Liminality and "Dimestore Cowgirl"

Liminality is a theme we see as present in country music performed by women. Kacey Musgraves in her live performance of “Dimestore Cowgirl” is on a stage, wearing a sparkly pink outfit, hair and makeup done professionally, singing about how she is “just a dimestore cowgirl”, an identity of hers that will not change regardless of the fame she may acquire or the places she might live. She recognizes her elevated class status, how she “made it all the way past Austin city limits,”(Musgraves) but she also wants her audience to understand that regardless of how far she “makes it”, she will remain in touch with her authentic self, which is a humble country girl. Fox explains this as the hero v. anti-hero mode. Musgraves, just by having the platform to perform this song, is demonstrating that she has climbed the socioeconomic ladder (hero mode). But by constantly reminding listeners that she is just a dimestore cowgirl, she is also sending the message that she remains tied to her roots, existing in both classes as a hero and anti-hero.