Your Husband My Wife
Bobby Bare - Skeeter Davis Lyrics
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But what he don't know is I'm true to only you
Tell me where does it stop?
Does he know our married life is on the rocks?
Now, before you say you want me
For the rest of your life
Tell me, what are we gonna do about your husband?
Speak to your side
In the darkness where unfaithfulness must hide
Knowing I'll forever taste
All the tears I'll put upon my children's face
Now, before I say I want you
For the rest of my life
What're we gonna do about my husband?
And what're we gonna do about my wife?
Shouldn't we stop and look around?
Let's think about the hearts we'll be breaking
And though we want each other
Need each other and we love each other
Think about the move we are making
Oh baby, don't you cry
No matter what, we'll never ever say goodbye
And Bobby, I promise you this
Though I wear his ring, I'll always wear your kiss
But as for marriage, we can't pay the price
'Cause you don't really want to hurt your husband
And you don't really want to hurt your wife
So what're we gonna do about your husband?
What're we gonna do about your wife?
The lyrics of Bobby Bare's song "Your Husband" narrate the tale of two individuals involved in an extramarital affair. The singer starts by acknowledging that he/she is faithful only to the person with whom he/she is currently involved, i.e., the lover. There's a constant dilemma of whether the married life of the lover is deteriorating, and if so, how much does the spouse know about the ongoing affair. The singer questions the practicality of giving into each other's desires and to make a choice. This choice pertains to facing the consequences of breaking two marriages by being together for the rest of their lives.
Further, the singer talks about the secrecy in their relationship and how they hide their unfaithfulness in the darkness. He emphasizes that they cannot stain the lives of their children, and must realize the gravity of the decision they make. They debate internally whether they should continue the affair or not, realizing that their actions will affect a lot of people. But the assurance is given to each other they will never say goodbye, even if they reveal the truth about their relationship to their partners. The song ends with a conclusion that they can't afford to lose everything, their marriages included. They sympathize with each other, but as much as they love, want, and need each other, they love their respective partners, too; hence the question remains, what will they do about their spouse.
Line by Line Meaning
He knows I'm true
Your husband thinks I am loyal to him
But what he don't know is I'm true to only you
Your husband is unaware that I am only faithful to you
Tell me where does it stop?
Where is the limit to our affair?
Does he know our married life is on the rocks?
Is your husband aware that our marriage is in trouble?
Now, before you say you want me
Before you express your desire for me
For the rest of your life
For the remainder of your days
Tell me, what are we gonna do about your husband?
What course of action should we take regarding your spouse?
And what're we gonna do about your wife?
What plan do we have for your significant other?
Speak to your side
Address your part of this predicament
In the darkness where unfaithfulness must hide
We must keep our infidelity hidden in darkness
Knowing I'll forever taste
I will always bear the burden of
All the tears I'll put upon my children's face
The emotional toll that my actions will have on our children
Now, before I say I want you
Before I declare that I desire you
For the rest of my life
For the rest of my time living
What're we gonna do about my husband?
What action plan do we have regarding my spouse?
And what're we gonna do about my wife?
What is our plan of action for my significant other?
Shouldn't we stop and look around?
Are we not obligated to stop and assess the situation?
Let's think about the hearts we'll be breaking
Let us consider the emotional damage we will be causing
And though we want each other
Even though we desire each other
Need each other and we love each other
And we have a deep affection for each other
Think about the move we are making
Consider the decision we are about to make
Oh baby, don't you cry
Do not weep, my love
No matter what, we'll never ever say goodbye
We will always be together, regardless of the obstacles we face
And Bobby, I promise you this
And, Bobby, I assure you of this
Though I wear his ring, I'll always wear your kiss
Even though I am married to him, I will still hold onto the memory of our affection
But as for marriage, we can't pay the price
However, regarding our marital vows, we cannot afford the cost
'Cause you don't really want to hurt your husband
Because hurting your husband is not something you genuinely desire
And you don't really want to hurt your wife
Similarly, you do not wish to cause pain to your significant other
So what're we gonna do about your husband?
Therefore, what plan of action do we have for your spouse?
What're we gonna do about your wife?
What steps will we take regarding your significant other?
Lyrics © SONY ATV MUSIC PUB LLC, SPIRIT MUSIC GROUP
Written by: IRWIN LEVINE, TONI WINE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Sonny James
Quite a dilemma they're in . . . From 1970. Great song.