Songs of Girls Who Don’t Want to Get Married (Right Now) + Thanks

I have decided that I love songs about women who don’t want to be married. I decided this while listening to lots of Gillian Welch. Twas the song “Look at Miss Ohio” which triggered this decision. Also my annoyance with certain lines in Beyonce’s “Single Ladies”. “Put a ring on it”? What are we living in the 1950s or something?! Uggh.

Then I realised I couldn’t think of any other songs about women who have priorities in life other than getting married.¹ Other than the “I never will marry” song:

I never will marry
I’ll be no man’s bride
I expect to stay single
For the rest of my life²

But that’s usually sung as a heartbroken miserable song of despair, which is not what I’m talking about.

Can anyone think of cheerful songs of women who are happy to be single, who are not desperate to be married, of women who may want to marry some day but not right now? Please to share in comments if so.

Disclaimer: I have nothing against marriage. I am married myself. Happily even. Nor do I have anything against women wanting to be married. It’s just that they already have a tonne of songs. I want representation for all the girls who don’t dream of a big wedding and marriage when they grow up.

- – -

Thanks to everyone for all the lovely get well wishes. I is touched. Truly I am on the mend and is not that bad an injury. Trust me, I’ve had worse. But, yes, I will continue to not be online much for the forseeable and, yes, there will be more guest bloggers. Thank you, wonderful guests, and thanks again, faithful readers, for bearing with me.

Have a good weekend everyone!

This probably reflects more on my dreadful memory than anything else. [↩]
Lyrics from memory thus could be wrong—too many keystrokes to google. [↩]

Posted by Justine at 23:17, 4 March 2010 under Bloggery, Feminism, Listening | 59 Comments »

Comments

Lauren Says:

I agree! although I have no songs I am one of those girls that doesn’t, (ever), want to get married. Thanks for the support! Get well soon!

~Lauren

March 4th, 2010 at 11:34 PM
Kayla Says:

“That don’t impress me much” Shania Twain??? Haha.

March 4th, 2010 at 11:34 PM
lisa Says:

hm. maybe amanda palmer’s leeds united, depending on the tone you give it. (“but who needs love when there’s law and order? and who needs love when there’s southern comfort? and who needs love when the sandwiches are wicked and they know you at the mac store?”) i feel like all of the badass ladies i listen to SHOULD have songs like this, but i can’t actually name any. this is supremely disappointing.

March 4th, 2010 at 11:39 PM
Sarah N. Fisk Says:

I’d love to hear some of the recommendations! People think you’re crazy if you say you don’t want to get married or have kids… but I just don’t. They always say, with absolute certainty, “You’ll change your mind.” Maybe I will, maybe I won’t. But if I don’t know, then other people can’t possibly know.

March 4th, 2010 at 11:44 PM
Mardou Says:

The song that occurred to me was “I’m like a bird” by Nelly Furtado. Not about marriage specifically, but all about how she doesn’t want a commitment. At all. Because she’s like a bird. Hence the title.

March 4th, 2010 at 11:44 PM
Natasha Says:

Guilty in here by Martina McBride–I think–works pretty well . I love the mentality of the song. Upbeat and cute. Playing’s not only good for the guys.

March 4th, 2010 at 11:44 PM
Aishwarya Says:

Amanda Palmer’s Ampersand?

(Lyrics here: http://www.elyrics.net/read/a/amanda-palmer-lyrics/ampersand-lyrics.html )

March 4th, 2010 at 11:44 PM
Chelsea Says:

I’m pretty sure I don’t want to get married. It would take a lot to change my mind at this point.

“I Hate Men” from the musical Kiss Me, Kate is quite entertaining. I like Rachel York’s version the best because her voice is amazing. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gmekN39mnFY

March 4th, 2010 at 11:44 PM
EditorialAnonymous Says:

Obviously Sinead OConner’s “No Man’s Woman”.

March 4th, 2010 at 11:51 PM
Tez Miller Says:

It’s kind of embarrassing to be quoting the Pussycat Dolls, but here’s a snippet from “I Don’t Need a Man”:

I don’t need a ring around my finger to make me feel complete…

March 4th, 2010 at 11:54 PM
cherie priest Says:

“Independent Women” by Destiny’s Child, which is actually kind of fun. It was the Charlie’s Angels theme song (from the remake).

And, oddly, even with Beyonce in front … kind of an anti-”Single Ladies.”

March 5th, 2010 at 12:00 AM
Lauren Says:

@sarah N Fisk I agree! everyone says: “oh you don’t mean that” and “oh you just Have to have kids” and I just said Ugh and turn away!

