"Before He Cheats " by Carrie Underwood
Reviewed by: Krystal Burns
Note: We focus on reviewing songs, and therefore cannot comment on the appropriateness of the album in its entirety. Please use your best judgment whenever purchasing or listening to music.
The Artist
Carrie Underwood is everywhere these days -- Grammy’s, Billboard Music Awards, and of course, Oprah. But there’s more to this American Idol winner than just a pretty face and a good voice. Underwood recently graduated in Mass Communications from Northeastern State University with honors -- all while trying out for American Idol, going on to win, and recording her first album. Smart girl! She also continues to sing in the choir at First Freewill Baptist Church where she is a member.
The Album
Underwood’s debut album “Some Hearts” (’05) went quadruple platinum with hits including “Jesus Take the Wheel,” “Don’t Forget to Remember Me,” and “Before He Cheats.” She recently piled up some trophies at the Billboard Music Awards: CMA Female Vocalist of the Year, Album of the Year, and Country Album of the Year. Yes, all of this goes to show that some American Idol winners really can sing. You’ll hear some of her songs on your local Christian radio, also, as several have been released to play on religious broadcast stations based on Underwood’s testimony as a faith-based artist.
The Song
While “Some Hearts” is a fairly positive album on the whole, the top hit these days brings out a less inspiring attitude. As the name implies, “Before He Cheats” is about betrayal. The singer’s boyfriend cheats on her, and she gets even so that “maybe next time he’ll think before he cheats.”
Revenge seems so sinfully sweet as Underwood belts out the chorus over and over, “I dug my key into the side/ of his pretty little suped up four wheel drive/ Carved my name into his leather seats/ Took a Louisville slugger to both headlights/ Slashed a hole in all four tires.” The tune is so irresistible that we can’t help but cheer her on in our hearts as we sing along. I dare say even those who claim to hate country music might be tempted to download this hit.
Anyone who has experienced betrayal -- romantic or from a friend -- can relate to the desire to get revenge. Someone hurt you, now you want to make that person hurt too. As good as it may initially feel to pay back someone, revenge is a sin. We tend to take revenge because we’re mad that someone treated us poorly, but the Bible teaches, “Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: ‘It is mine to avenge; I will repay,’ says the Lord.” (Romans 12:19) In other words, even though you’re hurt and angry, take it to God and let him deal with it. His payback is always worse than ours. And if He chooses to show mercy, He asks us to remember He has forgiven us for much more. (Check out Ephesians 4:32.)
In fairness to Carrie Underwood, she did release a disclaimer about the song: “I decided to sing it because I think that everyone has a ‘mean streak’ and the character in this song has a very large one. I would like to say, however, that I do not condone the destruction of anyone’s property, and I have never at anytime keyed anyone’s car.” Still, I wonder why you sing a song if you have to disclaim it. The song also contains several references to alcohol and sexuality.
So What Do You Think?
1. Do you like country music?
2. Should Christian radio stations play songs by an artist just because that artist is a Christian, or should the songs be about God?
3. We’ve all been guilty of trying to take the law into our own hands. What are some discreet and not so discreet ways we try to get even with people who have hurt us?
4. It’s easy to say “just give it to God,” but what are some practical ways we can make sure we don’t act out in anger?