Percy Sledge’s 1965 soulful ballad ‘When a Man Loves a Woman’ is a timeless classic that has touched the hearts of many listeners since its release. The lyrics describe the depths of a man’s love for a woman, conveying the emotion in a way that is both powerful and poetic. As the song begins, it sets the tone for the story of a man’s emotions and struggles with loving someone so deeply. This article will explore the lyrics of ‘When a Man Loves a Woman’ and delve into the meaning behind each phrase. It will also discuss how the song conveys such a strong emotional message and why it has had such an impact on so many people over the decades.
Percy Sledge
Percy Sledge’s classic hit “When a Man Loves a Woman” is one of the most beloved love songs of all time. Written by Calvin Lewis and Andrew Wright and released in 1966, the song quickly rose to the top of the charts and held the position of number one on the Billboard Hot 100 for two weeks. The song also reached number one in the UK and was certified gold by the Recording Industry Association of America.
The simple yet evocative lyrics capture the joy and intensity of being in love, and the song has become an iconic representation of love in popular culture. Its influence can be seen in movies, TV shows, cover versions, parodies, and other forms of media. It has also been covered by countless artists, including Michael Bolton, Bette Midler, The Temptations, and Aretha Franklin.
Percy Sledge was an R&B and soul singer from Alabama. He began his career singing gospel music in a local church and spent much of his life performing live music. He released his first single, “When a Man Loves a Woman”, in 1966 and followed it up with a series of other successful albums and singles.
The legacy of “When a Man Loves a Woman” continues to this day. It has been featured in numerous movies and TV shows, and has been covered or sampled in over 300 recordings. It was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 1999 and is ranked as one of Rolling Stone’s “500 Greatest Songs of All Time.”
Whether as a
Song Meaning
The song “When a Man Loves a Woman” by Percy Sledge is an emotionally powerful ballad that has touched listeners of all ages. Written and recorded in 1966, the song centers around the theme of an unconditional love between a man and a woman. The lyrics of the song focus on the sacrifices that the man makes for his beloved, described as a “once in a lifetime love”.
The song has been covered by countless artists over the years, including Michael Bolton, Bette Midler, and Kenny Rogers. It reached the number one position on the Billboard Hot 100 in April 1966, and was eventually inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 1999. It is one of the most beloved and enduring love songs of all time.
The lyrics of the song are simple and straightforward, expressing the deep emotion felt by the narrator. In the first verse, he acknowledges his inability to win her back: “I can’t keep on a-runnin’ away, when her lovin’ is gone…” He then goes on to plead for her to remain by his side, despite his shortcomings.
The song’s chorus is perhaps the most memorable part. It urges the woman to stay with the narrator, no matter how hard he falls: “When a man loves a woman, can’t keep his mind on nothin’ else… He’d give up all his comforts and sleep out in the rain.” The song emphasizes the narrator’s commitment to his beloved, and his willingness to give up everything if it means that she will stay.
Impact on Music
When Percy Sledge released his iconic song “When a Man Loves a Woman” in 1966, it quickly rose to the top of Billboard’s Hot 100 chart and crossed over to the R&B chart, staying there for a record 15 weeks. The song demonstrated the power of Sledge’s soulful blend of blues and gospel, and has since gone on to become one of the most covered songs of all time. Its impact on music has been truly remarkable – it has been inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame, and Rolling Stone magazine named it one of the 500 greatest songs of all time.
The lyrics to “When a Man Loves a Woman” are deeply heartfelt and deeply personal, and speak to the intensity of emotion that can be experienced during the most passionate love affairs. Sledge’s story of a man who is so in love with a woman that he will do anything for her has resonated with music fans for generations. The song has been covered by artists such as Michael Bolton, Otis Redding, and Bette Midler, and its influence can be seen in other hit songs such as “Un-Break My Heart” by Toni Braxton.
The legacy of “When a Man Loves a Woman” will continue to live on for years to come. From its chart success to its frequent covers and lasting impact on music, Percy Sledge’s classic song has helped define a generation of music. It’s a testament to the
Cultural Relevance
“When a man loves a woman” by Percy Sledge is a timeless classic that continues to be relevant in contemporary culture. The song was released in 1966 and has become an iconic representation of love and devotion. It has been covered by more than 150 artists, including Michael Bolton, Faith Hill, and even Axl Rose, resulting in widespread recognition throughout the generations.
