Dixie Chicks with "Long Way Around" from AOL Music Sessions

Experience a live rendition of the Dixie Chicks performing their defiant anthem of non-conformity, "The Long Way Around."

Recorded in June 2006 for the popular AOL Music Sessions series, this performance captures the trio during the whirlwind release of their Grammy-winning album, Taking the Long Way. This session provides an intimate look at the group as they transitioned into a more rock-infused sound, blending their bluegrass roots with a bold, new-found resilience.

The Performance
In this live take, the Dixie Chicks deliver a polished yet spirited version of the track that emphasizes its message of persistence and independent spirit.

The Vocals and Instrumentation: Natalie Maines leads with a vocal performance that is both melodic and assertive, perfectly capturing the song's "take-it-or-leave-it" attitude. She is backed by the intricate acoustic textures of Martie Maguire on fiddle and Emily Robison on acoustic guitar and banjo. The trio’s signature three-part harmonies remain as tight and resonant as ever, anchored by a professional backing ensemble that brings the track’s driving rhythm to life.

The Atmosphere: The studio-live setting of the AOL Sessions offers a clean, high-fidelity environment that highlights the technical precision of the band. Without the distractions of a massive arena, the focus remains squarely on the songwriting and the raw, acoustic-electric hybrid sound that defined the band's mid-2000s era.

About the Song: "The Long Way Around"
A powerful opening statement for their 2006 comeback, the track remains one of the most artistically significant songs in the group's catalog.

The Origins: Co-written by Natalie Maines, Martie Maguire, Emily Robison, and Dan Wilson, the song served as the lead track for Taking the Long Way. Produced by Rick Rubin, the album was a massive success, winning five Grammy Awards, including Album, Record, and Song of the Year. "The Long Way Around" specifically references the band's experiences during their three-year hiatus, serving as a manifesto for their refusal to compromise.

The Theme: The song explores themes of personal growth, the rejection of small-town limitations, and the courage required to follow an unconventional path. With allusions to classic folk-rock and the band's own history, the lyrics celebrate the scenic "long way" over the easier, more predictable road. It is a defining anthem about standing your ground and finding strength in your own voice.

Performance Details
Lead Vocals: Natalie Maines

Fiddle & Vocals: Martie Maguire

Acoustic Guitar, Banjo & Vocals: Emily Robison

Song: "The Long Way Around"

Writers: Natalie Maines, Martie Maguire, Emily Robison, Dan Wilson

Program: AOL Music Sessions

Year: 2006

Original Album: Taking the Long Way (2006)

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