Many country songs deal with heartbreak. Most are heartwrenchingly sad. No one does devastation better than country artists. But even the most committed heartbreak country artists know that sometimes making light of a breakup is better medicine than commiseration. The three country songs below all tackle breakups in a way that makes heartbreak sound, almost, a little too fun. If you prefer laughing through the pain, these three hits are for you.
Videos by American Songwriter
“Bye Bye” — Jo Dee Messina
Jo Dee Messina’s “Bye Bye” is the sonic equivalent of driving with the windows down, feeling totally at peace with leaving someone behind. “Got a lead foot down on my accelerator and the rear view mirror torn off,” Messina sings in this country breakup song.
In the spectrum of emotions one could have after a breakup, “Bye Bye” is the best case scenario. No one likes things not to go their way, but if they have to, it’s best to feel more excited about the next stage of your life than to mourn what you lost.
“Before He Cheats” — Carrie Underwood
Nothing feels better than revenge, or at least, that’s what Carrie Underwood’s “Before He Cheats” would have you believe. This country classic is breakup gold, trading in tears for vandalism. Of course, not all of us can get to this level of post-breakup catharsis, but listening to “Before He Cheats” gets us halfway there.
“I dug my key into the side / Of his pretty little souped-up four-wheel drive / Carved my name into his leather seats,” she sings. Underwood does what all of us wish we could, delivering one of the most rebelliously fun country breakup songs ever.
“Kerosene” — Miranda Lambert
Miranda Lambert’s “Kerosene” is definitely steeped in sadness, but Lambert doesn’t take her heartbreak lying down. “Trade the truth in for a lie / Cheating really ain’t a crime / I’m giving up on love ’cause love’s given up on me,” she sings. Lambert decides to throw caution to the wind in the wake of heartbreak.
Similar to Underwood, Lambert decides to get back at her cheating ex with arson. It’s the same kind of catharsis as “Before He Cheats,” adding a little debauchery into a breakup song. It’s impossible not to get your fire back while listening to this hit.
(Photo by Terry Wyatt/Getty Images)
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