Wives And Lovers

Jack Jones' song 'Wives And Lovers' is a reflection of the societal norms and expectations placed on women during the 1960s. The lyrics suggest that a woman's primary role is to maintain her appearance and be a loving partner to her husband. The song opens with a directive to 'comb your hair, fix your makeup,' implying that a woman's value is tied to her physical appearance and her ability to please her husband visually. This notion is reinforced by the warning that having a ring on her finger does not mean she can stop trying to look attractive.

The song further emphasizes the idea that wives should also be lovers, suggesting that a woman's duty extends beyond household chores to include being romantically and sexually available to her husband. The lyrics 'Run to his arms the moment he comes home to you' and 'Dim all the lights, pour the wine, start the music' paint a picture of a woman who must constantly prepare for her husband's return, ensuring that the home environment is conducive to romance. This reflects the era's gender dynamics, where women were often expected to prioritize their husband's needs and desires over their own.

The song also touches on the fear of infidelity, with lines like 'There are girls at the office' and 'men will always be men,' suggesting that a woman must continually strive to keep her husband's attention to prevent him from straying. This places an unfair burden on women, implying that they are responsible for their husband's fidelity. The song's message, while reflective of its time, can be seen as problematic today, as it reinforces outdated gender roles and the objectification of women.