Just How Much Can One Man Do?

Story Behind The Song

The idea came during a week that my wife had to be out of the house for a few evenings, leaving me to feed the kids, wash the dishes, bathe the kids, etc.. After the third night in a row, I was humming while standing over the sink, and the hook for this song just came right out. "Just how much can one man do?" I envisioned it being sung by a rat-pack singer with a big band behind him (a la Frankie). The irony would be tremendous because back in those days, fathers didn't do dishes! I have a women's version of the song, as well, which does a sharp counterpoint. The idea would be to release that a few weeks after the men's version. Why not get a bit of the time-honored battle-of-the-sexes going? Just for fun!

Song Description

This is a tongue-in-cheek ditty for today's man. In a domestic context, this song discusses the many virtues and achievements of today's husbands, fathers, and men in general. And considering all of these things, it asks the question: "Just how much can one man do?"

Song Length 4:00 Genre Pop - Standards, Jazz - General
Tempo Medium Fast (131 - 150) Lead Vocal Male Vocal
Mood Sociable Subject General, Marriage
Language English

Lyrics

Just How Much Can One Man Do?

Words and Music by Mike Lemise
Copyright Mike Lemise 2003

Who's gonna mow the lawn?
Who sings the kids a silly song?
Who's bringing home the cash,
Then taking out the trash?

Who's cooking up some grub?
Just the kind the children love.
It's Daddy who does so much.

Just how much?
Just how much?
Just how much can one man do?

We know our women work, too.
They work hard like women can do.
But some fret about today's man,
And it's time we make a stand.

Call us lazy no more
'Cause we're even better than before
Yes it's men who do so much.

Just how much?
Just how much?
Just how much can one man do?
Just how much can one man do?

Clean out the gutters, rake the leaves
Fix the shutters, paint the eaves.
Wash the cars and make them shine just like new.
Cook dinner and wash dishes, too.
Yes it's true.

Who helps the kids with math;
Then gives the baby a bath?
Who helps them brush their teeth,
And tucks them into bed so sweet?

Who rubs the Mommy's back?
Just so she can relax,
It's Daddy who does so much. Please tell me.

Just how much?
Just how much?
Just how much can one man do? Yeah,
Just how much can one man do?

Now don't get me wrong,
I'm singing this song,
But I'm happy to be just little ol' me.

All my friends say,
That we men today,
Have to work hard all night and all day,
So we say.

Call us lazy no more
'Cause we're even better than before
Yes it's men who do so much.

One more time I say.

Just how much?
I bring home the bacon, and I cook it, too!
Just how much can one man do? Yeah,
Just how much can one man do?

Lyrics Mike Lemse Music Mike Lemse
Producer Mike Lemse Performance Mike Lemse

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