Lauren Alaina’s EP entitled “Unlocked” released on June 9, 2023. “Thicc As Thieves,” was included on the album featuring a collaboration with Lainey Wilson.
Welcome back to the Wichitan’s Song of the Week. In celebration of Women’s History Month, this edition’s pick is “Thicc as Thieves” by singer-songwriter, Lauren Alaina featuring Tennessean-born singer-songwriter Lainey Wilson.
Released Sept. 18, 2023, as the sixth track to her fourth studio album “Unlocked,” “Thicc as Thieves” is a song about southern culture and the southern feminist movement. In the song, Alaina and Wilson sing about the joys of being a southern woman and the camaraderie that comes with being in that community. They lay emphasis on unity, self-confidence and the unbreakable bond that southern women share.
In the song, the duo celebrates the empowerment of southern women and southern style and charm. They highlight the importance of unapologetically being yourself, southern confidence, self-expression and love of life.
Born in 1994 in Rossville, Georgia, Lauren Alaina Kristine Suddeth is an American country singer-songwriter. She is best known for being a runner-up for the tenth season of American Idol, her amazing songwriting abilities and her membership at the Grand Ole Opry, where she is its youngest member ever.
Alaina grew up surrounded by music. Her father, who was employed as a process technician in Chattanooga, Tennessee, instilled a love for singing from an early age in her.
At the young age of three, Alaina began her musical journey, singing wherever she could, from church gatherings to family events, and even local restaurants. Her talent grew, leading her to join her town’s kids’ choir and frequent karaoke spots during family vacations.
At the age of eight, Alaina won the talent competition of the Southern Stars Pageant. Her success continued as she graced the kids talent stage at Chattanooga’s Riverbend Festival, becoming a regular performer there.
At ten, she ventured to Orlando, Florida, emerging victorious in the competitive American Model and Talent Competition.
Alaina’s dedication to music allowed her to sing with the Georgia Country Gospel Music Association’s children’s group and make her mark in Nashville’s music scene by performing in local bars on Broadway. Her talent was recognized further when she gained the top spot in the WinniSTAR youth talent contest at Lake Winnepesaukah amusement park in 2009. However, Alaina’s journey to success was not without its challenges.
Before her breakthrough on American Idol, she faced rejection twice on America’s Got Talent. Despite setbacks, her determination remained unwavering.
Lauren wrote the song alonside a collection of other country artists such as Rocky Block, Luke Bryan, and Parker Welling, March 26.
Inspired by her cousin Holly Witherow, who battled a brain tumor, Alaina’s passion for music became a source of strength and purpose. Through perseverance and talent, she would soon carve her path to fame.
“Thicc as Thieves” is my favorite song from the album and Alaina’s entire discography.
The song beautifully portrays the unbreakable bond between two southern girls. Alaina and Wilson use metaphors like “Thelma and Louise” and “faded blue denim,” to vividly paint a picture of their friendship.
They exude confidence and charm as they flaunt their style, expressing themselves freely without apology. Their lyrics, such as “Flauntin’ what we got like we do it for a livin’,” symbolize their strong self-expression and love for life.
Alaina and Wilson emphasize their unwavering support for each other, encapsulated in the line, “I got her back, and she got mine.” This declaration underscores their trust and reliance on one another, reinforcing the depth of their friendship.
The song celebrates the essence of strong female bonds, highlighting loyalty and support. It serves as a reminder of the joy and laughter shared with friends, emphasizing the profound connections formed. Ultimately, this song embodies the resilient spirit of southern girls, their love for life, and their ability to spread happiness to those around them.
As stated in previous editions of the Song of the Week, lyricism is an important aspect of any song and Alaina and Wilson understood that when writing “Thicc as Thieves.” In the song, they utilize metaphor and pathos to narrate the love for southern women and southern culture. My favorite lyric in the entire song is:
“We’re thicker than our accents, thicker than our hair.
Thicker than the Georgia and Louisiana air
Thicker than molasses from the patches to the seams
Stealin’ hearts is in our jeans.
Us southern girls, we’re thick as thieves, we’re thick as thieves.
We’re thick as thieves, we’re thick as thieves.”
“Thicc As Thieves” is an exhilarating and joyous song that celebrates the enduring bond between southern women. Its lyrics vividly depict carefree attitudes, boldly embracing their individuality while remaining steadfast allies.
Genre aside, this song song is a great listen with a powerful message.
Lauren Alaina performs during the 2023 CMA Fest in Nashville, June 8. (Amy Harris)
