# What are some songs written from the cheating, scumbags viewpoint? Romantic infidelity at its best. **URL:** \ **Category:** Cafe Society\ **Created:** [May 29, 2014, 5:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-some-songs-written-from-the-cheating-scumbags-viewpoint-romantic-infidelity-at-its-best/689543 "2014-05-29T05:23:01Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 6
**Author:** ![Bridget\_Burke](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/7cd45c/32.png) [@Bridget\_Burke](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bridget_Burke)\ **Post date:** [May 30, 2014, 10:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-some-songs-written-from-the-cheating-scumbags-viewpoint-romantic-infidelity-at-its-best/689543/101 "2014-05-30T10:09:16Z")
> [@percypercy](#): > > The Way We Make a Broken Heart- John Hiatt with Roseanne Cash. She did her own version, but I don’t think it’s nearly as good. Ry Cooder did the tune of Borderline. Is it really a song by a cheater–or is it the cheated-upon trying to imagine how cheaters think? On the same album, Ry sang of a cheater who discovered the hard way why you shouldn’t cheat on [girls from Texas](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dKSQUicFaEA). (This version from the Flaco Jimenez duets album.) James Carr with [Dark End of the Street](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tzcdNwIkmYA). Loretta & Conway had the hit, but here are Tracy & Willie Nelson (no relation!) reminding us that there is nothing as cold as ashes [after the fire is gone](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=clwwxLc0bg8)… Emmylou & Gram are also [sweeping out the ashes](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vK5791FtJ2g). (All reminding us why Mo Bandy threw [that bottle at the jukebox](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ollJ1EIGH1s).) ---
**Author:** ![Iggy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/iggy/32/3364_2.png) [@Iggy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Iggy)\ **Post date:** [May 30, 2014, 10:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-some-songs-written-from-the-cheating-scumbags-viewpoint-romantic-infidelity-at-its-best/689543/102 "2014-05-30T10:55:30Z")
I didn’t realize until I could translate it later ([lyrics link](http://lyricstranslate.com/en/olvidala-forget-her.html)) that an old Colombian Vallenato song _[Olvidala](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E8NgmpswQ4A)_ by the group [Binomio de Oro](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Binomio_de_Oro_de_Am%C3%A9rica) is being sung from the cheater’s point of view. It doesn’t become clear until the last verse. I first heard it during a vacation to meet my Colombian girlfriend’s family and it was the one song that really struck me as being catchy. I would find myself singing along to the refrain. The girlfriend was not particularly amused. ---
**Author:** ![KarlGrenze](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/dbc845/32.png) [@KarlGrenze](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/KarlGrenze)\ **Post date:** [May 30, 2014, 11:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-some-songs-written-from-the-cheating-scumbags-viewpoint-romantic-infidelity-at-its-best/689543/103 "2014-05-30T11:24:41Z")
> [@Iggy](#): > > I first heard it during a vacation to meet my Colombian girlfriend’s family and it was the one song that really struck me as being catchy. I would find myself singing along to the refrain. The girlfriend was not particularly amused. Of course, English songs wouldn’t have the monopoly on songs from the cheater’s point of view. 😉 I’m surprised your girlfriend didn’t quickly explained that song to you, and why it wasn’t a good idea to keep singing it around her relatives… ---
**Author:** ![Bumbershoot](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bumbershoot/32/3428_2.png) [@Bumbershoot](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bumbershoot)\ **Post date:** [May 30, 2014, 12:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-some-songs-written-from-the-cheating-scumbags-viewpoint-romantic-infidelity-at-its-best/689543/104 "2014-05-30T12:23:44Z")
[Second Chance](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cRkaPdfjzEk) by 38 Special is about a guy who cheated, regrets it, and is asking his wife/girlfriend to forgive him and take him back. ---
**Author:** ![xizor](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/xizor/32/102_2.png) [@xizor](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/xizor)\ **Post date:** [May 30, 2014, 1:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-some-songs-written-from-the-cheating-scumbags-viewpoint-romantic-infidelity-at-its-best/689543/105 "2014-05-30T13:28:42Z")
This might be stretching things a bit, but “Hot Blooded” by _Foreigner_ is sung from the perspective of a singer trying to get an audience member to ditch her date and come sleep with him. - Me and you, we could have a secret rendezvous Before we do, you’ll have to get away from you know who\* ---
**Author:** ![DirkGntly](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/d9b06d/32.png) [@DirkGntly](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DirkGntly)\ **Post date:** [May 30, 2014, 5:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-some-songs-written-from-the-cheating-scumbags-viewpoint-romantic-infidelity-at-its-best/689543/106 "2014-05-30T17:11:51Z")
I read through, but didn’t find it: “In Another’s Eyes” by Brooks and Yearwood. Turned out to be auto-biographical. ---
