The song "Cheaper to Keep Her" is a blues track performed by Buddy Guy, originally written and recorded by Johnny Taylor. It tells the story of a man who realizes that it is more cost-effective to stay in a troubled relationship than to separate or get a divorce. The lyrics describe a situation where the man's partner, referred to as "little girl" or "her," has made him angry. Instead of leaving and facing the consequences, the man contemplates the financial burden of alimony payments or a potential jail term if he abandons his family. Hence, he concludes that it is economically "cheaper to keep her." The song also touches upon the emotional toll of a failing relationship. It warns about the potential regret and frustration that may arise when facing a judge or dealing with the aftermath of separation. The narrator suggests that staring the judge in the face may evoke the desire to curse at the whole world. The lyrics further emphasize the financial implications of parting ways. The line "You didn't pay but two dollars to bring the girl home, now you got to pay two million to leave her alone" highlights the drastic difference between the minimal cost of starting a relationship and the high price of dissolution. Towards the end of the song, Buddy Guy incorporates elements from another classic tune, "Blues in the Night." He briefly sings lines from the song, which talks about the deceptive nature of women and how they can be both alluring and problematic. Overall, "Cheaper to Keep Her" humorously and cynically portrays the challenges and consequences of ending a relationship, highlighting the financial burden and emotional turmoil that may accompany such a decision.
