“Husbands and Wives” is a single written and recorded by American country music singer Roger Miller, from his album Words and Music….which was released in February 1966….and was a crossover hit for him….while reaching the Top Ten on the U.S. country and Adult Contemporary charts….as well as Top 40 on the pop charts. Since the release of Miller’s original, the song has been covered by several other artists….which included The Everly Brothers, Ringo Starr, Neil Diamond, a duet between David Frizzell and Shelly West, Jules Shear and Brooks & Dunn….whose version was a # 1 country hit in 1998.
“Husbands and Wives” is a mid-tempo waltz in the key of C major…..when In it, the narrator makes observations on a couple who is breaking up….“Two broken hearts, lonely, looking like houses / Where nobody lives”…..then he suggests that the relationship is strained because those involved have too much pride in themselves….“It’s my belief pride is the chief cause in the decline / In the number of husbands and wives”.
As seen in this video herewith…..Roger Miller, along with his wife Mary…..sing the beautiful waltz that he wrote “Husbands and Wives” live on stage at Austin City Limits in 1983.
