Until the next time... is a blog usually focused on writing, music, and travel to places near and far. It concerns some of the things I've learned and some of the things I've messed up through the years. The blog also appears at www.michaelembry.com/blog.html.
Thursday, July 26, 2012
Story Songs: He Thinks He'll Keep Her
American baby boomers probably remember the Geritol commericals from the 1970s where a man compliments his seemingly tireless wife by saying, "My wife...I think I'll keep her."
For those who don't recall the product, it was multi-vitamin supplement that supposedly boosted energy in seven days -- or your money back.
The commercial inspired singer-songwriter Mary Chapin Carpenter, teamed with Don Schlitz, to write "He Thinks He'll Keep Her." To the talented songstress, the commercial was condescending toward women.
The song recounts the years of a woman's marriage:
"She does the car-pool, she PTAs Doctors and dentists, she drives all day When she was twenty-nine she delivered number three And every Christmas card showed a perfect family Everything runs right on time, years of practice and design Spit and polish till it shines. He thinks he'll keep her"
But after 15 years of marriage, the wife had enough of the arrangement:
"When she was thirty-six she met him at their door She said I'm sorry, I don't love you anymore"
And then she apparently leaves him--not for pay but for self-dignity:
"For fifteen years she had a job and not one raise in pay Now she's in the typing pool at minimum wage"
The song reached No. 2 on the Billboard Country Chart in 1993. It appeared on her Come On Come album and was nominated for Grammy Award for Record of the Year.
I find the the phrase "I think I'll keep her/him" interesting because it can be viewed in different ways. I've heard it as an endearing compliment because the person it is being directed to is a very compassionate and caring mate instead of an abusive or deadbeat partner. And it can be interpreted a viewing the other person as a chattel.
But I can appreciate the feminist viewpoint that the song embraces. No doubt, the woman in the song feels she is being taken for granted.
For those who aren't familiar with old Geritol commercials, you might enjoy this clip from the 1950s.
There's an excellent interview with Mary Chapin Carpenter in D.C.'s MetroWeekly. She's always been one of my favorite artists.
This song was always a double edged sword for me. It's not like she just went back to singledom, she still has 3 kids that is a lot of the work not just the husband...and minimum wage is not a step up from being able to be home with your kids. I guess I am not liberated enough. But it is a feel good song for me when you aren't feeling the R-E-S-P-E-C-T if I don't think too hard.
Thanks for the comment, Adelissa. I suppose lots of folks don't feel the respect at times. As corny as this may sound, I've always tried to (as well as recommend) focus on other things rather than on myself. This is especially helpful when turning one's attention to assisting others. Regardless, I do hope you are feeling some R-E-S-P-E-C-T.
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American baby boomers probably remember the Geritol commericals from the 1970s where a man compliments his seemingly tireless wife by saying, "My wife...I think I'll keep her." 
This song was always a double edged sword for me. It's not like she just went back to singledom, she still has 3 kids that is a lot of the work not just the husband...and minimum wage is not a step up from being able to be home with your kids. I guess I am not liberated enough. But it is a feel good song for me when you aren't feeling the R-E-S-P-E-C-T if I don't think too hard.
ReplyDeleteReasons you make your woman work
DeleteVery observant. Thanks for commenting.
DeleteThanks for the comment, Adelissa. I suppose lots of folks don't feel the respect at times. As corny as this may sound, I've always tried to (as well as recommend) focus on other things rather than on myself. This is especially helpful when turning one's attention to assisting others. Regardless, I do hope you are feeling some R-E-S-P-E-C-T.
ReplyDeleteI am so happy for making the right choice by contacting Dr. Irosi who helped me in getting my ex back by casting a love spell on him. One of the best decision i ever made was contacting Dr. Irosi to help me get my lover back, I was life filled with happiness after i contacted Dr. Irosi because he didn't just bring my lover back to me he also made our love for each other more unique and superb. If you need to spice your relationship with more love and attention contact Dr. Irosi on his Email Address [drirosisolutioncenter@gmail.com], call or whatsapp him via his contact +2348118829771 and be happy just like i am, thanks Dr. Irosi for your great work.
ReplyDelete