**Author:** ![Debaser](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/3da27b/32.png) [@Debaser](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Debaser)\ **Post date:** [May 30, 2014, 5:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-some-songs-written-from-the-cheating-scumbags-viewpoint-romantic-infidelity-at-its-best/689543/107 "2014-05-30T17:52:38Z")
We’re on page three and no one has mentioned [“Scotty Doesn’t Know”](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Vyj1C8ogtE) yet? “She tells him she’s in church, but she doesn’t go. Still she’s on her knees…” “Fiona says she’s out shoppin’, but she’s under me and I’m not stoppin’.” “I can’t believe he’s so trusting? When I’m right behind you thrusting.” ---
**Author:** ![Learjeff](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/94ad74/32.png) [@Learjeff](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Learjeff)\ **Post date:** [May 30, 2014, 6:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-some-songs-written-from-the-cheating-scumbags-viewpoint-romantic-infidelity-at-its-best/689543/108 "2014-05-30T18:27:01Z")
> [@aceplace57](#): > > The first cheating lovers viewpoint song I remember hearing was _50 Ways to Leave Your Lover_ - Paul Simon. What a great message for a kid in junior high. I started dating in another couple years. Already knew how to dump my gf before I ever had one. :rolleyes: I don’t recall any cheating involved there. Tangent: I had a roommate named Lee at the time, and at one point I do recall his girlfriend of many months shouting “Drop off the key, Lee!” > [@Seanette](#): > > “Saving All My Love For You” is from the POV of the mistress whining about how the guy hasn’t kept his promise to walk out on his family for her. That’s the first one I thought of. > [@astorian](#): > > Does Billy Paul’s “Me and Mrs. Jones” count? The narrator is having an affair with a married woman. Unless it’s allowed by the agreements between the woman and husband, that would be cheating. > [@astorian](#): > > Phoebe Snow’s “Poetry Man” is about a woman having an affair with a married man. Probably doesn’t count. Why wouldn’t that count? > [@Bricker](#): > > Not only is the narrator a cheater, but the song is Lou Christie explaining that his girl should understand that he wants a girl he can settle down with and trust to the very end, but until then, she should wait for him while he bags everything he sees. No kidding! What a schmuck. I never really listened to the words. > [@Nava](#): > > It only counts as “cheating” if any of the two other parties don’t know what’s going on To clarify: it’s cheating only if it violates agreements. For the purposes of a song, we have to rely on typical expectations. Oh, my only contribution: One Way Out (Sonny Boy Williamson, covered by the Allman Brothers) ---
**Author:** ![Diceman](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/22d042/32.png) [@Diceman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Diceman)\ **Post date:** [May 30, 2014, 7:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-some-songs-written-from-the-cheating-scumbags-viewpoint-romantic-infidelity-at-its-best/689543/109 "2014-05-30T19:43:41Z")
> [@astorian](#): > > REM’s “The One I Love” is a song notifying the singer’s wife or girlfriend that he’s been cheating on her. I’ve always thought he was telling the girl that she was just a one-night stand, and he’s not interested in having a relationship with her. She’s _a simple prop, to occupy my time._ ---
**Author:** ![california\_jobcase](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/9d8465/32.png) [@california\_jobcase](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/california_jobcase)\ **Post date:** [May 30, 2014, 7:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-some-songs-written-from-the-cheating-scumbags-viewpoint-romantic-infidelity-at-its-best/689543/110 "2014-05-30T19:54:18Z")
“Don’t let Him Know” by Prism- [![](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/QX0MpUAgDME/hqdefault.jpg "Prism - Don't Let Him Know") ](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QX0MpUAgDME) ---
**Author:** ![Superdude](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/superdude/32/13450_2.png) [@Superdude](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Superdude)\ **Post date:** [May 30, 2014, 8:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-some-songs-written-from-the-cheating-scumbags-viewpoint-romantic-infidelity-at-its-best/689543/111 "2014-05-30T20:11:11Z")
Am I really the first to mention [Married (But Not to Each Other)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vU7mYvwlzHk&feature=kp)? ---
**Author:** ![astorian](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/ad7895/32.png) [@astorian](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/astorian)\ **Post date:** [May 30, 2014, 8:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-some-songs-written-from-the-cheating-scumbags-viewpoint-romantic-infidelity-at-its-best/689543/112 "2014-05-30T20:56:57Z")
> [@Diceman](#): > > I’ve always thought he was telling the girl that she was just a one-night stand, and he’s not interested in having a relationship with her. She’s _a simple prop, to occupy my time._ Could be- or else he’s cruelly telling a wife/lover “I know I said I loved you, but I was really just using you all along. And now I’ve found somebody else to use.” ---
