Country music from a fan's point of view since 2008
Candi Carpenter
Born in Toledo, Ohio, Candi grew up singing gospel in a family band, and pursued a career in country music from her early teens, dropping out of high school to perform illegally in bars she was to young to be in. At 16 she was touring with veteran Jack Greene and performing with him at the Opry, giving her a solid grounding in country music, although her music draws on blues and rock influences as well. An exploitative management contract and bad marriage are now both behind her
The excellent song is from the viewpoint of the cheated wife. She tackles her man with righteous indignation. The situation is reminiscent of Highway 101’s late 80s classic ‘The Bed You Made For Me’, but where that and many other wronged-wife songs are fuelled principally by anger, in this one Candi’s anger is rooted deeply in the sadness of betrayal.
Most people take out the trash
They don’t bring it home
But you’d rather be cheap and dirty
Than spend one night alone
…
How long has this been going on, how long have you lied
Was she someone to replace me, or someone on the side
She concludes, with revulsion,
I don’t want to wash the sheets
I wanna burn the bed
She wrote the song herself, a delicate ballad, with Jerilyn Sawyer and Alden Witt. Shane McAnally’s production is nicely understated, and although not traditional country, it makes a reasonable compromise with contemporary radio appeal. Candi’s sweet voice has a purity in its tone that makes her wounded innocent completely believable, while she imbues the song with passionately felt emotion.
I shall be watching for Candi’s future music with considerable interest.
Grade: A
My Kind of Country 
I saw Candi twice when she toured with the late great Jack Greene as part of his show about a decade ago. She has released at least one prior album, which was very good. I am interested in hearing how far she has strayed from what she was doing back when she was touring with Greene
A concise song clocking in under three minutes with adult lyrics about an adult topic and no endlessly repeating refrain for the final three minutes or a grating rock guitar solo. Probably doomed at country radio.
Great voice with an understated & unexpected ending. Hope she does well.
Thanks for this thought provoking review. Candi Carpenter is clearly a vastly talented young woman. Burn the Bed is a powerful song, with lyrics that speak to many. I hope Candi goes far!
This song really hit home with me . I have had it goi though my head now for days. I want to hear more from this artist
About six months ago I came home to find my boyfriend in bed with my best friend. The betrayal I felt was so powerful and so painful, and I felt completely alone. When I heard this song on Bobby Bones, I felt like I finally had a friend. Someone who understood where I’ve been. It’s amazing how simply knowing another woman knows your pain can help you overcome. Plus it’s really smart and catchy, and her voice is like silk. I am so glad to have made this discovery. She’s even better than Kelsea, and I never thought I’d say that.
Much love,
Colbie ❤
The singer, the song, the voice, the face. This is a star if I’ve ever seen or heard one. Way to go MKOC! This one is definitely a grade A.
I think she’s Merle Haggard, back from the dead in a woman’s body… She must have lived quite the life to write something this interesting. It amazes me how she can sing about such gritty life circumstances in such a beautiful way. I’m a fan.
that face with that voice shuch and amazing combination I could listen to her sing all day long!!!
Shes got the voice of an angel and the boobs of Dolly Parton.
What a voice! What a song! I can’t get enough!
The opening lines about taking out the trash brought to mind Loretta Lynn and “Fist City.”