Some men desire spouses

Song Meaning

The lyrics lay out a series of conventional desires for a spouse, contrasting them with a highly unconventional personal preference. Initially, the narrator acknowledges that "some men desire spouses / That come of noble houses" and others seek "Ladies of courtly carriage." These represent traditional aspirations, grounded in status and refined demeanor, setting a baseline for what society might deem acceptable or desirable in a partner. The recurring "Fa la la" interjections, often associated with lighthearted or even mocking folk tunes, subtly underscore the narrator's detachment from these common pursuits. The central tension emerges with the narrator's direct declaration: "But few desire as I do / The maidenhead of a widow." This is a stark, almost jarring, statement that immediately subverts the preceding expectations. The desire for a "maidenhead" – a symbol of virginity or inexperience – from someone who is explicitly a "widow" creates a profound paradox. It suggests a complex, perhaps even contradictory, longing that defies easy categorization and immediately signals a unique, unconventional approach to relationships or desire. The second stanza reinforces this unconventionality by rejecting the pursuit of youth and its associated vitality. The narrator states, "I'll have no colts to taming," dismissing the idea of a young, inexperienced partner that needs to be molded. Instead, the focus returns with even greater insistence to the widow: "I'll get, or I'll go nigh too / The Maidenhead of a widow." This repetition amplifies the singular nature of this desire, suggesting it's not a fleeting thought but a driving, almost obsessive, pursuit. The phrase "go nigh too" implies a determined effort, even if the ultimate goal is not fully achieved, highlighting the intensity of this specific, peculiar longing. This lyrical construction is effective because it uses straightforward language to articulate a deeply complex and paradoxical desire. By first presenting common societal expectations and then immediately offering a stark, unusual counterpoint, the lyrics create a sense of intrigue and surprise. The repetition of the core desire, coupled with the rejection of more conventional pursuits, forces the listener to confront the narrator's singular, almost defiant, perspective. It’s this sharp contrast and the unwavering focus on a seemingly contradictory goal that makes the lyrics memorable and thought-provoking.