I love you, but...
April 14, 2009 10:13 AM Subscribe
Does anyone know of any song that expresses the idea "I love you, but I'm not leaving my wife for you"? Either English or Spanish is fine.
Another Man's Woman, Another Woman's Man By Candi Stanton.
It's not available on Amazon MP3 downlaod and I can't check iTunes from work. Memail if you want it.
posted by Confess, Fletch at 10:33 AM on April 14, 2009
It's not available on Amazon MP3 downlaod and I can't check iTunes from work. Memail if you want it.
posted by Confess, Fletch at 10:33 AM on April 14, 2009
From the movie Nashville, Henry Gibson's For the Sake Of The Children.
posted by DanSachs at 10:35 AM on April 14, 2009 [1 favorite]
posted by DanSachs at 10:35 AM on April 14, 2009 [1 favorite]
I Won't Leave My Wooden Wife For You, Sugar by The United States of America.
my first mefi. squeeeeeee!
posted by battleshipkropotkin at 10:50 AM on April 14, 2009 [4 favorites]
my first mefi. squeeeeeee!
posted by battleshipkropotkin at 10:50 AM on April 14, 2009 [4 favorites]
Secret Lovers by Atlantic Starr is about two married people having an affair but do not want to "mess up both their happy homes"
posted by Fairchild at 10:51 AM on April 14, 2009
posted by Fairchild at 10:51 AM on April 14, 2009
country music is too hokey for some tastes, but i think on the other hand by randy travis says it quite well. from his 1986 debut storms of life.
posted by barrett caulk at 10:54 AM on April 14, 2009
posted by barrett caulk at 10:54 AM on April 14, 2009
You making a mix tape? Pretty brutal dude.
Anyway, Dark End of the Street is one of my faves.
posted by Potomac Avenue at 11:02 AM on April 14, 2009 [1 favorite]
Anyway, Dark End of the Street is one of my faves.
posted by Potomac Avenue at 11:02 AM on April 14, 2009 [1 favorite]
Fool that I am by Etta James kinda does it from the other person's point of view. Also there's Stay With Me where, sure she should spend the night, but she better be out of there come morning.
posted by rileyray3000 at 11:05 AM on April 14, 2009
posted by rileyray3000 at 11:05 AM on April 14, 2009
"The Other Man" by Sloan is somewhat appropriate.
I'm assuming/hoping this isn't for yourself seeing as you're not seeking any form of anonymity.
posted by fructose at 11:07 AM on April 14, 2009
I'm assuming/hoping this isn't for yourself seeing as you're not seeking any form of anonymity.
posted by fructose at 11:07 AM on April 14, 2009
Seconding "If I Needed Someone" by the Beatles.
The key is the lines:
"Had you come some other day, then it might not have been like this,
But, you see now, I'm too much in love."
In that last line, "too much in love" means "too much in love with my wife, so I'm not going to leave her for you."
posted by EmpressCallipygos at 11:08 AM on April 14, 2009
The key is the lines:
"Had you come some other day, then it might not have been like this,
But, you see now, I'm too much in love."
In that last line, "too much in love" means "too much in love with my wife, so I'm not going to leave her for you."
posted by EmpressCallipygos at 11:08 AM on April 14, 2009
Not-quite-but-related-songs:
John Mayer, Man on the Side
(recorded by many), Tonight You Belong to Me
posted by Flamingo at 11:21 AM on April 14, 2009
John Mayer, Man on the Side
(recorded by many), Tonight You Belong to Me
posted by Flamingo at 11:21 AM on April 14, 2009
Suzy Bogguss, You'd Be The One
"I wear this ring to tell the world I love one man, but you and I almost got out of hand"
posted by showbiz_liz at 11:22 AM on April 14, 2009
"I wear this ring to tell the world I love one man, but you and I almost got out of hand"
posted by showbiz_liz at 11:22 AM on April 14, 2009
Henry Gibson's song "For the Sake of the Children" from the soundtrack of the Robert Altman film Nashville (1975).
