"Dirty Laundry" is a song by Carrie Underwood that was released in 2016 as part of her album "Storyteller." The song tells the story of a woman who discovers evidence of her partner's infidelity. Through detailed descriptions of physical evidence, such as lipstick on his collar, the smell of cheap perfume, and a wine stain on his pocket, the narrator slowly uncovers the truth. The lyrics suggest that the narrator is fed up with her partner's actions. She expresses her frustration by comparing the shade of lipstick on his collar to her own preferences, implying that he is involved with someone else. Additionally, the cheap perfume scent implies that he is not investing much effort into maintaining the affair discreetly. The mention of a wine stain on his pocket highlights the partner's different lifestyle choices, with the narrator stating he drinks beer and whiskey while she prefers something different. This further highlights their differences and alludes to the fact that they may not be compatible. As the song progresses, the narrator reveals her plan to expose her partner's infidelity. She decides to hang his clothes, including his old button-down shirt, on the porch as a public statement. While the neighbors may inquire about the situation, she states that she won't cover up or hide the truth, intending to share every detail and reveal how he has mistreated her. The song's title, "Dirty Laundry," symbolically represents the emotional baggage and secrets that are uncovered. The phrase "dirty laundry" is often used metaphorically to refer to hidden secrets or scandals, and in this context, it represents the partner's unfaithfulness and deceit. Overall, "Dirty Laundry" is a powerful song about betrayal and the narrator's determination to bring her partner's actions to light. It portrays a woman who refuses to hide or ignore the truth, instead choosing to confront the situation head-on and publicly expose the infidelity.
