Iconic Classics: Before He Cheats by Carrie Underwood

“Before He Cheats” is a song written by Chris Tompkins and Josh Kear and the third wide-release single from Carrie Underwood’s debut studio album, Some Hearts (2005). It was the fifth release from the album overall. The song tells the story of a woman taking revenge on her potentially unfaithful boyfriend/husband.

“Right now, he’s probably up behind her
With a pool-stick
Showing her how to shoot a combo
And he don’t know
I dug my key into the side
Of his pretty little souped-up four-wheel drive
Carved my name into his leather seats
I took a Louisville slugger to both head lights
I slashed a hole in all four tires
Maybe next time he’ll think before he cheats”

The song has received a number of accolades. At the 50th Annual Grammy Awards, Underwood won the Grammy Award for Best Female Country Vocal Performance and the song’s writers won the Grammy Award for Best Country Song. It received a nomination for the Grammy Award for Song of the Year as well. It was also named the 2007 Single of the Year by the Country Music Association Awards. It ranked on CMT’s 40 Greatest Songs of the Decade at number 25, along with Underwood’s other signature hit, “Jesus, Take the Wheel”, which ranked number four.

Listen to the iconic song here.

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