Introduction
“Cheater, Cheater” is the breakout debut single from American country and bluegrass duo Joey + Rory, released in September 2008 as the lead track from their album The Life of a Song. Written by Rory Feek, Joey Feek, Kristy Osmunson, and Wynn Varble, the song delivers a fiery, bluegrass-infused confrontation of infidelity, marked by sharp lyrics and traditional instrumentation like Dobro, mandolin, and fiddle.
Originally recorded by the duo Bomshel, whose version did not chart, “Cheater, Cheater” found success in Joey + Rory’s hands, peaking at No. 30 on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart in early 2009. The song’s candid and unapologetic tone, exemplified by lines like “Where’d you meet that no-good white trash ho?”, resonated with audiences and critics alike, earning praise for its authenticity and traditional country sound.
The accompanying music video, directed by Peter Zavadil, features Joey confronting Rory over his character’s infidelity, culminating in a cameo by country star Naomi Judd as the “other woman.” This visual narrative, combined with the song’s raw energy, helped solidify Joey + Rory’s place in the country music scene following their third-place finish on CMT’s Can You Duet.
“Cheater, Cheater” stands as a testament to Joey + Rory’s commitment to honest storytelling and traditional country roots, setting the tone for their subsequent work and leaving a lasting impression as one of their most memorable tracks.
Video
Lyrics
Cheater, cheater where’d you meet her
Down at Ernie’s Bar?
Did she smile your way, twirl her hair and say how cute your dimples are?
Did she use that line “Your place or mine?” while you danced with her real slow?
Tell me cheater, cheater where’d you meet that no good, white trash ho?
Liar, liar did you buy her whiskey all night long?
Did you hide your ring in the pocket of your jeans or did you just keep it on?
When the deed was done and you had your fun did you think I wouldn’t know?
Tell me cheater, cheater where’d you meet that no good, white trash ho?
Now I’m not one to judge someone that I ain’t never met
But to lay your hands on a married man is bout as low as a gal can get
Hey I wish her well as she rots in hell and you can tell her I said so
Cheater, cheater where’d you meet that no good, white trash ho?
Loser, loser hope you love her cuz your stuck with her now
Take your sorry butt, load up all your stuff, and get the hell out of my house
But I just wish you’d tell me this one thing before you go
Cheater, cheater where’d you meet that no good, white trash ho?
Now I’m not one to judge someone that I ain’t never met
But to lay your hands on a married man is bout as low as a gal can get
Hey I wish her well as she rots in hell and you can tell her I said so
Cheater, cheater where’d you meet that no good, white trash ho?
Yeah I just wish you’d tell me this one thing before you go
Cheater, cheater where’d you meet that low down, up town, slept with every guy around, pressed on eyelash, no good, white trash ho?