Meaning of Before She Does by Eric Church

In the realm of country music, few artists can capture the essence of life's complexities quite like Eric Church. With his gritty voice and raw storytelling, Church crafts songs that resonate deeply with listeners, leaving an indelible mark on their hearts. One such song is "Before She Does," a profound exploration of personal beliefs, societal observations, and the inescapable passage of time.At first glance, "Before She Does" appears to be a collection of seemingly unrelated thoughts and beliefs, but when examined closely, they unravel a web of profound themes. This song serves as a contemplation on life, love, and the inevitability of change, all cleverly set against a backdrop of uniquely quirky beliefs held by the narrator.One standout lyric in the song is "I believe that gas is too damn high, and there ain't nothin' more American than Mama's apple pie." Here, Church juxtaposes the mundane issue of rising gas prices with the nostalgic symbol of American tradition – apple pie. This contrast hints at the juxtaposition of the present and the past, pointing to a longing for simpler times while acknowledging the challenging reality of the present.Moving forward, Church delves into his beliefs about the Middle East, asserting, "I believe in love; I believe in peace, but I don't believe we'll ever see it in that Middle East." Through this line, Church addresses the complexities of international conflicts and the struggle for peace. It touches on the human desire for harmony while acknowledging the harsh realities of the world we live in.Another powerful lyric in the song is "I believe the Bible is cold, hard fact, and I believe that Jesus is comin' back before she does." This line combines religious faith with the underlying message of the song – the passage of time and the inevitability of change. Church implies that even though he believes in the second coming of Jesus, he also recognizes that change often happens before we expect it. The phrase "before she does" takes on a dual meaning, referring to both Jesus' return and the departure of a significant person or love interest from the narrator's life.In a surprising twist, Church discusses his belief that O.J. Simpson is guilty of the crimes he was accused of, remarking, "There absolutely, positively no doubt in my mind that O.J. did it; Lee Harvey didn't." This lyric juxtaposes two infamous cases – O.J. Simpson's trial and the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. By confidently stating his belief in O.J. Simpson's guilt while referencing the conspiracy theories surrounding JFK's assassination, Church challenges our perceptions of truth and reminds us of the subjective nature of belief.Delving deeper into personal beliefs, Church reflects on the value of hard work, stating, "I believe hard work really makes the man, but everyone should win a line every now and then." This lyric addresses the societal expectations of success and hard work while recognizing the need for occasional breaks and small victories. It highlights the importance of balance in life, reminding listeners that even the most diligent individuals deserve moments of respite.Lastly, Church contemplates lost love, acknowledging, "I believe she was a real good thing – can you believe I let a girl like her get away?" This lyric speaks to the pain of regret and the recognition of missed opportunities. It confronts the realities of human flaws and reminds listeners of the fleeting nature of love and relationships.Together, these standout lyrics contribute to the overarching theme of "Before She Does" – the impermanence of life and the need to appreciate and seize the moment. The song encapsulates the human experience of grappling with beliefs, witnessing societal shifts, and the inevitability of change.Through the seemingly unrelated thoughts and beliefs expressed in the song, Church invites listeners to reflect on their own experiences and confront their personal beliefs and perspectives. "Before She Does" serves as a powerful reminder to cherish the present, embrace change, and value the relationships and moments that shape our lives.In the end, Church's ability to take ordinary observations and transform them into thought-provoking themes is what makes "Before She Does" a standout in his discography. This song serves as a testament to his skill as a storyteller and his innate ability to capture the complexities of human existence through music. As listeners, we are left with a profound appreciation for the depth of emotion and introspection that Church brings to his artistry.