March 5th, 2010 at 12:17 AM
Gwynne Garfinkle Says:

“Young Woman Blues” by Bessie Smith.

March 5th, 2010 at 12:20 AM
simmone Says:

what about if she’s been married but wants out …

am thinking:
I wish I was a single girl again – by roscoe holcombe (I think it’s trad)

March 5th, 2010 at 12:28 AM
Sandy Fussell Says:

It’s a bit old but what abou The Dubliners: Don’t Get Married. Lyrics here http://www.badexample.net/lyrics/don't-get-married.html

March 5th, 2010 at 12:28 AM
simmone Says:

or – single girl by kossoy sisters (but again prob trad) with the great single vd. marrie debate

single girl wears clothes so fine
married girl wears just any kind

single girl goin where she please
married girl baby on her knee …

March 5th, 2010 at 12:38 AM
Miriam Says:

I had a “singles only” dance song at my wedding because I knew how annoying all the love songs could be. I picked Natasha Bedingfield’s song “Single” oddly enough. The first verse is especially good.

I’m not waiting around for a man to save me
(Cause I’m happy where I am)
Don’t depend on a guy to validate me
(No no)
I don’t need to be anyone’s baby
(Is that so hard to understand?)
No I don’t need another half to make me whole

(Plus it’s very upbeat and great to dance to!)

March 5th, 2010 at 12:39 AM
Kristin Cashore Says:

Single by Natasha Bedingfield.

21 Things I Want in a Lover by Alanis Morissette — has a FABULOUS coda on this subject — see 2:05.

No Mermaid by Sineád Lohan — I’m not actually sure what’s happening in this song, but it makes me think of what you’re asking about.

March 5th, 2010 at 1:19 AM
Karen Says:

Not fully on point, but still crudely fun: “Don’t Marry Her” by the Beautiful South.

March 5th, 2010 at 1:26 AM
Kristine Says:

“Different Drum.” Linda Ronstadt’s first hit–I think she was with a band called The Stone Poneys at the time.

March 5th, 2010 at 1:28 AM
Karen Says:

Oh and hey, here’s a good list: Unmarried Song Lyrics.

March 5th, 2010 at 1:29 AM
Kristin Cashore Says:

Bridge. “21 Things I Want in a Lover” has a fabulous BRIDGE on the subject. Forgetting my song parts!

March 5th, 2010 at 1:38 AM
zvi Says:

TLC’s “No Scrub”? Destiny’s Child “Bills, Bills, Bills”? They are, perhaps, more about rejecting dependent men than not wanting any man.

March 5th, 2010 at 1:43 AM
Aja Says:

omg i love this DDDD hurray! I loved the guest posts but i’m glad you’re back!

You don’t know a person like me,
I could sell your songs to Nike!
- and for all you know, I could save your soul –
but I won’t be your Yoko Ono if you’re not good enough for me!
- Dar Williams

do you wanna be a polyester bride?
do you wanna hang your head and cry?
do you wanna find alligator cowboy boots they just put on sale
or do you want to flap your wings and fly
away from here?
- Liz Phair

(this one’s already been mentioned, but i love it so here it is again!)

Have you seen him in the morning,
with a face that looks like death?
He’s got dandruff on his pillow
and tobacco on his breath!
And he wants some reassurance
with his cup of tea in bed,
for he’s got worries with the mortgage
and the bald patch on his head!
So don’t get married, girls,
it’ll drive you round the bend!
It’s the lane without a turning,
It’s the end without an end.
Change your lover every Friday,
take up tennis, be a nurse!–
But don’t get married, girls,
For marriage is a curse!
- (i think this is originally by the Dubliners, but not sure – I first heard it done by Houston Irish band Clandestine.)

I’m in love with you,
you’re in love with me–
So why marry?
The love affair ended when we said I do!
- the Sweet Inspirations

Those lovely Sunday mornings
With breakfast brought in bed
Those blackbirds look like knitting needles
Trying to peck your head.
The kitchen’s always tidy,
The bathroom’s always clean;
She’s a diploma in “just hiding things,”
You’ve a first in low esteem.
Your socks smells of angels,
But your life smells brie:
Don’t marry her–HAVE me!
- The Beautiful South

(very much out of context, but i think it fits:)

Want me more than others –
not exclusively – that’s the way it ought to be.
Keep a tender distance,
So we’ll both be free,
That’s the way it ought to be.
Marry me – a little –
Body, heart, and soul;
Passionate as hell,
but always in control.
- Sondheim

Have some songs from independent women!

