Sarah Barracuda

Lots of people are rushing to attack the GOP for using "Barracuda" because the band's trademark singing sisters Nancy and Ann Wilson are unhappy with the use of the song. However, the sisters have no legal right to restrict use of the song and it's a surprisingly unsophisticated response from two women who have been around long enough that they really ought to know better.

As an example of grown-up behavior, when the Obama campaign used Brooks & Dunn's "Only in America" at the conclusion of the Democratic National Convention (without specific authorization), Kix Brooks said, "Very flattering to know our song crossed parties and potentially inspires all Americans." Unlike the Wilson sisters, Brooks & Dunn have a sense of proportion. They apparently have an appreciation for the importance and legitimacy of the two-party system. And, yes, they have class.

Running counter to the opinion of the Wilson sisters, Reuters received an email today from Roger Fisher, a former member of Heart and one of the co-writers of the song. Here's a quote from the article:

In an e-mail to Reuters, the band's former guitarist, Roger Fisher, said it was a win-win situation. Heart gets publicity and royalties, while the Republicans benefit from "the ingenious placement of a kick-ass song," Fisher said.

Fisher and the Wilsons wrote "Barracuda" with drummer Michael DeRosier. It appeared on the group's second album, "Little Queen" in 1977. The song was inspired by the band's anger over an obnoxious record label executive.

So not only don't the sisters have any legal right to restrict the use of the song, they're being presumptuous in acting as if they're the only writers. The media's so busy reminding us that Sarah Palin didn't write her speech without help, but don't hold your breath waiting for most of the media to acknowledge that the Wilson sisters aren't the only songwriters behind "Barracuda".

[Rock group Heart says "Barracuda" use is fishy - Reuters]

Sarah Palin's nickname in high school was "Sarah Barracuda" because she was such a ferocious basketball player. (Her team won the the state small-school championships in 1982.) Also, she's worked on a commercial fishing boat alongside her husband.

Palin's versatility and authenticity is obvious to anyone who's heard her story. She's a tremendously impressive candidate and her selection can't do anything but boost McCain's chances.

Hopefully somebody at the RNC will invite Gretchen Wilson to perform Heart's great "Barracuda" at the convention. Wilson's success with "Redneck Woman" in 2004 was a harbinger of Bush's victory, and the GOP might profit by associating her authenticity with Sarah Palin's.

Update: Apparently, Gretchen is already scheduled to be there.