"Wives and Lovers" is a song written by Burt Bacharach and Hal David and popularized by Julie London in 1963. The song tells the story of a wife's struggle to keep her husband's attention and affection despite the distractions and temptations of the outside world. The lyrics portray a traditional gender role dynamic, where the wife is expected to constantly make an effort to maintain her husband's interest and keep their relationship strong. The song admonishes the wife to always look her best, be attentive, and show love to her husband. The opening verse suggests that the wife shouldn't become complacent just because she has a ring on her finger, implying that she should continuously strive to exceed her husband's expectations and keep the spark alive in their relationship. The song emphasizes the importance of wives being lovers as well, suggesting that a romantic connection needs to be actively nurtured by both partners. Throughout the song, the lyrics caution the wife about the presence of other women in her husband's life, specifically referencing the girls at the office. It encourages her to make sure her appearance and efforts in the relationship are compelling enough to prevent her husband from being lured away by other women. The song's final verse advises the wife to dress attractively, create a romantic ambiance, and prepare for love when her husband comes home. This implies that maintaining a loving relationship requires constant effort and attention. Overall, "Wives and Lovers" conveys the message that wives should take on the dual role of a spouse and a lover, as their husbands' attention and fidelity cannot be taken for granted. It reflects the societal expectations and gender roles prevalent in the 1960s, where women often carried the burden of keeping a marriage happy and fulfilling.