Ella:
I’m all alone when I lower my lamp–
That’s why the lady is a tramp!

Dolly Levi:
For I can hear that choo choo callin’ me on
To a fancy new address
Yes, I can hear that choo choo callin’ me on
On board that happiness express
I’m gonna learn to dance and drink and smoke a cigarette
I’m goin as far away from Yonkers as a girl can get!
So wave your little hand and whisper, so long, dearie!

Pirate Jenny:
You toss me your tips
and look out to the ships
But I’m counting your heads
as I’m making the beds
Cuz there’s nobody gonna sleep here tonight –
No, nobody’ll sleep here tonight!

Violetta:
Sempre libera degg´io
folleggiare di gioia in gioia,
vo´che scorra il viver mio
pei sentieri del piacer!

Laurie:
Why should a woman who is healthy and strong
Blubber like a baby if her man’s goes away?
A weepin’ an’ a whalin’ that he’s done her wrong
That’s one thing you’ll never hear me say!
Many a new day will dawn before I do!

Roxy and Velma:
Many’s the guy who told me he cares
But they were scratchin’ my back
‘Cause I was scratchin’ theirs

And trusting to luck, that’s only for fools
I play in a game where I make the rules

And rule number one
From here to the end
Is I am my own best friend!

March 5th, 2010 at 2:09 AM
Mary Moline Says:

Ready to Run by The Dixie Chicks was my first thought.

March 5th, 2010 at 2:09 AM
Aja Says:

Also, I know, I knowwwwww, but I really do think that this -

Back then I swore I was gonna marry him someday
But I realized some bigger dreams of mine

- is pretty damn awesome to hear anyone saying, Taylor <3

March 5th, 2010 at 2:20 AM
Cristina Says:

THANK YOU!
I was just having a discussion about this earlier today. My friend thought I had something against marriage just because it is not on my current or even future plans. She was also convinced I could be “fixed” with the right person…
Then it went on like @Sarah N Fisk and Lauren above said!

March 5th, 2010 at 3:56 AM
Karen Healey Says:

From the otherwise commitment-crazy musical revue, I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change, comes the awesome country-style song, “Always A Bridesmaid”, from a perpetual bridesmaid, where the chorus is “always a bridesmaid; never a bride”, as she lists her friends’ distintegrating marriages.

And then it finishes:

Too many weddings, too many messes
But at least I’ve hung on to my pride.
I’ve lived life alone, but the terms are my own.
Always a bridesmaid, (thank you Lord!)
Never a bride!

March 5th, 2010 at 5:20 AM
Tansy Rayner Roberts Says:

I love ‘Divorcee at 23′ by Clare Bowditch. It’s not exactly about not wanting commitment, but it’s about a woman contemplating the possible end of her marriage to the father of her baby. Sounds depressing but it’s a very uplifting song actually! It came out just when I had my first baby and hearing a song about new motherhood instead of first love or whatever was really powerful to me.

It’s about how she has to leave him in order to become herself:

He was the best looking boy you’d known
so you married him and made him home.
Dropped out of university
all because he said “Well Honey, you’re pretty.”

Yes, you are pretty but you are not fine
’cause you’ve forgotten you’re partly Divine
and if you don’t start crying,
you may never shine.

March 5th, 2010 at 6:23 AM
Mary Anne Mohanraj Says:

I’m not sure this is exactly what you’re thinking of, but I’ve always loved Bill Staines’s “Prairie Song”, from his album The First Million Miles. The internet didn’t seem to have the lyrics (!), so I have typed them out for you. Here, internet — a present. Amazon has samples of the lovely tune.

Prairie Song

He told her he was free; he was as free as any wind.
“Don’t you count on me, for I may not be by again.”
Then she touched him oh so easy
As if she were but a child;
And she whispered soft as willows do,
And looked at him and smiled

She said, “I have known the wind;
It’s been a friend all of my days.
I have seen it dance, across the prairie when it plays.
And I have known the freedom too, in a wheatfield’s rolling sea,
And they have never left me blue, so play your song for me.”

When the morning came, he took the train to Omaha;
Starry stars and midnight hours riding with him on the car.
Now he’ll say that he is free, that he’s as free as any wind,
But he’s feeling differently; he’ll not be the same again.

For he sees her face in daytime dreams,
And it lingers through the miles;
She still whispers soft as willows do,
And he listens, and he smiles.