posted by hermitosis at 11:27 AM on April 14, 2009
posted by hermitosis at 11:27 AM on April 14, 2009
I feel like I know a bunch of songs with this theme, but, tragically, the only one I can think of right now is
The Hardest Thing by 98°
I can't let you see what you mean to me
When my hands are tied and my heart's not free
Ah yes, 1999. And it doesn't specifically mention a wife, but it's exactly the same situation, just possibly with a girlfriend.
posted by two or three cars parked under the stars at 11:35 AM on April 14, 2009 [1 favorite]
The Hardest Thing by 98°
I can't let you see what you mean to me
When my hands are tied and my heart's not free
Ah yes, 1999. And it doesn't specifically mention a wife, but it's exactly the same situation, just possibly with a girlfriend.
posted by two or three cars parked under the stars at 11:35 AM on April 14, 2009 [1 favorite]
Isn't there some song by Meatloaf that goes something like, 'I'd do anything for you, but I won't do that" ... ?
posted by ambulatorybird at 11:43 AM on April 14, 2009
posted by ambulatorybird at 11:43 AM on April 14, 2009
Ani Difranco, "School Night."
The chorus:
posted by lampoil at 11:53 AM on April 14, 2009
The chorus:
and you'll never know, dear, just how much i loved youI guess technically it's saying "I love you but I'm not leaving my husband/male SO for you" but the genders are only very briefly mentioned, so it depends on how you plan to use it.
you'll probably think this was just my big excuse
but i stand committed to a love that came before you
and the fact that i adore you is but one of my truths
posted by lampoil at 11:53 AM on April 14, 2009
On the Other Hand
"On one hand I count the reasons, I could stay with you
And hold you close to me, all night long.
So many lover's games, I’d like to play with you
And on that hand there’s no reason, why it's wrong
But on the other hand, there's a golden band
To remind me of someone who would not understand
On one hand I could stay and be your lovin’ man
But the reason I must go is on the other hand"
posted by Ugh at 12:03 PM on April 14, 2009
"On one hand I count the reasons, I could stay with you
And hold you close to me, all night long.
So many lover's games, I’d like to play with you
And on that hand there’s no reason, why it's wrong
But on the other hand, there's a golden band
To remind me of someone who would not understand
On one hand I could stay and be your lovin’ man
But the reason I must go is on the other hand"
posted by Ugh at 12:03 PM on April 14, 2009
Since it's Ani Difranco season, you can't leave out Untouchable Face, though it's also from the perspective of the (other) woman.
(Also one of my most-favoritest wicked little songs ever.)
posted by rokusan at 12:12 PM on April 14, 2009
(Also one of my most-favoritest wicked little songs ever.)
posted by rokusan at 12:12 PM on April 14, 2009
Billy Paul's "Me and Mrs. Jones" is full of guilt-ridden goodness.
posted by Saucy Intruder at 12:16 PM on April 14, 2009
posted by Saucy Intruder at 12:16 PM on April 14, 2009
Marc Anthony - She's Been Good To Me
"Girl I see how you’re looking at me
and I must say you’re looking sexy
but the truth is my baby has been good to me
girl the way that you move’s so tempting
gotta say that I like what I see
but the truth is my baby has been good to me"
and
"In my mind I’ve made love to you a thousand times
but that is where I draw the line
I could lose everything that it took so long to find"
posted by KateHasQuestions at 12:31 PM on April 14, 2009
"Girl I see how you’re looking at me
and I must say you’re looking sexy
but the truth is my baby has been good to me
girl the way that you move’s so tempting
gotta say that I like what I see
but the truth is my baby has been good to me"
and
"In my mind I’ve made love to you a thousand times
but that is where I draw the line
I could lose everything that it took so long to find"
posted by KateHasQuestions at 12:31 PM on April 14, 2009
Kinda sorta . . . Uncle Kracker - Follow Me
I'm not worried 'bout the ring you wear
Cause as long as no one knows
Then nobody can care
You're feelin' guilty
And I'm well aware
But you don't look ashamed
And baby I'm not scared
I'm singing...
