The Old Man can't Keep his Wife at Home
The narrative centers on an elderly man whose wife is restless and enjoys a life of leisure and socializing, often leaving him alone at home. The poem begins with the old man's lament that he cannot keep his wife at home, as she prefers to roam freely, indulging in fine food and drink while he is left with the leftovers. Her carefree spirit is highlighted as she revels in her independence, dancing and celebrating life. As the story progresses, the old man's loneliness and frustration grow. He is depicted as frail and confined, contrasting sharply with his wife's vivacity. She goes out to dine, leaving him in bed, and her joy is palpable as she enjoys the company of others. The old man, in his solitude, attempts to cope with his situation by drinking thin beer and reflecting on his wife's escapades. The climax occurs when the wife returns home, and in a twist of fate, a stone that the old man had placed above the door falls on her head, resulting in her death. This tragic turn underscores the consequences of her gadding about and the old man's inability to control her actions. The final refrain emphasizes his loss, as he is now left without a wife who loved to roam, encapsulating the themes of freedom, loss, and the complexities of marital relationships in old age.
By Sabine Baring-Gould · First published 1890 · Genre: Poetry, Humor, Folk Song · 368 words
First lines
C. J. S. [Music]
1. The old man can't keep his wife at home, / She dearly loves abroad to roam, / She will but eat the choicest meat, / And leave th'old man the bone. / Herself must have good cheer, / Herself drink humming beer. / A merry life lives she, / For her heart is full of glee. / CHORUS: The old man can't keep his wife at home, / She dearly loves abroad to roam, &c.
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured in verses with a rhythmic and lyrical quality, characteristic of poetry.
- Humor — The content employs comedic elements, particularly in the portrayal of the old man's predicament and the wife's carefree nature.
- Folk Song — The repetitive chorus and narrative style suggest it is a folk song, reflecting cultural themes and storytelling.
- Satire — The work critiques social norms regarding marriage and gender roles through exaggerated scenarios.
Tags
humor · marriage · infidelity · adventure · freedom · domestic life · old age · sorrow · drinking · dining · social commentary · poetry
What this Textopian page supports
The Old Man can't Keep his Wife at Home is listed on Textopian as a poem by Sabine Baring-Gould, dated 1890 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: Sabine Baring-Gould
- Date: 1890 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Humor, Folk Song, Satire, Narrative
- Length: 368 words
- Structure: 1 section, 4 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)
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