She says, “I have known the wind;
It’s been a friend all of my days.
I have seen it dance, across the prairie when it plays.
And I have known the freedom too, in a wheatfield’s rolling sea,
And they have never left me blue, so play your song for me.”

– Bill Staines

(In my head, he comes back to her at some point, but she’s maybe not even interested. Or maybe she is. Who knows?

March 5th, 2010 at 7:04 AM
Jaye Says:

George Strait’s “She Let Herself Go” is about a guy who figures his wife will fall apart when he leaves her. Excerpt:

He wondered how she’d take it when he said goodbye.
Thought she might do some cryin’: lose some sleep at night.
But he had no idea, when he hit the road,
That without him in her life, she’d let herself go.

Let herself go on a singles cruise,
To Vegas once, then to Honolulu.
Let herself go to New York City:
A week at the Spa; came back knocked-out pretty.
When he said he didn’t love her no more,
She let herself go.

March 5th, 2010 at 7:56 AM
Parenthetical Sam Says:

How about Jim’s Big Ego’s “Prince Charming”:

“you go out and see the world girl
have yourself a ball

you’re gonna have to be your own prince charming
gonna have to ride your own stallion
gonna have to find your own castle
gonna have to raise your own sail
and there’s gonna be a happy ending
but that’s only the beginning
this ain’t no fairy tale”

I always find it inspiring. Much like this whole list!

March 5th, 2010 at 9:44 AM
Julia Rios Says:

I really like Patrick Wolf’s “The Bachelor” for this reason. It’s a man singing, but I think it works for either gender. I suppose that it could be taken as a sad song, but it just sounds so secure and confident in the decision not to marry that I like to think it’s not a lament.

I am also glad to see that others have mentioned “Polyester Bride” by Liz Phair and “Single Girl” (I have two copies of the latter–one by the Carter Family, and one by 16 Horsepower.

March 5th, 2010 at 10:42 AM
Shveta Thakrar Says:

Like you, Justine, I am fine with the institution of marriage (except when we say certain people can’t have it) and even hope to do it myself one day, but there is no reason everyone must. Just like there’s no reason every woman must want children. Or must do this or must do that.

How about letting women just be who they are? There’s no one-size-fits-all way of being!

So here’s to you, women, whether you want to get married, stay single, or find something in between. You rock!

March 5th, 2010 at 10:54 AM
A. Grey Says:

I LOVE this song! As a confirmed bachelorette who doesn’t even date, I’m all about the strong single woman! And if you do date, that’s fine, but you don’t have to marry. My identical twin sister has been happily married for six years, with the guy for like twelve, and is expecting her first child. I, on the otherhand, intend to stay as wild as frog hair until the day I die. And I’m good with that.

March 5th, 2010 at 10:56 AM
delia Says:

“The Miller’s Son” from Sondheim’s A Little Night Music comes off as a bitter-sweet celebration of the single life–even though the singer (a maid in 19th C. Sweden) clearly intends to get married. Some day.

March 5th, 2010 at 11:21 AM
Jed Says:

Next Time Round was written by a man, but the lyrics are gender-neutral and I’ve only ever heard it sung by Jean Redpath.

I think the lyrics on that page are a little off, though–in particular, I think one key pair of lines should be:

“I’m heading down there and leaving you here
We both know there’s more where we came from”

The song’s a little melancholy at the end, but I like the sentiment of the rest of it.

March 5th, 2010 at 11:35 AM
Jed Says:

Another thought: “The Miller’s Son” from A Little Night Music. She’s going to get married eventually, but she’s in no rush:

There are mouths to be kissed
Before mouths to be fed,
And a lot in between
In the meanwhile.
And a girl ought to celebrate what passes by.

March 5th, 2010 at 11:37 AM
kristin cashore Says:

One more, offered by a friend of mine: Judy Small’s The Family Maiden Aunt is bopping and bouncy and joyful. It focuses on her extended family’s refusal to understand but also on why she herself loves her single auntie life. Some of those lyrics might look mournful at first when read on screen, without the gleeful music. But the last lines confirm the happiness. It’s NOT a sad song.

March 5th, 2010 at 1:24 PM
celsie Says:

A bit old now, but TLC sang a lot about independent women. Superchic[k] sang both ways, at times fighting that marital impulse, and at times, declaring their womanhood proudly.

Some favorites:
Bowling ball: “You have too much to give, to live to waste your time on him”
One Girl Revolution:
“Some people see the revolution but most only see the girl
I can lose my hard earned freedom if my fear defines my world”

Anthem:
“There are trophies to win instead of being one of yours”

I can’t think of anymore right now, and my ipod’s at home. I’ll post again if I missed someone really obvious.