. . .
Won't give you money
I can't give you the sky
You're better off if you don't ask why
I'm not the reason that you go astray and
We'll be alright if you don't ask me to stay
I'll be the one to tuck you in at night
And if you want to leave
I can guarantee
You won't find nobody else like me
You don't know how you met me
You don't know why, you can't turn around and say good-bye
all you know is when I'm with you I make you free
And swim through your veins like a fish in the sea
I'm singing....
posted by Sassyfras at 12:37 PM on April 14, 2009
I'm not worried 'bout the ring you wear
Cause as long as no one knows
Then nobody can care
You're feelin' guilty
And I'm well aware
But you don't look ashamed
And baby I'm not scared
I'm singing...
. . .
Won't give you money
I can't give you the sky
You're better off if you don't ask why
I'm not the reason that you go astray and
We'll be alright if you don't ask me to stay
I'll be the one to tuck you in at night
And if you want to leave
I can guarantee
You won't find nobody else like me
You don't know how you met me
You don't know why, you can't turn around and say good-bye
all you know is when I'm with you I make you free
And swim through your veins like a fish in the sea
I'm singing....
posted by Sassyfras at 12:37 PM on April 14, 2009
Say Goodbye by Dave Matthews Band(on the Crash album) is pretty close to this theme, I think. It's about having a one-night stand, and I always thought at one point the lyrics said:
Go back to your man
Go back to my woman
but according to some lyrics sites I just googled(which aren't always accurate), it says:
Go back to your man
I'm back to my world
which changes the meaning from "We'll do this tonight but stay in our current relationships," to "We'll do this tonight, but you belong with him, not me."
posted by owtytrof at 1:15 PM on April 14, 2009
Go back to your man
Go back to my woman
but according to some lyrics sites I just googled(which aren't always accurate), it says:
Go back to your man
I'm back to my world
which changes the meaning from "We'll do this tonight but stay in our current relationships," to "We'll do this tonight, but you belong with him, not me."
posted by owtytrof at 1:15 PM on April 14, 2009
"Twilight" by Elliot Smith, from his last album, is about this.
posted by arcanecrowbar at 1:22 PM on April 14, 2009
posted by arcanecrowbar at 1:22 PM on April 14, 2009
Agree with the above -- most brutal mix tape ever! Just be sure not to pull a Lloyd Dobler while playing it, unless the two live in completely different jurisdictions.
It's a matter of interpretation, but Richard Thompson's "Keep Your Distance" fits a sort of sub-genre: I messed up by straying with you, but we have to avoid doing that ever again, seemingly because of a prevailing commitment. It's really a wonderful song.
If I cross your path again
Who knows here, who knows when
On some morning without number
On some highway without end
Don't grasp my hand and say
Fate has brought you here today
Fate is only fooling with us, friend
CHORUS
Keep your distance
Keep your distance
When I feel you close to me
What can I do but fall
Keep your distance
Keep your distance
With us it must be all or none at all
It's a desperate game we play
Throw our souls, our lives away
Wounds that can't be mended
And debts that can't be paid
O I played and I got stung
Now I'm biting back my tongue
and I'm sweeping out the footprints
Where I strayed
posted by Clyde Mnestra at 1:29 PM on April 14, 2009
It's a matter of interpretation, but Richard Thompson's "Keep Your Distance" fits a sort of sub-genre: I messed up by straying with you, but we have to avoid doing that ever again, seemingly because of a prevailing commitment. It's really a wonderful song.
