferson. In 2007, Wilson displayed her rock and roll vocals on the cable TV special VH1 Rock Honors, singing Heart's hit Barracuda, along with Alice in Chains and Heart member Nancy Wilson on guitars.,
On May 15, 2007, Gretchen released her third album, One of the Boys. The album debuted at #5 on the Top 200 and at #1 on the Country album chart. After 11 weeks, it exited the Billboard Top 200, having sold just 178,220 copies at that point. "Come To Bed" and "One Of The Boys", the first two singles released, both failed to enter the top 30 and missed the Hot 100 completely. The third single, "You Don't Have to Go Home", was even less successful, peaking at #53.
One Bud Wiser
Gretchen Wilson Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Well I'm one bud wiser than I was a minute ago
I found an equalizer that makes his memory a no show
And I won't be jonesin'
For his loving anymore
Cause I'm one bud wiser than I was a minute ago
I dropped a quarter played "Golded Ring" on the jukebox
And when he handed me a cold one, I said "Keep the change, Darlin'"
And as I drank it down I felt the healing start.
[Chorus]
When he left me he took my brand new Silverado
I started thumbin' and I finally hitched a ride
I just came in here to drink a beer and watch the rednecks fight
Now I don't feel so bad going home alone tonight
[Chorus]
And I won't be jonesin' for his lovin' any more
'Cause I'm one bud wiser than I was a minute ago
Yes I'm one bud wiser
The lyrics to Gretchen Wilson's song One Bud Wiser describe a person who has just broken up with their significant other, and is using alcohol to cope with the pain of the breakup. The singer finds solace in the bar by ordering a cold beer and listening to music on the jukebox. The lyrics refer to the idea of drinking one's problems away, and how it can be an equalizer for painful memories. The chorus expresses the idea that every moment spent drinking helps the singer become wiser and less likely to miss her former flame.
The first verse describes the singer's experience at the bar, where she orders a cold beer and a song on the jukebox. She uses alcohol as a means to heal from the pain of the breakup, while also trying to erase the memory of her former love. The second verse tells of the singer's journey to the bar, where she hitchhikes after losing her car in the breakup. The lyrics detail how she feels much better about going home alone now that she has had some time to drink and forget.
In summary, the lyrics to One Bud Wiser capture the pain of a breakup, and the use of alcohol as a coping mechanism for the singer. Through the course of the song, she becomes more emotionally resilient, and better equipped to handle the pain of the breakup.
Line by Line Meaning
Well I'm one bud wiser than I was a minute ago
I've gained valuable knowledge and insight since a minute ago
I found an equalizer that makes his memory a no show
I've discovered a way to forget about my ex and move on with my life
And I won't be jonesin' For his loving anymore
I won't have a strong craving for his affection anymore
Cause I'm one bud wiser than I was a minute ago
Because I've become more knowledgeable, I'm able to make better decisions
I dropped a quarter played 'Golded Ring' on the jukebox
I inserted a coin into the jukebox and played the song 'Golden Ring'
Placed my order with the guy behind the bar
I ordered a drink from the bartender
And when he handed me a cold one, I said 'Keep the change, Darlin'
I received a cold drink from the bartender and told him to keep the extra money as a tip
And as I drank it down I felt the healing start
Drinking the cold beverage helped me feel better and begin to heal from my heartbreak
When he left me he took my brand new Silverado
My ex-partner took my new truck when he left me
I started thumbin' and I finally hitched a ride
I began hitchhiking and eventually someone picked me up
I just came in here to drink a beer and watch the rednecks fight
My intention for coming into the bar was to drink and watch the locals fight
Now I don't feel so bad going home alone tonight
I don't feel as terrible about going home alone tonight
And I won't be jonesin' for his lovin' any more
I won't have a strong craving for his affection anymore
'Cause I'm one bud wiser than I was a minute ago
Because I've become more knowledgeable, I'm able to make better decisions
Yes I'm one bud wiser
I've learned a lot and grown as an individual
Lyrics © RESERVOIR MEDIA MANAGEMENT INC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: VICKY MCGEHEE, JOHN D. RICH
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Raquel Teasyatoh
I love this session! Awesome performance Gretchen, love you and your music.🥰🎶🤗
Jack Holmes
The Posies 2006 Unplugged Video
Ron Ditchen
I am a metal head from eighties. With that being said Gretchen Wilson is the only reason I listen to country music I truly love her Music.
Xavier Vega
Don't care what anyone says, she's one of the all-time greats.
Judy Mellinger
I love love love her!!!Always have.We need to hear her more often!
Gretchen Wilson
Thats great. Thanks
Its been a long and tough journey for me from the beginning to this stage of my life despite the hard times and struggles you my fan have been there for me, i appreciate your love and support it has been truly helpful and amazing and thanks for your every little effort. Never set a limit on yourself because you have what it takes to make it happen. Send me your email address so I'll text you, hope you dont mind??
Steve B
Gretchen is still one of the top vocalists today, although we don't hear enough of her. She's also still easy on the eyes as well :)
Ngam Goimei
M fallin in love after listenin to skoal ring and one bud wiser. Indeed she is a really good singer and easy on the eyes
Bill F
Gretchen is like a fine whiskey, aged just right and then we get the hits .
Ralph Cummings
she's done some great work with Ann and Nancy Wilson/Heart, no relation