A Man Needs a Maid (song)
"A Man Needs a Maid" is a song written by Neil Young that was first released on his 1972 album Harvest. It is one of two songs on Harvest on which Young is accompanied by the London Symphony Orchestra. It has appeared on several of Young's live and compilation albums. Lyrics and music Music critic Johnny Rogan describes the melody of "A Man Needs a Maid" as "haunting." Allmusic critic William Ruhlmann describes the song as "an impressionistic musing by a man who is contemplating the start of a new romantic relationship." The lyrics of "A Man Needs a Maid" have generated controversy due to interpretations that they are chauvinistic. This is largely the result of Young using the term "maid" with two meanings in the song, one of which is a housekeeper to cook and clean for him, and then leave. However, the rest of the lyrics make it clear that these lyrics were reflecting Young's own feelings of insecurity, and trying to balance his need for an equal relationship with a woman against his fear of getting hurt by that relationship and just "living alone and hiring help." This is particularly apparent from the opening lines "My life