Carrie Underwood is a storyteller at her core, which is clearly visible in her song Church Bells. 2016 saw her Storyteller album’s release, where the song takes listeners on an all-encompassing journey, from love to abuse to revenge. The melody is haunting yet catchy—the song is a modern country classic.
We hear the story of Jenny, a woman who catches the eye of a wealthy oilman. Her life appeared glamorous, but beneath the surface, a darker truth unfolded. Jenny’s husband became increasingly abusive, and with each passing day, her desire to escape grew stronger. In the end, she made a chilling decision—slipping something into his whiskey. Does the oilman die, we don’t know, but we know that Jenny walks away.
Carrie Underwood – Church Bells (Official Video)
In terms of lyrics, the song harkens to earlier revenge anthems like Before He Cheats, but the song isn’t outright vengeful, and leans more into country music’s traditions, where justice comes in ways unexpected.
The song is built around a haunting banjo and a driving beat, which gives it a cinematic atmosphere. Underwood is soaring, delivering a sense of early hope, and her ability to balance emotion with vocal power makes the song hit that much harder. For more of Underwood’s ability to break your heart, look at See You Again.
Carrie Underwood – See You Again
Church Bells is a fan favorite, and is praised for its storytelling depth. She is among Country’s best modern storytellers, and can turn dark tales into unforgettable classics. We believe this song will be remembered far longer than we are currently giving it credit.
For more powerful performances and stories in song, follow Carrie Underwood on social media—because she always has something worth listening to.