If I cross your path again
Who knows here, who knows when
On some morning without number
On some highway without end
Don't grasp my hand and say
Fate has brought you here today
Fate is only fooling with us, friend
CHORUS
Keep your distance
Keep your distance
When I feel you close to me
What can I do but fall
Keep your distance
Keep your distance
With us it must be all or none at all
It's a desperate game we play
Throw our souls, our lives away
Wounds that can't be mended
And debts that can't be paid
O I played and I got stung
Now I'm biting back my tongue
and I'm sweeping out the footprints
Where I strayed
posted by Clyde Mnestra at 1:29 PM on April 14, 2009
Oh, and as to Meatloaf's "that" (which he wouldn't do), screwing around on his partner is indeed one of the many things she predicts he will do and that he swears won't happen.
Problem being, we don't know whether the woman singing is a wife or a mistress.
posted by Clyde Mnestra at 1:36 PM on April 14, 2009
Problem being, we don't know whether the woman singing is a wife or a mistress.
posted by Clyde Mnestra at 1:36 PM on April 14, 2009
I love you, but I'm not leaving my wife for you.
After a coffee break, it occurs to me that the song that best expresses this idea is probably Denis Leary's "I'm an Asshole."
posted by rokusan at 2:30 PM on April 14, 2009 [2 favorites]
After a coffee break, it occurs to me that the song that best expresses this idea is probably Denis Leary's "I'm an Asshole."
posted by rokusan at 2:30 PM on April 14, 2009 [2 favorites]
Neko Case Train From Kansas City is on that general theme.
posted by mollymayhem at 2:40 PM on April 14, 2009
posted by mollymayhem at 2:40 PM on April 14, 2009
Fabolous - Can't Let You Go
"I really wanna be with you
But I gotta be real with you
I can't leave you alone
And I know I'm living wrong.
But I can't let ya go
Your the one I want in my life
Already got a wife
Can't leave you alone
And I know I'm living wrong
But I can't let ya go"
"I know the boutiques and the shops you run through
So I cop her one, and cop you one too
You always get a daily page, weekly ring
Plus you aint too shy to do them freaky things
I aint gotta put a band on your finger
Or worry about you tellin' the whole world I'm ya man on 'Springer'.
At first you were somethin I denied
Something I would slide
Just do somethin in the ride
But shorty
Theres something that you provide
Cuz the entre ain't as good without something on the side ya' know."
posted by koakuma at 4:31 PM on April 14, 2009
"I really wanna be with you
But I gotta be real with you
I can't leave you alone
And I know I'm living wrong.
But I can't let ya go
Your the one I want in my life
Already got a wife
Can't leave you alone
And I know I'm living wrong
But I can't let ya go"
"I know the boutiques and the shops you run through
So I cop her one, and cop you one too
You always get a daily page, weekly ring
Plus you aint too shy to do them freaky things
I aint gotta put a band on your finger
Or worry about you tellin' the whole world I'm ya man on 'Springer'.
At first you were somethin I denied
Something I would slide
Just do somethin in the ride
But shorty
Theres something that you provide
Cuz the entre ain't as good without something on the side ya' know."
posted by koakuma at 4:31 PM on April 14, 2009
The Merry-Go-Round's "You're a Very Lovely Woman," about staying true to a girlfriend, if not a wife, though tempted.
