When I Say Wife - Jonathan Richman

When I say «wife»

It’s 'cause I can’t find another word

For the way we be

But «wife» sounds like your mortgage, hm

«Wife» sounds like laundry

When I say «wife»

It’s 'cause I can’t find another word

For the way we are

But «wife» sounds like your mortgage

And sounds like the family car

Well, the tax form comes and I fill out «married»

'Cause I know what they’re lookin' for

But I’m tellin' you that I’m just a person

Same as I was before

When I say «wife»

It’s 'cause if you said «lover» every day

You’re gonna begin to gag

But wife sounds like your mortgage

Sounds like the laundry bag

Well, the tax form comes, fill out «married»

A technicality

But I’m tellin' you that I’m not married

I’m not single, I’m still me

I say «wife»

Because it stops all talk right away

About the way we be

But «wife» sounds like your mortgage

And «wife» sounds like laundry