Country Songs That Bring Awareness to Domestic Violence

** Trigger Warning: Domestic Violence, Death, Grief **

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Within the world of country music, artists choose to bring light to certain topics, yet domestic violence is one that is not often spoken about in the industry. We here at The Nash News stand and support those who have fallen victim to any form of domestic violence. In order to use our platform for awareness, we have compiled five songs that raise attention to this serious topic.

1. “wait in the truck” by HARDY (feat. Lainey Wilson)

HARDY takes his incredible songwriting skills to the next level with “wait in the truck”. The song describes the story of HARDY finding a woman who has been physically abused on the side of the road. He welcomes her into his truck, and she tells him where her abuser is. HARDY kills the abuser and tells the woman to “wait in the truck” while he does it. As she testifies in court, she sings “I don't know if he's an angel / 'Cause angels don't do what he did / He was hellbent to find the man behind / All the whiskey scars I hid / I never thought my day of justice / Would come from a judge under a seat / But I knew right then I'd never get hit again / When he said to me / 'Wait in the truck / Just wait in the truck.'” The song

and music video are filled with themes of anger, pain, and justice served. HARDY shines light upon those who have faced domestic violence by creating an accurate and visual story, especially through his music video.

2. “Concrete Angel” by Martina McBride

“Concrete Angel” is one of the saddest songs in the country music industry. It’s about a young girl who is physically abused at home. No one notices the signs of abuse until she ends up killed by her abuser. The song is a strong message for those to speak up in situations like this before it is too late. “Somebody cries in the middle of the night / The neighbors hear, but they turn out the light / A fragile soul caught in the hands of fate / When mornin' comes it'll be too late.” Don’t wait until it is too late, speak up for yourself and for others.

3. “Cover Girl” by Tyler Farr

Tyler Farr creates an inspiring story about a woman running away from her abuser in “Cover Girl." The woman has visible marks from the violence which she tries to hide with make-up. Instead of hiding her scars and staying with her abuser, she runs away from the pain she’s endured. Farr’s chorus gets it right: “Hey, cover girl / Shouldn't have to cover, girl / Makeup hides, but don't heal it / So damn tired of concealin' / No real man / Should ever lay his hands on you / Hey, cover girl / Cover girl ain't meant to cover black and blue.”

4. “Church Bells” by Carrie Underwood

Carrie Underwood does a great job of bringing deep issues into the light, especially with “Church Bells." Written by Brett James, Hillary Lindsey, and Zach Crowell, the track is about a woman who marries a rich man when suddenly, the relationship becomes violent: “It was all bruises, covered in makeup / Dark sunglasses / And that next morning, sitting in the back pew / Praying with the Baptist.” To save herself, she poisons the man. Released in 2016, this song was one of the first and few to draw attention to domestic violence and its outcomes.

5. “Take Your Time” by Sam Hunt

At first listen, “Take Your Time” does not sound like it relates to the topic of domestic violence; however, the lyrics are up for interpretation. To Hunt, it is about taking his time to meet a woman who has gone through a lot. In the music video, the visual portrays a woman struggling to leave her abuser. Hunt tries to hit on the woman, but she isn't having any of it; therefore, Hunt chooses to be slow in getting to know who she truly is. The song and music video are hard to analyze, but the message of gentle love shines through. “And I don't wanna steal your freedom / I don't wanna change your mind / I don't have to make you love me / I just want to take your time.”

The National Coalition Against Domestic Violence (NCADV.org) states that if you or someone you know needs support, the National Domestic Violence Hotline is anonymous and confidential. The numbers are 1-800-799-7233 and 1-800-787-3224.

You are not alone. Let your voice be heard.

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