Before He Cheats

I've been meaning to get this up here for a few weeks.

Carrie Underwood’s song “Before He Cheats” is one that (I have to admit) I enjoy singing along with. Here are some of the lyrics….

I dug my key into the side of his pretty little souped up 4 wheel drive
carved my name into his leather seats..
I took a Louisville slugger to both head lights
slashed a hole in all 4 tires...
maybe next time he'll think before he cheats.

I might've saved a little trouble for the next girl
cause the next time that he cheats..
oh you know it won't be on me! no.. not on me..

It’s a catchy tune with lots of strength in the vocals. It’s just damn fun to sing along.

While singing along one day (in the car for fear someone might actually hear me) I realized that part of the pleasure of singing to this song is that I could relate to the desire (I guess we all have at one time or another) to punish someone for being so lousy. It then occurred to me that the act of revenge wasn’t going to really accomplish anything for Miss Underwood or any of us that feels ‘cheated’. It won’t convince the cheater of anything. We are under the misconception that we can ‘teach a lesson’ to another person or get them to understand they are wrong. Well, I think I’ve come to the place (a little late perhaps) where (at least in my thinking mind) that the ‘wrong doer’ is no more likely to understand than I am liable to lasso the moon. No amount of cajoling, tears, conversations, explanations or outright punishment will change this person. No matter how wrong we think they might be. In fact, when Mr. Cheat sees what’s happened to his precious truck he’ll simply think the gal he cheated on is nuts. (How do I know it’s a truck? It’s a country song, people!) Now I have to admit that there might be something to having at his vehicle if for no other reason than to let off some steam. But don’t believe that it will change him. In fact, be the bigger man (which happens to be woman - ok, couldn’t help myself) and walk away with your dignity. Recognize your own worth and get away from a person who disrespects you. And most of the time (if you aren’t kidding yourself) you already knew he was a cheat.

Amen!