Author Nick Hornby (one of my favorites) teamed up with Ben Folds (likewise) on the 2010 album Lonely Avenue.
Hornby penned a bevy of powerful, emotional songs — along with some very funny ones — but the one that feels the most familiar to me is ‘Practical Amanda.’
This song explores the dynamic between Hornby and his wife in terms that ring true in my own marriage. My wife is by far the more pragmatic and responsible one, the one who sees what needs to be done and then makes it happen (especially around the house, which would devolve into something resembling a crack den if it were left up to me).
I like how Hornby credits his wife with saving one life and making two others. Practical Alexandra and I have two kids as well, so I identify.
Still, I would bet that both my wife and Hornby’s would write the flip side of this song and credit us with “saving” them with our impracticality.
Why not move in somewhere easy?
Urinals where bedrooms ought to be
Who could be bothered, really?
You’re really good at all that stuff
The nuts and bolts of living
Curtains, blinds and kitchen tables
I’ve got no time for dates and plans
No I’m too busy dreaming
You’re the one with the attention span
You’re not the free-wheeler
Practical, practical Amanda
Saved one life
And made two others
Practical Amanda
Who’d look in here
And see someone
That might be
Worth redeeming
Head and heart
And soul fucked up
Who could be bothered, really?
I’ve got no time for dates and plans
No I’m too busy dreaming
You’re the one with the attention span
Practical Amanda
Practical, practical Amanda
Saved one life
And made two others
Practical Amanda
Meet Me In Montauk 
Beautiful song from a great album. And, while I am not sure if Amy is the practical one in our marriage (though I’m sure she would argue she is😄), she also is the one who saved one life and made two others.
You are two great guys, that’s for sure.
I agree Andrea!
Indeed they are two great guys. I won’t claim to be practical when it comes to keeping the house from looking like a crack den, but I’d say that we all tend to be what we need to be when we need to be it. As Dana and I often reflect, a relationship is rarely 50/50. I certainly hope that when Amanda needs to stop tending to the daily details for a few weeks, Ben will step in to make sure that the two kids get fed.
You mean Nick.
Clearly I mean Nick! Especially since Ben’s track record would suggest that he likely wouldn’t step up 🙂