March 5th, 2010 at 3:14 PM
PixelFish Says:

Sadly most of the songs I have tend to be post-breakup songs about why we’re not going to take his no-good ass back. Or announcing that we aren’t. (They Might Be Giant’s Twisting has the lyrics, “She’s not your satellite, she doesn’t miss you.”)

Ponder ponder….

March 5th, 2010 at 4:18 PM
claire Says:

maria mckee’s “only once” is about a woman who was only ever tempted to leave the single life once, but didn’t: “i wanna be the kind of girl who’ll always make you proud/but the noise and fuss and wanderlust will always drag me down”

and this may not be what you’re looking for exactly (i’m not advocating for adultery!) but the roches’ “the married men” is about a woman who keeps her independence by only dating married men.

March 5th, 2010 at 4:21 PM
rebecca Says:

hmm. i dunno any songs. but i am sorely sick of beyonce and the song single ladies.

March 5th, 2010 at 8:17 PM
Susie Says:

One of my favorites is called “Untasted Honey” sung by Kathy Mattea. The second verse is:

You were faithful as a lover and a friend
All the good times and the bad I’d live them once again
But I’d never be contented with a family and a ring
Better open your window, I’m a bird on the wing.

March 5th, 2010 at 8:27 PM
Electric Landlady Says:

I was also going to suggest “The Lady is a Tramp.” (Not Pirate Jenny though. I mean, only tangentially, in that she is single because she’s a pirate queen and tonight her ship is going to sail into the harbour and blow the whole town to pieces. I don’t think it’s an ode to the single life in particular.)

The Dixie Chicks’ “The Long Way Around” is also a fabulous ode to independence.

Jann Arden, “Good Mother”

Joni Mitchell, “Carey”

I had a whole mix CD of songs for independent women once upon a time! Must dig it out.

March 5th, 2010 at 9:00 PM
Sarah Says:

Matrimony by Whiskeytown. Very country, somewhat wistful, plenty feminist.

Don’t believe I care to marry
Though I could not explain exactly why
Somehow seems to me that Matrimony’s misery
Is just a faster way to die.

March 5th, 2010 at 10:50 PM
kristin cashore Says:

One more from a friend: For One More by We’re About 9. It’s maybe less “don’t want to get married right now” and more “don’t want to marry you”, but that probably counts.

March 6th, 2010 at 1:11 AM
flamefoto Says:

Not exactly anti-marriage… but anti- the sentiment of all-encompassing love: Natalia Zukerman’s Loved Like That :

you would jump in front of a moving train for me
you would throw yourself onto the tracks in the culminating scene
and you always say you’d jump in a vat of boiling oil
or coat yourself in anything that would make anybody else recoil
you would jump across me and take a bullet to the heart
but sit right down and listen to me
before any of this jumping starts
I don’t wanna be loved like that

…

I wouldn’t jump in front of a moving train for you
I think that’s a stupid and selfish thing to do
just so that everyone can look and say
oh look what she went through
all that would be left of me is something I was trying to prove

I don’t wanna be loved like that

March 6th, 2010 at 8:33 AM
Jonathan S Says:

Not quite on topic, I suppose, but I think you’ll like this poem from 1872:

To Miss Susan B. Anthony, On Her Fiftieth Birthday
Poem by Phoebe Cary, 24 February 1872

We touch our caps, and place to-night
   The victor’s wreath upon her,
 The woman who outranks us all  
In courage and in honor.

While others in domestic broils
  Have proved by word and carriage,
 That one of the United States  
  Is not the state of marriage.

She, caring not for loss of men,  
  Nor for the world’s confusion,  
Has carried on a civil war,
And made a ”Revolution.”

True, other women have been brave,  
  When banded or hus-banded,
 But she has bravely fought her way
Alone and single-handed.

And think of her unselfish strength,
   Her generous disposition,
Who never made a lasting prop
Out of a proposition.

She might have chosen an honored name,  
  And none have scorned or hissed it  
Have written Mrs. Jones or Smith,  
  But, strange to say, she Missed it.

For fifty years to come may she  
  Grow rich and ripe and mellow,  
Be quoted even above ”par,”
Or any other fellow!

And speak the truth from pole to pole,  
  And keep her light a-burning,  
Before she cuts her stick to go  
  The way there’s no returning.

