D.I.D.L.

S Rhetorical Analysis
Song lyrics

Use the DIDLS Analysis PDF linked in the canvas page for specifics on what to look for and what
questions to consider. Remember to support your answers with evidence from the lyrics!

Song Title & Link: Before He Cheats (Carrie Underwood)

Element Answers WITH evidence!

Diction: By repeating the word little, it belittles the ex-boyfriend and shows how
much he actually matters to her. She also throws in a couple of slams to his
new girlfriend by describing her as a “bleached-blond tramp”, “white trash”
who is too lightweight to drink whiskey. The overall tone of the song sounds
like the artist is bitter and is having a temper tantrum.

Imagery: Carrie Underwood uses a lot of imagery throughout the verses most evident
when describing what she did to his car. From the leather seats to the 4-
wheel drive, his car sounds pretty expensive. On top of that, each stanza
represents a different setting, one being in the billiard hall with “slow
dancing” & “fruity little drink”. Another is the hotel room with the “ 3 dollars
of the bathroom polo”.

Details: Carrie Underwood seems to focus the lyrics on the ex-boyfriend’s thoughts
and interactions, it implies that she still hasn’t gotten over their relationship. I
think it’s interesting how she slams his choice of women by describing the
new girl as a “bleach-blonde tramp”.
I assume that when she talks about him thinking “he’s gonna get lucky” and
mentioning the bathroom polo, it implies that he cheated on her (not in the
Mormon way)

Language: The overall diction throughout the song is very casual with a few specific
references to sports such as “Louisville slugger” and “shoot a combo”. This is
important because it shows that she knows sports, unlike the stereotypical
girl.
Sometimes her grammar is off but I think that is a result of her trying to
rhyme and trying to get the right count of syllables.

Syntax: The syntax in the song seems to change between the chorus and the normal
verses. The verses are full of phrases making fun of her ex-boyfriend while the
chorus is full of baddy, vengeful behavior.
Saying “right now” repeatedly as an alliteration emphasizes that she’s
constantly thinking about him and that while she’s sulking over their broken
relationship, he’s cheating as if she doesn’t matter.

[Verse 1]
Right now, he's probably slow dancing
With a bleached-blond tramp
And she's probably getting frisky
Right now, he's probably buying her some fruity little drink
'Cause she can't shoot a whiskey
Right now, he's probably up behind her with a pool-stick
Showing her how to shoot a combo

And he don't know

[Chorus]
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 headlights

Slashed a hole in all four tires

Maybe next time, he'll think before he cheats

[Verse 2]
Right now, she's probably up singing some
White-trash version of Shania karaoke

Right now, she's probably saying, "I'm drunk"

And he's a thinking that he's gonna get lucky

Right now, he's probably dabbing on

Three dollars worth of that bathroom Polo

Oh, and he don't know

[Chorus]
Oh, that 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 headlights
Slashed a hole in all four tires
Maybe next time, he'll think before he cheats

[Bridge]
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

[Chorus]
'Cause 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 headlights

Slashed a hole in all four tires

Maybe next time, he'll think before he cheats

[Outro]
Oh, maybe next time, he'll think before he cheats
Oh, before he cheats
Oh