Country Death Songs: Murder Ballads and the Southern Subculture of Violence

• In Event: Media Frames, Cultural Criminology, and Narratives of Crime

Abstract

The Southern United States has consistently reported higher rates of violent crime than other regions, a disparity often attributed to a “southern subculture of violence” rooted in historical norms of honor and retribution. This study explores how these cultural values are reflected and reinforced through country music murder ballads. Employing a content analysis of 73 songs, this study identifies recurring themes, including honor and reputation, romantic betrayal, distrust of the justice system, substance use, and religious overtones. Additionally, the study highlights the emerging role of women in honor-driven violence within these songs. The findings reveal that these narratives normalize lethal violence as a culturally intelligible solution to perceived slights, strengthening notions of personal retribution and justice. This research extends the discourse on subcultures of violence by highlighting the role of popular media in sustaining regional cultural values.

Author

• Corey Call, Longwood University