Woman-I will try to express/
My inner feeling and thankfulness/
For showing me the meaning of success.
John Lennon’s “Woman” is one of his more personal love songs. It really shows a lot about how his ideas of love have grown and how his appreciation for different aspects of women have changed. Gone are the days are “she was just seventeen, you know what I mean”.
Lennon does not mention looks or sexual attraction for this woman at all in this song. He does, however, mention a deep spiritual attraction that seems to transcend the physical. She understands and takes care of his basic needs. For this he is in her debt, and he hopes to avoid causing her sorrow and pain.
The melody of both the verse and chorus are the strength of “Woman”. Lennon’s voice sounds great, but it almost always does. He sings the song as if it means something to him, and that makes the song resonate. We can especially feel it in the “Oohs” and “Aahs” he sings.
The guitar part is memorable. The sound is distinct. He plays and electric guitar in a typical acoustic guitar pattern. The up and down picking of the chord progression is not unique to this song, but it stands out. The background singers are a bold choice but a great one. They add depth to the sound as if another instrument was playing.
Woman Lyrics
Woman
I can hardly express
My mixed emotions at my thoughtlessness
After all, I’m forever in your debt
And woman
I will try to express
My inner feeling and thankfulness
For showing me the meaning of success
Ooh, well, well
Doo, doo, doo, doo, doo
Ooh, well, well
Doo, doo, doo, doo, doo
Woman
I know you understand
The little child inside the man
Please remember my life is in your hands
And woman
Hold me close to your heart
However distant, don’t keep us apart
After all it is written in the stars
Ooh, well, well
Doo, doo, doo, doo, doo
Ooh, well, well
Doo, doo, doo, doo, doo
Well, woman
Please let me explain
I never meant to cause you sorrow or pain
So let me tell you again and again and again
I love you, yeah, yeah
Now and forever
I love you, yeah, yeah
Now and forever
I love you, yeah, yeah
Now and forever
I love you, yeah, yeah
Songwriters: John Lennon