She’s Having a Baby is another one of those underrated comedies that touches you in ways that you never forget. John Hughes broke free from his high school brat pack mold (Breakfast Club, 16 Candles, Pretty in Pink, etc.) and totally captures the amazing experiences of marriage and parenthood in this wonderful movie. It includes a fantastic soundtrack as well.
Kevin Bacon (Jake) and Elisabeth McGovern (Kristy) were at their best as they portrayed the young newlyweds who survive the salads days trying to make ends meet. Jake struggles with the new concept of being monogamous as he’s tempted by a beautiful stranger. He also has to deal with a lifelong friend who has serious commitment issues (Alec Baldwin in a hilarious role).
Besides all of the witty and humorous scenes, there are some deep, emotional moments as well. For example, the following video clip will include the unforgettable birth scene which featured Kate Bush’s haunting and perfect “This Woman’s Work”. It is such a powerful scene because it depicts the hopelessness we men feel at that magical but scary time. All the lamas and training we do cannot prepare you for what you will encounter. John Hughes masterfully captures the raw emotions of that whole experience, especially if complications ensue. The best moment is when Jake’s teardrops turn into blood from his wife as she struggles to give birth. Jake realizes at that moment that he was a fool to ever doubt his marriage and to even consider being unfaithful and only wanted his wife back.
Here’s an amazing scene featuring Kate Bush’s memorable “This Woman’s Work” which captures the extreme helplessness we men feel at the miracle moment of birth. SPOILER ALERT!!!
Here’s Kate Bush’s music video of her song
Here’s a version of the song my Maxwell, yes, a male performer. He does a great job with the song, live even!
I’ve been blessed to experience becoming a father three times and I swear that I thought of this movie and especially the ending scenes each and every time! I also watched the movie before the birth of all three children. Somehow it just brings comfort.
If you’re young and haven’t experienced the glory of marriage and parenthood, then watch this movie and enjoy. It truly gives a good glimpse into what awaits you, my friend. If you’ve already been blessed with these magical experiences then it’s still a wonderful movie to watch and remember how it felt. I’m always moved tremendously whenever I watch it or hear the songs from the movie, especially “This Woman’s Work” and “Apron Strings”
Here are the lyrics to “This Woman’s Work”
Pray God you can cope.
I stand outside this woman’s work,
This woman’s world.
Ooh, it’s hard on the man,
Now his part is over.
Now starts the craft of the father.
I know you have a little life in you yet.
I know you have a lot of strength left.
I know you have a little life in you yet.
I know you have a lot of strength left.
I should be crying, but I just can’t let it show.
I should be hoping, but I can’t stop thinking
Of all the things I should’ve said,
That I never said.
All the things we should’ve done,
That we never did.
All the things I should’ve given,
But I didn’t.
Oh, darling, make it go,
Make it go away.
Give me these moments back.
Give them back to me.
Give me that little kiss.
Give me your hand.
(I know you have a little life in you yet.
I know you have a lot of strength left.
I know you have a little life in you yet.
I know you have a lot of strength left.)
I should be crying, but I just can’t let it show.
I should be hoping, but I can’t stop thinking
Of all the things we should’ve said,
That were never said.
All the things we should’ve done,
That we never did.
All the things that you needed from me.
All the things that you wanted for me.
All the things that I should’ve given,
But I didn’t.
Oh, darling, make it go away.
Just make it go away now.
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This was a lovely post! (a mom here) I have watched that movie many times and that scene has always been one of my favorite. Powerful and emotional. I have the soundtrack and I totally agree that Apron Strings is the other good one. What a fantastic post.
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This was a lovely post! (a mom here) I have watched that movie many times and that scene has always been one of my favorite. Powerful and emotional. I have the soundtrack and I totally agree that Apron Strings is the other good one. What a fantastic post.
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Damn, I ended up watching that and feeling it all through me. Today is my oldest daughter’s 17th birthday – it has been that long since I was reduced to only the two words, “oh” and “wow” again and again.
I watched that movie several times about that time – my wife never understood why i would watch it so many times as we went through the process three times with two of the children surviving it.
Thanks for the reminder of the hope and the pain and the joy at the start of the journey of being a dad.
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Damn, I ended up watching that and feeling it all through me. Today is my oldest daughter’s 17th birthday – it has been that long since I was reduced to only the two words, “oh” and “wow” again and again.
I watched that movie several times about that time – my wife never understood why i would watch it so many times as we went through the process three times with two of the children surviving it.
Thanks for the reminder of the hope and the pain and the joy at the start of the journey of being a dad.
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Thanks for the kind replies. So glad you both enjoyed the post and the movie.
I can’t believe it’s been 20 years since that came out. Yikes.
Pai
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Thanks for the kind replies. So glad you both enjoyed the post and the movie.
I can’t believe it’s been 20 years since that came out. Yikes.
Pai
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Absolutely beautiful, Pai.
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Absolutely beautiful, Pai.