"Indian Outlaw" is a song written by Jumpin' Gene Simmons and John D. Loudermilk, and performed by American country music artist Tim McGraw. It was released in January 1994 as the first single from his album Not a Moment Too Soon. It was McGraw's breakthrough single, his first Top 40 country hit, and his fourth single overall. It peaked at number 8 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks charts, and number 15 on the Billboard Hot 100.
| "Indian Outlaw" | ||||
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| Single by Tim McGraw | ||||
| from the album Not a Moment Too Soon | ||||
| Released | January 22, 1994 | |||
| Recorded | 1993 | |||
| Genre | Country | |||
| Length | 3:01 (Album Version) 4:20 (Dance Mix) | |||
| Label | Curb | |||
| Songwriter(s) |
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| Producer(s) | ||||
| Tim McGraw singles chronology | ||||
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Content
The song is an up-tempo set in minor key, backed by tom-tom drums and fiddle. The narrator describes himself as a rebellious American Indian character, "Half Cherokee and Choctaw". He describes, among other things, his pursuit of a Chippewa lover who either is, or at least the narrator believes is, unique. The narrator informs the listener that he is called by his nickname “Bear Claw.” Further, the narrator tells us that his father is the chief of his tribe, but is subservient to the narrator’s mother, who herself keeps the chief on the straight and narrow. The narrator tells us we can find him in his semi-permanent dwelling playing drums. If the listener does find him there and has brought, and then partakes in using, a tobacco smoking device, the narrator implores the listener to share it with him. Later in the song, the narrator explains that he is trying to do the right thing, but will invite love interests to ride with him on his horse where he will likely overcome their emotions with his seductiveness. The narrator lets the listener know that, apparently, one time the witch doctor in the tribe caught him with a love interest and subsequently man-handled him, explaining that the narrator was no good for that woman (the informed listener may conclude that the explosive outburst resulted from that love interest being a relation of the witch doctor, perhaps even his daughter). For a brief period, the narrator tells the listener about his animal hunting skills, which appear extremely proficient. However, after discussing hunting, the narrator immediately turns to “[t]hey” gathering around his dwelling trying to see him in his loin cloth. Because of this quick transition, the intuitive listener might conclude that his talk of hunting exploits really refers to his sexual prowess. In a braggadocious manner, the narrator tells the listener that “[t]hey” also stand in queue to see him, which an informed listener could conclude that the narrator believes his prowess overcomes typical human frailties, such as jealousy, and that they are so numerous they have to create an orderly organizational structure to accomplish their goal of seeing him. In the end, the narrator appears to fully embrace his Cherokee heritage. Although he does not specify if this is at the expense of his Choctaw lineage, an informed listener cannot help but to wonder if he just happens to be celebrating one part of his being at that point in time.
The song contains a sample of John D. Loudermilk's song "Indian Reservation",[1] which is sung as shouting at the end ("Cherokee people, Cherokee tribe! / So proud to live, so proud to die").
A dance remix of the single was also made. This remix appears on McGraw's 2010 album Number One Hits. The song was considered controversial at the time, due to its stereotypical portrayal of Native Americans;[2][3] as a result, some radio stations refused to play it.[4]
Critical reception
Larry Flick of Billboard called it an "incredible single" that is "positively stuffed with lyrical and musical Native American cliches, from tomtoms to wigwams to peace pipes." He went on to say that if the song became a hit, it would "set relations back 200 years."[5] In a review of Not a Moment Too Soon for the same publication, "Indian Outlaw" was again noted as clichéd; the authors deemed it "either one of the catchiest or one of the stupidest songs ever written."[6]
Music video
There were two versions of the video released. One was for the original version of the song, and the other was for an extended dance mix. Both were directed by Sherman Halsey, who also directed most of McGraw's subsequent videos and it shows Tim McGraw performing the song at a dancehall, playing a game of billiards, and riding his motorcycle with a female friend.
Track Listings
US Vinyl, 7"
- A Indian Outlaw (Radio Mix) 2:59
- B Don't Take The Girl 4:09
Germany CD
- Indian Outlaw (European Version) 2:59
- Indian Outlaw (American Version) 2:59
- Indian Outlaw (Dance Version) 4:19
Chart performance
Peak positions
End of year charts
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Certifications
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Parodies
American country music parody artist Cledus T. Judd released a parody of "Indian Outlaw" titled "Indian In-Laws" on his 1995 album Cledus T. Judd (No Relation).
References
- ^ http://www.ihesm.com/Loudermilk2.html Songs written by John D. Loudermilk
- ^ CMT.com : Shows : Controversy : "Indian Outlaw" : About the Episode
- ^ CMT.com : Political Controversies Found Wynette and McGraw
- ^ Gerome, John (April 13, 2007). "Growing Strong - Cyrus' reach encompasses country music, more". San Angelo Standard Times. Archived from the original on April 26, 2007. Retrieved 2007-07-10.
- ^ Flick, Larry (February 5, 1994). "Single Reviews". Billboard. 106 (6). BPI Communications: 71. ISSN 0006-2510. Retrieved May 5, 2015.
- ^ Verna, Paul; Gillen, Marilyn A.; Cronin, Peter (April 16, 1994). "Album Reviews". Billboard. 106 (6). BPI Communications: 62. ISSN 0006-2510. Retrieved May 5, 2015.
- ^ "Top RPM Country Tracks: Issue 2454." RPM. Library and Archives Canada. April 25, 1994. Retrieved August 4, 2013.
- ^ "Tim McGraw Chart History (Hot 100)". Billboard.
- ^ "Tim McGraw Chart History (Hot Country Songs)". Billboard.
- ^ "Billboard Top 100 - 1994". Archived from the original on March 1, 2009. Retrieved 2010-08-27.
- ^ "American single certifications – Tim McGraw – Indian Outlaw". Recording Industry Association of America.
