Carrie Underwood’s “Hate My Heart” Remains a Timeless Breakup Powerhouse: Raw Emotion in the Studio and Beyond
Some songs hit differently — and Carrie Underwood’s “Hate My Heart” hits hard. Released as the second single from her ninth studio album Denim & Rhinestones in late 2022, this breakup anthem continues to resonate deeply with fans years later, proving why Underwood remains one of country music’s most electrifying and emotionally charged voices. Co-written by Underwood herself alongside David Garcia, Michael Hardy (HARDY), and Hillary Lindsey, the track captures the frustrating limbo of heartbreak: when your head knows it’s over, but your heart stubbornly refuses to catch up.
The song’s lyrics paint a vivid picture of post-breakup regret and defiance. Lines like “I hate my heart right now / Underneath the covers in the dark right now / Wishin’ I was sitting in a bar right now / Two drinks in, she sings in…” deliver a punchy mix of vulnerability and sass. It’s not just about sadness — it’s about the empowerment that comes from acknowledging the pain while refusing to let it define you. By the end, the track transforms frustration into something almost celebratory, making listeners feel a little victorious as they belt it out loud.
Here are captivating glimpses from Carrie Underwood’s in-studio sessions and performances that capture the raw energy she brings to “Hate My Heart”:
youtube.com
Carrie Underwood – Hate My Heart (In The Studio)
This image from the official “Hate My Heart (In The Studio)” video shows Underwood immersed in the recording process, headphones on, fully channeling the song’s emotional intensity.
youtube.com
Carrie Underwood – Hate My Heart (In The Studio) – YouTube
Another shot from the studio session highlights her focused, passionate delivery — stripped of stage lights but brimming with authentic power.
Underwood has spoken about the song’s relatable message in interviews, explaining how it explores the internal tug-of-war after a split. “It’s that feeling when your head is ready to move forward, but your heart isn’t there yet,” she shared around the time of release. The track’s upbeat production contrasts beautifully with its bittersweet lyrics, creating an arena-ready anthem that’s perfect for singing along in the car or at a concert. Fans often describe it as “therapy in musical form” — a way to process heartbreak while feeling empowered rather than defeated.
The music video, directed by Shaun Silva and premiered in November 2022, amplifies this energy with fun, rebellious visuals. Underwood throws punches, crowd-surfs, and even rides a mechanical bull, turning the narrative of coping with a breakup into a group of friends’ wild night out. The video’s playful yet fierce vibe mirrors the song’s spirit: heartbreak hurts, but reclaiming your power can be exhilarating.
Here are dynamic shots from the official music video and live performances that showcase the song’s high-energy appeal:
youtube.com
Carrie Underwood – Hate My Heart (Official Music Video)
A striking frame from the “Hate My Heart” official music video captures Underwood in full rebellious mode, embodying the empowerment at the song’s core.
countrynow.com
Carrie Underwood Throws Punches, Crowd Surfs, & Rides A Mechanical …
This action-packed scene shows her riding a mechanical bull, perfectly aligning with the track’s sassy, let-loose attitude.
Underwood debuted the song live on major stages, including a memorable performance at the 56th Annual CMA Awards in November 2022, where she delivered it with her signature vocal prowess. The audience reaction was electric, with fans praising her ability to blend raw emotion with powerhouse belts. She also rocked it throughout the Denim & Rhinestones Tour, where crowds sang every word back to her, turning personal pain into shared catharsis.
Here are electrifying live performance moments that highlight why the song connects so deeply:
tasteofcountry.com
Carrie Underwood Stuns With ‘Hate My Heart’ at 2022 CMA Awards
Carrie Underwood commanding the stage at the 2022 CMA Awards with “Hate My Heart,” her energy lighting up the room.
youtube.com
Carrie Underwood – Hate My Heart (Live from the 56th CMA Awards)
A powerful shot from the CMA Awards live performance, showcasing her vocal range and emotional delivery.
Even in stripped-down settings, like the official in-studio footage, Underwood’s presence is undeniable. Without the glitz of a full production, the focus stays on her voice — soaring, gritty, and full of feeling. It’s in these intimate moments that fans truly see the artistry: the way she leans into every note, turning lyrics about hating your own heart into something universally empowering.
Fan reactions have kept the song alive long after its initial run. On platforms like TikTok and YouTube, clips of the studio session and live renditions continue to rack up views, with comments like “This hits different after my breakup” or “Carrie makes heartbreak sound like a victory lap.” The track’s staying power speaks to Underwood’s enduring appeal: she doesn’t just sing songs — she lives them, making listeners feel seen in their own struggles.
As part of Denim & Rhinestones (which also includes hits like “Ghost Story” and features heavy co-writing from Underwood), “Hate My Heart” stands out for its blend of vulnerability and strength. In a genre full of breakup ballads, this one stands apart by embracing the messy, angry, and ultimately liberating side of moving on.
Whether you’re blasting it in the car, watching the studio clips, or catching a live performance, “Hate My Heart” proves Carrie Underwood’s ability to channel raw emotion into something that feels both cathartic and fun. It’s the kind of song that reminds us: heartbreak may sting, but with the right anthem, you can come out swinging — and singing — stronger than ever.
