Eric Bogle Harry's Wife
Harry's wife is on her own Harry's up and Harry's gone Livin' in a middle-aged Babylon With a loose-lipped tight-hipped youthful blonde. Harry's wife is fifty-four It's been thirty year or more Since she gave up her job for Harry and the kids Round about now she's sorry that she did.
CHORUS: Harry's wife, Harry's wife, What you gonna do with the rest of your life? Are you just gonna lay down roll over and die? Harry's wife, Harry's wife, Are you gonna make the best of your life? Stand up lady, and spit in Harry's eye!
Verse 2. Harry and his blonde will be O.K. They'll manage quite nicely on Harry's pay Harry's wife doesn't have a wage Not many jobs for women of her age The house and the car are in Harry's name The bank accounts are just the same She'll have to hire a lawyer to get her share And get used to playin' solitaire
Verse 3. Harry's mates all nudge and wink It's clear what Harry's mates all think While their wives phone their sympathies And avoid her like some contagious disease Her kids are embarrassed and mortified They lecture and they patronize "Isn't it disgusting" they all say "People of their age should act this way"
Verse 4. Harry's wife was christened Emily Jane But few if any use her name She's worn a label for most of her life Mother, housekeeper and dutiful wife So Emily Jane has shed no tears Just thirty pounds and fifteen years Got a new job, new friends and new clothes After years spent as a daisy, she's bloomin' like a rose
Verse 5. Emily Jane's cast aside her veil Lifted her game and broken out of jail Moved from the shadow into the light And I think she's goin' to be all right Cause no matter whatever path she takes At least she'll be makin' her own mistakes Her life will never be the same Since she got to know a woman called Emily Jane JRO