Because her motto grand hath been  
  The right of every human,  
And first and last, and right or wrong  
  She takes the side of woman.

“A perfect woman, nobly planned,”  
  To aid, not to amuse one,  
Take her for all in all we ne’er  
  Shall see the match for Susan!

March 8th, 2010 at 12:28 AM
highlyeccentric Says:

I have a lovely version of “Stuff and Nonsense” sung my Missy Higgins. It was originally a Tim and/or Neil Finn song, but it really suits Missy Higgins’ voice and style.

March 8th, 2010 at 4:27 AM
Tanglethis Says:

There are a couple of songs by Roma di Luna on that theme. I HIGHLY recommend Roma di Luna just on their musical merits: guitar, violin, a couple good voices, a lovely old sound. I’ll link to an old blog post in which I linked to a couple of MP3s.
Single girl songs:
“Fortune Teller” (download here)
Well single girl oh single girl
She always dress so fine
Oh married girl oh married girl
Oh she wears whatever she can find
Single girl goes wherever she please
While married girl’s at home on her knees
Oh you know I love my man
But my feet gotta travel this land!

“Silver Dagger”
Go court another tender maiden,
And hope that she will be your wife
For I’ve been warned, and I’ve decided
To sleep alone all of my life

March 8th, 2010 at 8:31 AM
Camille Says:

It’s different with the Beyonce song, to me, anyway. As a black USian woman, I all too often encounter the idea, especially from men (of a vast array of ethnicities) that we are supposed to be, shall we say, “free agents” with a million kids and no discretion. Let’s just say, I don’t feel respected by that sort of thing.

That said, I always kinda liked “Single” by Natasha Bedingfield. I like the sound of it more than the lyrics — it’s very adamant. (Or songs by women that have nothing to do with their relationship status at all!)

March 8th, 2010 at 1:03 PM
theviciouspixie Says:

Pocket Knife, by PJ Harvey. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wyfmv6kNE3k

March 8th, 2010 at 8:56 PM
Allie Says:

I was thinking No Man’s Woman by Sinead O’Connor as well, but since it’s already been mentioned her song Daddy I’m Fine is another good one.

Also, not specifically about marriage and written/performed by a man, but the sentiment is there regardless. It Ain’t Me Babe – Bob Dylan.

March 9th, 2010 at 7:25 PM
Elizabeth H. Says:

Allie: Nancy Sinatra recorded a fantastic cover of Dylan’s “It Ain’t Me, Babe”. I highly recommend it.

In 1928, The Carter Family recorded a song called “Single Girl, Married Girl”. It speaks to the freedom and autonomy of being single as opposed to the oppression many women suffered in marriage at the time. In light of the fact that spinsterhood was the most visible alternative to marriage, it’s great to hear the unattached woman being celebrated. Not to mention the fact that it was written and performed by Maybelle Carter, an incredible musician, wife and mother who continues to be a huge influence on music today.

March 10th, 2010 at 1:28 AM
Nicholas Waller Says:

Beyonce’s ring has just been tackled by xkcd via Tolkien at http://xkcd.com/712/

March 10th, 2010 at 10:17 AM
Allie Says:

Thanks Elizabeth H. I had a listen on Youtube. It’s great, very different from the original. I was also reminded of Joan Baez’s cover of it. She also did a great version of Silver Dagger which was mentioned earlier.

Another one I just thought of – Precious Illusions by Alanis Morrisette.

March 10th, 2010 at 9:21 PM
Fionnabhair Says:

Hands Clean, by Alanis Morissette. The way I understand the lyrics, she’s having an affair with an otherwise committed man.

All That She Wants Ace of Base, perhaps?

I Only Wanted Sex, Jann Arden

Since You’ve Been Gone, Kelly Clarkson?

Perhaps not ani-marriage so much as anti-commitment.

March 14th, 2010 at 4:01 PM
Saints and Spinners Says:

Hi Justine! In college, I made up a song to the Shaker tune of “Simple Gifts” as a self-esteem boost:

‘Tis a gift to be single, ’tis a gift to be free
‘Tis a gift to live in solitarity. [sic]
I need no one with me but myself, I, and me,
And we’ll live in a house by the Baltic Sea.

Dance, dance, the two-step by myself,
I’m feeling good ’cause I’ve got my health
And I’ll slap you hard if you say I’m on the shelf,
For I live in peace with my cats and wealth.

***
Years later, I live with my husband, no wealth, but two cats. I never claimed to be clairvoyant.

March 17th, 2010 at 1:22 AM