Wives and Lovers

Julie London's song 'Wives and Lovers' is a reflection of the societal expectations placed on women, particularly wives, during the mid-20th century. The lyrics convey a message that a woman must constantly maintain her appearance and charm to keep her husband's interest. The song opens with a directive to 'comb your hair, fix your make-up,' suggesting that a woman's value is tied to her physical appearance and her ability to please her husband visually. This reflects the cultural norms of the time, where women were often expected to prioritize their roles as homemakers and caretakers over their personal ambitions or comfort.

The song further emphasizes the idea that marriage does not guarantee a man's fidelity or affection. The line 'Don't think because there's a ring on your finger, you needn't try any more' implies that a woman must continuously strive to be attractive and engaging to prevent her husband from straying. This notion is reinforced by the warning that 'there are girls at the office, and men will always be men,' suggesting that men are naturally inclined to seek attention elsewhere if their wives do not meet their expectations.

The repeated advice for wives to 'always be lovers, too' underscores the expectation that women should not only be dutiful partners but also maintain a romantic and seductive demeanor. The song's closing lines, urging women to 'dim all the lights, pour the wine, start the music,' paint a picture of an idealized domestic scene where the wife creates a perfect atmosphere for her husband's return. This portrayal reinforces the traditional gender roles and the pressure on women to conform to these ideals to ensure the stability of their marriages.