RAYE’s ‘Where Is My Husband!’ and the Yearning for Commitment in a Lonely Generation
London-born singer RAYE has started 2026 with a bang, claiming the number one single spot with ‘WHERE IS MY HUSBAND!’ The funk/soul track has exploded globally, fueled by its viral success on TikTok. But beyond the catchy beat and relatable lyrics, the song’s popularity speaks to a deeper cultural undercurrent: a surprising resurgence of desire for commitment in an age often defined by individualism.
Amidst declining marriage rates and a perceived prevalence of casual relationships – even highlighted by Vogue’s recent declaration that having a boyfriend is now ‘embarrassing’ – why is a song essentially ‘praying’ for commitment resonating so strongly? The answer may lie in the growing loneliness experienced by young adults. RAYE poignantly vocalizes this pain, singing about ‘lonely acrobatics’ and the fear of dying alone if a lasting connection isn’t found.
The Hangover of Individualism
Millennials and Gen Z are, in many ways, experiencing the consequences of the individualist revolution that began in the 1960s. While the promise of freedom was alluring, the flipside is often isolation. When commitment is eschewed, reciprocal dedication diminishes. Perhaps, the song’s success suggests, marriage – real marriage – has something to offer after all.
RAYE herself seems to be seeking a specific kind of love: the enduring, faith-based relationship her parents share. Having recently reconnected with her faith, she credits her parents for demonstrating ‘how beautiful love can look,’ even through challenges. She desires an ‘old fashioned’ love, but where is it to be found?
A Trending Desire for Commitment
Millions of women are echoing RAYE’s plea: ‘Where the hell is my husband?!’ The song has inadvertently put husbands – and the commitment they represent – ‘in the trend.’ The often-unglamorous, day-to-day dedication of monogamous love is being celebrated and even idolized. If you embody this commitment, keep at it.
The biblical call to husbands, as outlined in Ephesians 5:25 – to love their wives as Christ loved the church – feels particularly relevant. The value of consistent presence, providing for family, offering encouragement, and showing care shouldn’t be underestimated. Strong families contribute to societal well-being, alleviating poverty, improving education, and strengthening mental health. Furthermore, it serves as a powerful testament to the love Christ has for all.
Supporting Commitment and Mentoring the Next Generation
If you’re not a husband, how can you support and celebrate the husbands you know? More importantly, how can we mentor younger generations – particularly young men – to envision a compelling and godly vision of marriage, as exemplified by RAYE’s parents? This isn’t about imposing a specific lifestyle, but about presenting a positive and fulfilling alternative to the prevailing culture of fleeting connections.
As Sir Brian Souter has noted, Britain may be witnessing a ‘rebirth of Christ-centred Christianity’. Perhaps RAYE’s song is a small, but significant, sign of a larger shift – a yearning for something deeper and more lasting in a world increasingly defined by loneliness and impermanence.
Further Reading:
- Sir Brian Souter says the nation is ‘seeing a rebirth of Christ-centred Christianity’
- UK abortion figures reach highest level on record as campaigners urge rethink of current law
- Church of England ends Living in Love and Faith process
This article was first published on the LICC website and re-printed here with permission.
