The Beatles – She’s a Woman: A Hint of Rebellion in a Pop Ballad
For music lovers who cherish the early sounds of The Beatles, “She’s a Woman” holds a special place in their hearts. Released in 1964 as the B-side to their smash hit “I Feel Fine,” the song offers a glimpse into the band’s burgeoning experimentation and a subtle shift in their lyrical themes.
While the world was still captivated by the infectious melodies and boyish charm that characterized The Beatles’ early hits, “She’s a Woman” hints at a newfound maturity and a willingness to explore beyond the boundaries of standard pop love songs.
Background
The song’s origins lie in Paul McCartney’s attempt to write a song in the style of Little Richard, a pioneering rock-and-roll musician known for his energetic performances and suggestive lyrics. This influence is evident in the song’s driving rhythm section and McCartney’s more assertive vocals, a slight departure from the band’s usual sweet harmonies.
However, the lyrics penned by John Lennon and McCartney take a different turn. Instead of overt declarations of love, the song paints a picture of a complex relationship between a young man and a woman who doesn’t conform to traditional expectations.
Lines like “My love don’t give me no presents” and “I know she’s no peasant” suggest a more independent and self-assured woman, a departure from the damsel-in-distress archetype often found in pop music of the era.
The man in the song seems both attracted and slightly frustrated by this unconventional woman, a sentiment captured in the line “People tell me that she’s only foolin’, I know she isn’t.”
The song’s chorus, with its simple yet powerful refrain of “She’s a woman who understands/ She’s a woman who loves her man,” strikes a balance between the rebellious undercurrent of the verses and the enduring theme of love.
Video
Lyric
🎵 Let’s sing along with the lyrics! 🎤
She don’t give boys the eyeShe hates to see me cryShe is happy just to hear meSay that I will never leave herShe don’t give boys the eyeShe will never make me jealousGives me all her time as well asLoving, don’t ask me whyShe’s a woman who understandsShe’s a woman who loves her man