In fact, according to Nielsen Music, “When a man loves a woman” has been streamed over 9 million times since 2019. It has also been featured in numerous movies, television shows, and commercials, further cementing its place as an evergreen favorite.
The song is not only popular for its sweet lyrics, but also for its historical significance. Written by Calvin Lewis and Andrew Wright, it was one of the first songs to be credited as composed by two African American writers. It was also recorded in Muscle Shoals, Alabama, a city known for its impact on soul and R&B music.
The song is a staple of many weddings, usually being played during the first dance. It has also been featured in a number of romantic comedies, such as The Wedding Singer and My Best Friend’s Wedding. It’s easy to see why “When a man loves a woman” is a beloved classic that will continue to be enjoyed for years to come.
Recording History
Percy Sledge’s “When a Man Loves a Woman” is one of the most iconic love songs of all time. Released in 1966, it propelled Sledge to international fame and reached number one on both the US and UK charts. The song was written by Sledge and producer Calvin Lewis and was recorded in a single day in Muscle Shoals, Alabama. The song was later inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 1999, and Rolling Stone ranked it at number 52 on its list of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time.
The original recording by Sledge was an immediate commercial success, selling over a million copies in the US alone. However, the song has seen many interpretations in various styles, including reggae, jazz, rock and pop. In addition, the song has been covered by over 500 artists, including Michael Bolton, who had a Top 10 hit with it in 1991.
To this day, Sledge continues to perform “When a Man Loves a Woman” and other hits from his catalog. The song remains an amazing feat of songwriting that continues to move and inspire audiences all over world. As Sledge himself famously said, “When I sing it, it still moves me to tears.”
Legacy of Lyrics
Percy Sledge’s “When a Man Loves a Woman” is one of the most iconic love songs ever written. The song, released in 1966, became an international hit and has been covered by a variety of artists since its release. It has been featured in several movies, including Forrest Gump and The Big Chill. Its timeless lyrics have been an inspiration to generations of listeners.
The song was written by Calvin Lewis and Andrew Wright, two musicians who were inspired by the heartbreak of one of Lewis’ friends. They wrote the song in about ten minutes, and it was performed and produced by Sledge. Originally released on Atlantic Records, it reached the top of both the US and UK charts and was certified gold in the United States.
The song has become an enduring part of popular culture and has been used in television, film and advertising. In 2004, it was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame, and in 2005, it was added to the Library of Congress’ National Recording Registry. In a 2018 survey, it was named the best love song of all time by the British public.
The legacy of “When a Man Loves a Woman” continues to this day. Just last year, the song was featured in the popular Broadway musical Ain’t Too Proud. The song has also been included in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame’s list of songs that shaped rock and roll. As a testament to its lasting power, its impact can still be felt in contemporary pop culture.
Critical Reception
The song “When a Man Loves a Woman” by Percy Sledge was an instant success when it was first released in 1966. The song climbed to the top of the Billboard Hot 100 chart, where it stayed for two weeks. It was a massive international success, reaching the top of the charts in countries such as Australia, Canada, Japan, and the United Kingdom. The song has become a classic, and is one of the most covered songs of all time.
The song has received critical acclaim since its initial success. Rolling Stone magazine listed it as one of the 500 greatest songs of all time. Allmusic gave it a 5-star rating and praised it for its passionate vocals and heartfelt lyrics. The song has been covered by a wide range of artists, including Michael Bolton, Bette Midler, and Otis Redding.
In 2004, Percy Sledge was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, in recognition of his contributions to the genre. The song also won a Grammy Hall of Fame Award in 1999. It has been used in films such as “The Big Chill” and “Goodfellas,” and continues to be a popular choice for weddings and other special occasions.
“When a Man Loves a Woman” is an undeniable classic that has been cherished by music fans around the world for generations. It is a testament to the power of Percy Sledge’s songwriting and vocal delivery, and stands as one of the most beloved and iconic songs of the twentieth century.
Conclusion
“When a Man Loves a Woman” by Percy Sledge is an iconic song that has endured for over 50 years. It is a timeless classic that speaks to the power of love and how it can bring us to our knees. It is a reminder that with love, we can overcome the most difficult of situations. The lyrics of this song perfectly capture the pain and joy that comes with loving someone deeply. It is a testament to the strength of love and the importance of cherishing the moments when we find it. I invite you to listen to this masterpiece and experience first-hand the power of love.