posted by Scram at 7:14 PM on April 14, 2009
posted by Scram at 7:14 PM on April 14, 2009
You Can't Stay Here, by Stan Rogers (the life of a touring musician: "what I've got at home is too dear to risk for an hour with you")
Think, Colin James (can't find a clip online, but from memory the chorus is something like: I could give up my woman/ you could give up your man / but it don't make sense to me / to take the chance / what would we do later on / what kind of life would we have / just in case we both were wrong)
posted by roombythelake at 7:08 AM on April 15, 2009
Think, Colin James (can't find a clip online, but from memory the chorus is something like: I could give up my woman/ you could give up your man / but it don't make sense to me / to take the chance / what would we do later on / what kind of life would we have / just in case we both were wrong)
posted by roombythelake at 7:08 AM on April 15, 2009
Prefab Sprout, The End of the Affair:
In bed beside you with the curtains drawn
For an hour at least I can pretend we're born
To be together and fate alone is keeping me from you
But there's a price we pay when we live a lie
And you find it hard to meet my eye
When you start to dress as we kiss goodbye
And I know we're coming to
The end of the affair
The end of the affair
I could love you for eternity
The fact remains you don't belong to me
(The end of the affair)
I could tell the story of my love for you
With a detailed list of every rendez-vous
Discreet hotels we've checked into
How and when and where
But a cold recital of the facts we've miss
The poetry the way you kiss
The sense of loss now as come to this
A bitter sweet despair
The end of the affair
The end of the affair
I could love you for eternity
But the fact remains you don't belong to me
(The end of the affair)
Well I'm old enough to know right from wrong
So I tell myself I should be strong
With time I'll learn to get along
Without you being near
But I know what I'm living
When I'm by your side
You're rollercoaster, a fairground ride
My conscience and desires collide
Like rockets in the air
The end of the affair
The end of the affair
I could love you till the stars don't shine
But I'm not yours and you're not mine
(The end of the affair)
It's over, it's over, it's over
The end of the affair
The end of the affair
I could love you for eternity
The fact remains you don't belong to me
(The end of the affair)
The first few days are gonna drag real slow
I'm gonna think I see you everywhere I go
These are routine symptoms ex-lovers show
The battle scars they share
I'll I already miss your worried smile
Guilty secrets weren't your style
But you had me fooled for a little while
That makes it hard to bear
(The end of the affair)
The end of the affair
Now I could love you till the stars don't shine
But I'm not yours and you're not mine
(The end of the affair)
It's over, (It's over), It's over.
posted by the bricabrac man at 2:38 PM on April 15, 2009
In bed beside you with the curtains drawn
For an hour at least I can pretend we're born
To be together and fate alone is keeping me from you
But there's a price we pay when we live a lie
And you find it hard to meet my eye
When you start to dress as we kiss goodbye
And I know we're coming to
The end of the affair
The end of the affair
I could love you for eternity
The fact remains you don't belong to me
(The end of the affair)
I could tell the story of my love for you
With a detailed list of every rendez-vous
Discreet hotels we've checked into
How and when and where
But a cold recital of the facts we've miss
The poetry the way you kiss
The sense of loss now as come to this
A bitter sweet despair
The end of the affair
The end of the affair
I could love you for eternity
But the fact remains you don't belong to me
(The end of the affair)
Well I'm old enough to know right from wrong
So I tell myself I should be strong
With time I'll learn to get along
Without you being near
But I know what I'm living
When I'm by your side
You're rollercoaster, a fairground ride
My conscience and desires collide
Like rockets in the air
The end of the affair
The end of the affair
I could love you till the stars don't shine
But I'm not yours and you're not mine
(The end of the affair)
It's over, it's over, it's over
The end of the affair
The end of the affair
I could love you for eternity
The fact remains you don't belong to me
(The end of the affair)
The first few days are gonna drag real slow
I'm gonna think I see you everywhere I go
These are routine symptoms ex-lovers show
The battle scars they share
I'll I already miss your worried smile
Guilty secrets weren't your style
But you had me fooled for a little while
That makes it hard to bear
(The end of the affair)
The end of the affair
Now I could love you till the stars don't shine
But I'm not yours and you're not mine
(The end of the affair)
It's over, (It's over), It's over.
posted by the bricabrac man at 2:38 PM on April 15, 2009
Echoing the suggestion of Elliott Smith's "Twilight" (lyrics, youtube). The chorus repeats the phrase "But I'm already somebody's baby." It's beautiful, and absolutely devastating.
posted by numinous at 1:45 AM on April 17, 2009
posted by numinous at 1:45 AM on April 17, 2009
From the point of view of a woman: Erykah Badu - Next Lifetime.
posted by splendid animal at 7:55 PM on April 27, 2009
posted by splendid animal at 7:55 PM on April 27, 2009
This thread is closed to new comments.
posted by drjimmy11 at 10:14 AM on April 14, 2009 [3 favorites]