He Thinks He'll Keep Her

Who it's for

Mary Chapin Carpenter tells of a wife who has done everything expected of her for years before finally walking out and getting a job of her own.

Feelings it meets

• Feeling Stuck
• Fresh Start
• Work–Family Conflict
• Gender Expectations

What it is

"He Thinks He'll Keep Her" is a country song by Mary Chapin Carpenter, co-written with Don Schlitz, from her 1992 album Come On Come On. It follows a woman who marries young, raises three children and fulfills the expected role of wife and mother for years while growing more dissatisfied. In her thirties she tells her husband she no longer loves him, leaves, and takes a low-paying office job.

Where to find it

All major streaming services.

Before you start

Age: All ages

The waterfall sings, "I find my song, when I find my freedom."Rabindranath Tagore, Stray Birds, no. 36