"I Won't Leave My Wooden Wife for You, Sugar" is a song written by Joseph B… Read Full Bio ↴"I Won't Leave My Wooden Wife for You, Sugar" is a song written by Joseph Byrd and Dorothy Moskowitz of American experimental rock band The United States of America that appears on the band's eponymous 1968 album.

I Won't Leave My Wooden Wife for You Sugar
The United States of America Lyrics

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Now listen, Baby,
And try to understand
That tying you is fine
And whipping you is grand.
Now I just can't tell you how much fun it's been.
You make me feel twenty-five again.

But I can't leave my wooden wife for you, sugar

I got a split level house with a wonderful view, sugar,
A couple next door who do the things we do, sugar,
And every Saturday we sit around the pool.
If I should meet you on the street someday,
I hope you'll understand me if I look away,
It isn't that I'm ashamed about you and me
But I've got to consider my morality.
And I won't leave my wooden wife for you, sugar,
I got a split level house with a wonderful view,
sugar,
Three sweet kids and Yorkshire terrier, too,

sugar.
And I just couldn't stand it when you chome late from school.

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of "I Won't Leave My Wooden Wife For You, Sugar" by The United States of America explore the theme of infidelity in a humorous manner. The singer begins by describing how he enjoys tying up and whipping his lover but ultimately cannot leave his wife for her. He explains that he has a comfortable life with a split-level house, a couple next door who are also engaged in extramarital affairs, and a routine of sitting by the pool every Saturday. He continues to justify staying with his wife by mentioning his three kids and beloved pet dog, even though he admits that he is attracted to his lover.

However, towards the end of the song, the singer starts to feel guilty about his actions and worries about his morality. He hopes that if he runs into his lover in public, she will not be offended if he looks away. The lyrics suggest that the singer is conflicted between his desire for his lover and his loyalty to his family.

Overall, the song satirizes the hypocrisy and moral ambiguity of infidelity. It highlights how societal expectations and personal values can influence one's decisions in relationships. The humorous tone of the song allows the listener to reflect on this topic in a lighthearted way.

Line by Line Meaning

Now listen, Baby,
Pay attention to what I'm saying

And try to understand
Make an effort to comprehend

That tying you is fine
Bondage is enjoyable for me

And whipping you is grand.
Inflicting pain on you is pleasurable for me

Now I just can't tell you how much fun it's been.
I've enjoyed our time together, but...

You make me feel twenty-five again.
You make me feel young and alive

But I can't leave my wooden wife for you, sugar
I can't abandon my mannequin for you

I got a split level house with a wonderful view, sugar,
My house is nice

A couple next door who do the things we do, sugar,
My neighbors have similar interests as us

And every Saturday we sit around the pool.
We have a routine

If I should meet you on the street someday,
If we run into each other