“Songs Like This”, by far Carrie’s angriest song, showcases her aggression and the depth of her emotional frustration with guys who’ve “done her wrong”. Opening with “Wanna find some boy, rip his heart right out…first man I see, gonna take him down”, it’s quite obvious that this woman means business. However, Taylor’s anger proves far less violent and vengeful towards the male gender. In “Picture to Burn” she sings, “Cause I hate that stupid old pickup truck you never let me drive, you’re a redneck heartbreak whose really bad at lying, so watch me strike a match on all my wasted time”. Sure, you might say they’re both enraged and determined to let everyone know they were wronged…but the extent to which they do so is a distinct difference. For example, let’s see what happens when a man cheats on one of these beautiful blondes. Carrie says, “I dug my key into the side of his pretty little souped-up four wheel drive, carved my name into his leather seats, took a Louisville slugger to both headlights, slashed a whole in all four tires, and maybe next time he’ll think before he cheats”. Clearly, she wishes to seek material damage and immediate compensation for this lack of faithfulness. Taylor on the other hand, tones it down a bit: “You should have said no, you should have gone home, you should have thought twice before you let it all go”. See the difference?
I thoroughly enjoy a good Carrie song and appreciate her fearlessness in expressing the deepest and inner most desires we experience when dealing with the male gender. However, Taylor Swift appeals more to my age group…and since I’m still young and have plenty of time until I have to even consider engagement or long term commitment, I will stick with T-Swift.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yCMqcFAigRg--> Picture To Burn
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WaSy8yy-mr8 --> Before He Cheats
Wow, I never payed much attention to Carrie Underwood songs, much less her lyrics, but they are pretty violent, especially for a country singer. There is definitely a big difference between Carrie Underwood and Taylor Swift
ReplyDeleteThis is nice and very well thought out. I actually listened to a preview of Carrie Underwood's song on iTunes. I never knew she had it in her.
ReplyDeleteTo tell you the truth I use to be one of those people who thought that T-Swift and Carrie Underwood were the same person. It is not clear to me that they are very different and Taylor knows when to tone it down. Well written and now I can rest easy knowing that there is peace in this crazy mixed up country music world!
ReplyDeletelol hahaha I'm glad that I could ease your Country music fears.
ReplyDeleteYou guys all know I'm clueless about current music, so I've never head Carrie or Taylor's songs, but I say...go Carrie! Sounds to me like Taylor is blaming the victim "(you--i.e. the girl, shouldn't have liked him blah blah) whereas Carrie, who sounds like she's "been here before" with a jerk guy, goes right for what he loves the most...his pickup truck...and destroys it. Right on.
ReplyDeleteAfter watching a Taylor video vs. a Carrie video and listening to both their songs, although I am not the biggest fan, I can see that they do have different styles and are individuals.
ReplyDeleteVivek: Yes they are pretty violent lyrics...but when a guy cheats on you or, as in her song "Songs like this" maxes out your credit card and pawns your guitar...then such actions are necessary.
ReplyDeleteObi: lol don't let the blonde hair and cowboy boots fool you. Country girls mean business. Oh how I wish I could go to college there.
Zach: They do have their individual styles...I think Carrie is more mature in the sense that she's had more life experience.
Dr. Kelly: I completely support going after the pick up truck. It is entirely 100% necessary...and completely excusable in a court of law (in my book).
I was a bit more distracted by the plethora of men in funky haircuts, sunglasses and black suits flanking Swift throughout the video. They even play darts as she's singing! Some band.
ReplyDeleteI love, love, love the banjo strumming, though. Understated but so important to how the track comes across.
Case closed!
ReplyDeleteLawyer Lacey, at the defense of her idol again, still manages to convince me that Taylor Swift is NOT the worst thing since Vince McMahon's XFL (nostalgia!).
Carrie is HOT, but I must say that her lyrics make Taylor's look Dylan-like in my book (even if you think they are already). "Before he Cheats" might just be the most unappealing song title of all time.
There is some definite passion in this article. Very, very well written. I would give you a standing ovation, but I find that beds are quite comfortable.