Bob Dylan Inspired What Became a Massive Hit for Sara Evans in 2004

Sara Evans’ 2004 hit “Suds In The Bucket” was inspired in part by Bob Dylan’s use of unconventional grammar, songwriter Billy Montana says. The song became Evans’ first platinum-selling single and a No. 1 country hit, despite being written with another singer in mind.

Montana and Tammy “Jenai” Wagoner began with much of the music already in place and wanted to write something fun about a young woman leaving home. A tip sheet had indicated Lee Ann Womack was seeking an uptempo song, and the writers settled on the image of suds left in a bucket and washing on the line to suggest a hurried departure. It was Evans’ third No. 1 single and the only track from *Restless* to top the chart; “Perfect” also reached the Top 5.