When Love Turns Lethal: 3 Country Murder Ballads From Female Artists

Murder ballads have long been a staple of country music. Something about the murderous intentions of jilted lovers has long captured the attention of listeners. The practice spans back decades, leaving country fans with many songs to check out. Find three such songs–all from female artists–below.

When Love Turns Lethal: 3 Country Murder Ballads From Female Artists

1. “If You Go Down (I’m Goin’ Down Too)” (Kelsea Ballerini)

One of the most recent examples of a murder ballad becoming a hit is Kelsea Ballerini‘s “If You Go Down (I’m Goin’ Down Too).” While this song is hardly a ballad it covers the murder part quite well. Ballerini is prepared to be her friend’s partner in crime. Hypothetically, if you ever kill your husband / Hand on the Bible, I’d be lyin’ through my teeth, she promises the Thelma to her Louise.

‘Cause dirt on you is dirt on me
And we both know our hands ain’t clean
If it all blows up and we end up on the news
If you go down, I’m goin’ down too
If you go down, I’m goin’ down too, yeah

[RELATED: Kelsea Ballerini Admits Chris Stapleton “Can’t Be Touched” but Crowns a Different Country Star the “Entertainer of the Year”]

2. “Daddy Lessons” (Beyoncé and The Chicks)

Beyoncé’s first foray into country was with The Chicks. Their collaborative track, “Daddy Lessons” is a haunting tale of revenge. Guided by her father, Beyoncé’s character swears to not let a man take advantage of her. If trouble comes to town, Beyoncé and the country trio know just what to do. My daddy said shoot, she sings.

With his gun, with his head held high
He told me not to cry
Oh, my daddy said shoot
Oh, my daddy said shoot
With his right hand on his rifle
He swore it on the bible
My daddy said shoot
Oh, my daddy said shoot

3. “Independence Day” (Martina McBride)

Going back a little further, the third entry on our list of female murder ballads is Martina McBride’s “Independence Day.” Despite the crimes hinted at in this track, it is deeply empowering for anyone who has been the victim of domestic abuse. Let the weak be strong, let the right be wrong /
Roll the stone away, let the guilty pay, she sings, pleading with whatever authority governs these things.

Let freedom ring, let the white dove sing
Let the whole world know that today
Is a day of reckoning
Let the weak be strong, let the right be wrong
Roll the stone away, let the guilty pay
It’s Independence Day

(Photo by Jamie McCarthy/WireImage)