**Author:** ![Teacake](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/e9bcb4/32.png) [@Teacake](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Teacake)\ **Post date:** [May 30, 2014, 9:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-some-songs-written-from-the-cheating-scumbags-viewpoint-romantic-infidelity-at-its-best/689543/113 "2014-05-30T21:13:51Z")
Del Amitri “Be My Downfall”. [I know I should be thinking of her lying there herself And when faced with temptation you know a man should stand and fight But you will be my downfall tonight.](http://www.azlyrics.com/lyrics/delamitri/bemydownfall.html) Artful Dodger “Please Don’t Turn Me On” - a man asking someone not to tempt him to stray, but failing to resist. [Don’t say my love is too familiar 'Cos she’s everything to me Don’t say what she don’t know won’t kill her I’m playing away](http://www.sing365.com/music/lyric.nsf/Please-Don%27t-Turn-Me-On-lyrics-The-Artful-Dodger/2C542AB43E47B44E48256C4700095B3E) ---
**Author:** ![njtt](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/ecd19e/32.png) [@njtt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/njtt)\ **Post date:** [May 30, 2014, 9:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-some-songs-written-from-the-cheating-scumbags-viewpoint-romantic-infidelity-at-its-best/689543/114 "2014-05-30T21:31:55Z")
> [@Learjeff](#): > > I don’t recall any cheating involved there. Oh I think there is. In “50 Ways to Leave Your Lover”, the singer, Simon, is clearly being urged by some woman (“‘The problem is all inside your head,’ she said to me,”) to leave his lover. Fairly clearly he is in a relationship with the “lover” that is well-established enough that it is difficult for him to leave, yet he has had some sort of affair with the woman who is talking to him, who now wants him to leave the “lover” for her. > [@Learjeff](#): > > Unless it’s allowed by the agreements between the woman and husband, that would be cheating. “Me and Mrs Jones,” though, is from the POV of **me** , not of Mrs Jones. Although Mrs Jones is clearly cheating on her husband, I do not think there is any suggestion in the song that **me** , the singer, is cheating on anyone. He is not a cheater, he is just an indispensable accessory to the cheating. ---
**Author:** ![Tim\_R.Mortiss](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tim_r.mortiss/32/142_2.png) [@Tim\_R.Mortiss](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tim_R.Mortiss)\ **Post date:** [May 30, 2014, 9:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-some-songs-written-from-the-cheating-scumbags-viewpoint-romantic-infidelity-at-its-best/689543/115 "2014-05-30T21:41:59Z")
Stephen Stills: “If you can’t be with the one you love, honey, love the one you’re with. Love the one you’re with.” ---
**Author:** ![Johnny\_Q](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/898d66/32.png) [@Johnny\_Q](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_Q)\ **Post date:** [May 30, 2014, 9:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-some-songs-written-from-the-cheating-scumbags-viewpoint-romantic-infidelity-at-its-best/689543/116 "2014-05-30T21:54:08Z")
Pale Blue Eyes-- Velvet Underground Thursday-- Morphine ---
**Author:** ![42fish](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/4/b487fb/32.png) [@42fish](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/42fish)\ **Post date:** [June 1, 2014, 6:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-some-songs-written-from-the-cheating-scumbags-viewpoint-romantic-infidelity-at-its-best/689543/117 "2014-06-01T06:02:26Z")
“One Has My Name (The Other Has My Heart)” Jerry Lee Lewis “Backstreet Affair” Conway Twitty & Loretta Lynn “Tryin’ to Love Two” William Bell “I Was Checkin’ Out (And She Was Checkin’ In)” Don Covay “Who’s Making Love” Johnny Taylor ---
**Author:** ![Harvey\_The\_Heavy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/c5a1d2/32.png) [@Harvey\_The\_Heavy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Harvey_The_Heavy)\ **Post date:** [June 2, 2014, 4:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-some-songs-written-from-the-cheating-scumbags-viewpoint-romantic-infidelity-at-its-best/689543/118 "2014-06-02T04:15:41Z")
“Young Lust” by Pink Floyd. Of course, we don’t learn that the singer is married until the phone call at the end, where we find out that he’s also being cheated on. ---
**Author:** ![BurnMeUp](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/91b2a8/32.png) [@BurnMeUp](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BurnMeUp)\ **Post date:** [June 5, 2014, 11:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-some-songs-written-from-the-cheating-scumbags-viewpoint-romantic-infidelity-at-its-best/689543/119 "2014-06-05T23:13:42Z")
[Medication by Damien Jurado](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HNzdhmU4RFI) “My lover keeps it secret that we meet under covers When asked by her man if we two are lovers She says, “I hardly know him Besides, he’s not my type”” ---
**Author:** ![Liddle\_Lamsy\_Divey](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/f04885/32.png) [@Liddle\_Lamsy\_Divey](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Liddle_Lamsy_Divey)\ **Post date:** [June 6, 2014, 12:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-some-songs-written-from-the-cheating-scumbags-viewpoint-romantic-infidelity-at-its-best/689543/120 "2014-06-06T00:18:43Z")
[“The Hardest Thing”](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZzTNsFcbdmI&feature=kp) by 98 Degrees. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-some-songs-written-from-the-cheating-scumbags-viewpoint-romantic-infidelity-at-its-best/689543.md?page=5)