The Other Woman
Jeff Buckley Lyrics
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the other woman is perfect where her rival fails
and she's never seen with pin curls in her hair
the other woman enchants her clothes with french perfume
the other woman keeps fresh cut flowers in each room
there are never toys that's scattered everywhere
and when her baby comes to call
he'll find her waiting like a lonesome queen
cos when he's by her side
it's such a change from old routine
but the other woman will always cry herself to sleep
the other woman will never have his love to keep
and as the years go by the other woman
will spend her life alone
The lyrics to Jeff Buckley's song "The Other Woman" tell the story of a man who is involved with two women: one who is his wife or significant other, and the other who is his mistress. The first verse compares the two women, with the implication that the mistress is more put-together and sophisticated than the singer's partner. The second verse highlights the mistress's luxurious lifestyle, with fresh flowers in every room and no clutter or toys in sight. The final verse is a poignant warning to the mistress that she will never truly have this man's love, and that she will spend her life alone, pining for a relationship that can never be.
What makes these lyrics so poignant is the way that they capture the complexities of relationships and the way that people can end up hurting one another even when they don't mean to. The mistress seems to genuinely care for this man, but she will never be able to have him all to herself and will always be living in the shadow of his "real" relationship. At the same time, the man himself is torn between two women and may not even realize the damage he is causing.
Overall, "The Other Woman" is a quietly devastating song that speaks to the pain and heartbreak that can come from trying to love someone who is already taken.
Line by Line Meaning
the other woman finds time to manicure her nails
The woman referred to as 'the other woman' is always well-groomed and well-prepared.
the other woman is perfect where her rival fails
The other woman outshines her rival in every way and is always better.
and she's never seen with pin curls in her hair
She is always impeccably styled and never has a hair out of place, unlike her rival.
the other woman enchants her clothes with french perfume
The other woman always smells amazing due to wearing high-quality French perfume.
the other woman keeps fresh cut flowers in each room
She keeps fresh cut flowers in every room, providing a pleasant and inviting atmosphere always.
there are never toys that's scattered everywhere
The other woman doesn't have any children or anyone else around to mess up her space.
and when her baby comes to call
When she meets her lover, who is referred to as her 'baby', she always has an air of pride and poise about her.
he'll find her waiting like a lonesome queen
She waits for him as though she is a queen, yet her loneliness is still unhidden.
cos when he's by her side
When he is with her, things are unique and different from the norm.
it's such a change from old routine
Their interaction is refreshing and helps him forget about mundane life routines.
but the other woman will always cry herself to sleep
The other woman will always be deeply saddened and will cry herself to sleep because she will never have true love.
the other woman will never have his love to keep
The other woman knows that this man will never love her, even though he spends time with her.
and as the years go by the other woman
As time passes, the other woman's loneliness only intensifies.
will spend her life alone
The other woman knows that she will live a life plagued by loneliness and never find love.
Contributed by Connor S. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
michael cordero
The other woman finds time to manicure her nails
The other woman is perfect where her rival fails
And she's never seen with pin curls in her hair
The other woman enchants her clothes with french perfume
The other woman keeps fresh cut flowers in each room
There are never toys that's scattered everywhere
And when her baby comes to call
He'll find her waiting like a lonesome queen
Cause when she's by his side
It's such a change from old routine
But the other woman will always cry herself to sleep
The other woman will never have his love to keep
And as the years go by the other woman
Will spend her life alone
Nisalma
Nina Simone's version: pov of the wife
Jeff Buckley's version: pov of the husband
Lana del Rey's version: pov of the mistress
that's it. that's the comment. now listen to all the 3 versions
Sophie Godelmann
Today I moved into my first own apartment. The last few days I felt uncomfortable about my decision, but right now, as I'm sitting in my bed having a stunning view on the city, I can say that I'm in peace and that I'm proud of myself. I fought so hard to move out and today I finally made it!
I just felt the urge to listen to Jeff Buckley. His voice is filling my whole room. It sounds like as if he's right beside me. His voice has always given me comfort and made me calm. I'd give everything to see him live. RIP!
AMEER
I did see him in Tempe Az. movie theater venue "94..
I could almost touch Jeff.
Sorry you missed it
Zrob
His voice makes my soul vibrate.
martin dyson
I first heard this song sang by Lana Del Reys and thought what a nice strong song. Then I saw Jeff Buckley. Had a recording and this song became a wonderful song, his voice is pure heaven the tone is wonderful. I checked a few different singers who have covered this song but for me Jeff Buckley's one is the best.
Liv Drake
I'm quite fond of this version too! I like the original too, by Nina Simone.
KokoSmith
I've heard the three versions too, and I think Lana puts context to the song, counting on the fact that most of her songs are relatable to the same themes... I like Nina's and Jeff's version, but I think Lana's the more accurate version.
JB
@Martin Dyson Lana's version brings more emotion into it, this version is good. But not better than Nina's or Lana's. Lana put vocals into that song.
Jelena
I agree.
birdflesh
@Liv Drake Jessie Mae Robinson would like a word with you... 😂
SummerJuneBum
This version is so calming I love Buckley