Stand By Your Man
Tammy Wynette was one of the greatest women singers of the ‘60s and ‘70s. Her greatest hit was somewhat controversial, by the women’s lib-ers. Even Hillary Clinton, chastised her years after the fact. This is the song in her own words by Tammy Wynette.
“I’ve often been accused of doing most of my writing for your ladies, but I did write a song special for you guys. Don’t feel slighted, this is especially for you.” I hear Tammy’s mellow voice drifting into my head.
“Sometimes it’s hard to be a woman
“Giving all your love to just one man
“You’ll have bad times, and he’ll have good times
“Doing things that you don’t understand
“But if you love him, you’ll forgive him
“Even though he’s hard to understand
“And if you love him, be proud of him
“’Cause after all he’s just a man”
Being of the male gender, I am somewhat biased. Also, benefiting from the love of a woman for over 60 years I feel quite privileged. I haven’t always been the man I should be, but Lord knows I’ve tried. I think this is what God meant, when he set up the family unit. Any amount of criticism by Hillary or anyone else, is completely unjustified.
“Give him two arms to cling to
“And something warm to come to
“And show the world you love him
“Keep giving all I love you can…
“Stand By your Man.”
This morning thinking about this song, I’m not sure of all of the implications. I grew up in a church where divorce was taboo so I never knew any that were affected. I knew when I found a mate it was for life. As I look back, I appreciate those rules because smoking and drinking was never a temptation. Everyone I grew up with was hardworking and prosperous. I never knew anyone to dial 1-800-911 gambling problem.
There comes to mind this morning a friend. She was a senior in high school when her parents divorced, and her entire senior year was a blur. Fall came and she had not made any plans for her future. She applied to college at the last minute and was accepted, met the most wonderful man, and raised a family of doctors and engineers.
Her mother was beautiful, but Her father must have stepped around. Her mother could never forgive him and he never remarried, and is all alone with health issues. There still is a concept called redemption and forgiveness but sometimes it is hard.
Before I put away my soap box, the venomous snake in the bottle. The biggest percentage of judge Judy cases, car windshields busted, wives beaten up, car accidents, a big percentage of judge Judy cases,
“Were you drinking?”
“I had a couple.”
Case closed.
— James Neuhouser
