Love And Marriage

Frank Sinatra's 'Love And Marriage' is a song that encapsulates the traditional view of marriage and its inseparable connection to love. The lyrics use the metaphor of a 'horse and carriage' to illustrate the idea that love and marriage are entities that function best when paired together, much like how a carriage is useless without a horse to pull it. Sinatra croons about this concept with a light-hearted and catchy tune, making the message both memorable and endearing.

The song also touches on the societal perspective of marriage during the era it was released, which was in 1955. It refers to marriage as an 'institute you can't disparage,' highlighting the respect and importance placed on the institution of marriage at the time. The 'local gentry'—or the respected members of the community—are cited as proponents of this view, suggesting that the idea of marriage being fundamental to a stable and respectable life was widely accepted and considered 'elementary,' or basic knowledge.

Sinatra's song doesn't just celebrate the romantic ideal of love leading to marriage; it also challenges listeners to consider the futility of separating the two. The lyrics suggest that attempts to divide love and marriage are an 'illusion' and that such efforts will inevitably lead to the conclusion that they are meant to be together. This reflects a cultural belief in the mid-20th century that love and marriage were a package deal, a belief that has since evolved but still resonates with many.