"Three Chords and the Truth" is a song co-written and released as a single by American country artist Sara Evans. The song was released as the second single from Evans' debut album of the same name in July 1997. Despite its minor success on the Billboard country chart, it was critically acclaimed for its retro-themed production. Since its release, "Three Chords and the Truth" has been identified with Evans' early career persona as a traditionally-oriented country music vocalist.

"Three Chords and the Truth" was co-written by Sara Evans, and also with Ron Harbin and Aimee Mayo. The latter songwriter would later be a frequent collaborator with Evans. The song's plot focuses on lost love and the narrator reconciling with her partner. The song references guitar chords to describe the lyrics. It was recorded at the Mag Dog Studio in Burbank, California, United States in February 1997. The song is one of the few tracks in Evans' career that has been recorded outside of Nashville, Tennessee. It was produced by Pete Anderson, whose intention was to try to give the song (and the future album) a traditionally-themed production.

"Three Chords and the Truth" received praise and acclaim from various music critics. James Crispell of Allmusic called the track "a must for new country fans". Crispell also stated that Pete Anderson's production allowed Evans' voice an "opportunity to shine". Kathy Coleman from About.com called the song "fantastic" and praised Evans' vocal styling, stating, "her conviction apparently obvious in every vocal phrasing, in every sentimental weeping tone. She is country, sweet and sincere; she is country, strong and sorrowful." Daniel Cooper of New Country magazine was less favorable, citing it as an example of Evans' "fondness for abstraction", as he did not understand what "the truth" was referring to: "What truth? That her cheating heart will make her weep? That Rubber Duckie is the one?"

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