Black Hat Act
Performed by Debbie “Hayride” Harper & The Prairie Songbirds
Black Hat Act — Music and Lyrics by Alan Nafzger
(Verse 1)
They put this black hat on me, said I’d be wild and trouble,
But now the good guys are runnin’ and all I want is to cuddle.
I’m just a small-town girl who knows how to bake a pie,
But this black hat act makes the outlaws ready to ride?
(Chorus)
I ain’t no black hat act, that just ain’t my style,
I’m more into sweet tea, dancin’ barefoot for a while.
Nashville tried to change me, said I’d look real tough,
But all I’m doin’ is scaring off the boys capable of love.
I ain’t no black hat act, so take this thing away,
I’m just little old me; I’m here for the good-guy buffet.
(Verse 2)
Granny saw my new hat and thought I’d lost my mind,
She asked, “Are you hidin’ from the law, or just wastin’ time?”
I can’t be mean in leather, I still say “thank you” and “please,”
But Nashville wants me to look like I’m ready to wreck the scene.
(Chorus)
I ain’t no black hat act, that just ain’t my style,
I’d rather wear lace and ride my tractor a mile.
Nashville wants me edgy, but I’m just tryin’ to be me,
But this bad girl look’s only bringin’ me misery.
I ain’t no black hat act, it’s all just a mess,
I’m just little old me, and I ain’t allowed to wear a dress?
(Bridge)
Tipped my hat to a fella, thought he’d tip back,
Instead, he glanced at me like I was ready to attack…
Met a cutie after the show, thought we’d share some luck,
He took one look at my Music Row demeanor and walked to his truck.
Luke’s a cowboy with a heart of gold,
Lookin’ for a sweet girl who won’t act bold.
He’s got a white-hat lady in mind, soft and kind,
Not lookin’ for trouble, just a peaceful find.
He wants the type who bakes pies, not start fights,
Luke’s dreamin’ of a girl with a gentle hand,
Who’s more about love than some outlaw brand.
Well, Chad took one look, and I thought he’d stay,
But his eyes slid down and then looked away.
He seemed to like my legs, but not this hat,
It’s the tough-girl act; ‘n’ he just didn’t want to adapt.
(Chorus)
I ain’t no outlaw queen, that just ain’t my way,
I’d rather wear blue jeans and bail some hay.
Nashville wants me wild, but I don’t even like roughed up,
This rebel look’s just makin’ me feel like a fake-ass bluff.
I ain’t no tough girl scene, it’s all just pretend,
I like pink, but I’ve been advised not to have friends.
How far do they wanna go with this “black hat” thing?
(Outro)
So take this hat, and all your crazy bull,
I’ll stick to bein’ me, keepin’ it simple and cool.
I’m no black hat act, not looking to roam,
And if that means I’m not Nashville, well, I’ll just go home.
And NO; I ain’t dropping no F-Bombs! My Momma would kill me!
Interview between Debbie “Hayride” Harper and Alan Nafzger on the Song “Black Hat Act”
Debbie “Hayride” Harper: Alright, Alan, let’s cut right to the chase. Everyone’s talking about this song you wrote for me, “Black Hat Act.” It’s such a powerful song, but what got you thinking about black hats? Why that imagery?
Alan Nafzger: Well, Debbie, the black hat has a long history in Western culture, especially in movies. You know how in the old Westerns, the hero was always in a white hat, and the villain in black? It was a way to visually show good versus evil without even saying a word. I wanted to take that classic image and flip it on its head a bit. In the song, you’re the one in the black hat, but you’re not the villain. You’re just misunderstood. It’s a statement about being tough, about standing your ground, even when people expect you to play the role of the bad guy.
Debbie “Hayride” Harper: That’s exactly what I love about the song. It feels like there’s more to wearing that black hat than people think. So, what inspired you to give the black hat such a twist?
Alan Nafzger: It’s all about challenging the stereotypes, really. You know, in the classic Western films, the black hat meant trouble. But in modern times, that meaning has shifted. A lot of country artists and even movie characters started wearing black hats to show they were rebels, outsiders, maybe even misunderstood heroes. Take Johnny Cash, for example—he wore black all the time. It didn’t make him a villain; it made him iconic. I wanted that same energy for you, for this song. You’re standing tall in that black hat, but you’re no one’s villain.
Debbie “Hayride” Harper: I love that. The whole rebel thing, it speaks to me, but what do you think about the evolution of black hats in music and movies? It’s not just about good guys and bad guys anymore, right?
Alan Nafzger: Exactly. In the old days, a black hat in a movie was a visual cue—someone with bad intentions was coming. But as the film industry evolved, so did that trope. Characters became more complex, more human. You get these anti-heroes, the ones who don’t fit neatly into “good” or “bad” categories. In country music, it’s the same thing. Country singers, especially the women, have started taking on more bold, complex roles. I mean, look at artists like you or Miranda Lambert—you’re not afraid to show that you’re tough, but you’re not cold-hearted. You’ve got depth, and that’s what makes the black hat so intriguing. It’s a symbol of resilience now.
Debbie “Hayride” Harper: So, when you wrote “Black Hat Act,” you wanted me to embody that, right? The tough-but-fair woman who isn’t afraid to step outside the lines?
Alan Nafzger: Absolutely. The whole idea is that you’re putting on this “act” because that’s what people expect. They see the black hat, they think they know who you are. But as the song goes on, they realize there’s more to you than meets the eye. You’re strong, but you’re also misunderstood. You’re breaking the mold of what people expect from someone wearing a black hat.
Debbie “Hayride” Harper: I’ve noticed that people connect with the song because it’s not just about the hat, it’s about challenging those expectations, especially as a woman in country music. How does that play into the message you wanted to send?
Alan Nafzger: That’s exactly it. The black hat can be a burden or a badge of honor, depending on how you wear it. For women in country, there’s always been this expectation to fit into a certain role. You’re either the sweetheart or the heartbreaker. But with “Black Hat Act,” we’re saying you can be both, or neither—you can make your own rules. It’s a modern take on that old Western stereotype, with a lot more depth.
Debbie “Hayride” Harper: I think that’s why it resonates so much with people, especially women. We’re done being put into boxes. One last question—do you think the black hat will ever go back to being just for the bad guys?
Alan Nafzger: I doubt it. Once you give a symbol new meaning, it’s hard to take that back. I think the black hat’s going to keep representing strength and rebellion, especially in music. It’s no longer just for villains—it’s for anyone who doesn’t fit neatly into society’s expectations. And I think that’s why the song hits so hard, because it’s saying: ‘Yeah, I wear the black hat, but you don’t know me yet.’ And that’s powerful.
Debbie “Hayride” Harper: Well, I’ll wear it proudly, then. Thanks, Alan! 
