Music has the captivating power to transcend time, place, and circumstance. Since catapulting onto the scene with their self-titled debut album in 1973, Aerosmith has been one of rock and roll’s most enduring forces. Their song “Woman of the World” encapsulates their bluesy, swagger-laced rock DNA. It’s a song piled high with the raw grit of 70s hard rock and augmented by the band’s flare for anthemic choruses and raucous guitar licks.
In this deep, melodious voice, the band shares the timeless tale of a spirited, globetrotting woman with a chorus that soars above the world’s skylines. This blog post peels back the layers of “Woman of the World,” illuminating insights about the song that may have eluded fans for decades. From its genesis within the band to its legacy within the annals of classic rock history, we’ll explore the story behind the song that has resonated with listeners for generations. Here are 10 revelatory facts about Aerosmith’s “Woman of the World” that will deepen your appreciation for this enduring track.
The Meaning of “Woman of the World” by Aerosmith
In the resonant ballad “Woman of the World” by Aerosmith, we traverse the odyssey of self-discovery and the profound impact of a mysterious woman’s presence in a man’s life. The song, with its haunting melodies and poignant lyrics, speaks to the enigmatic allure wielded by such a woman—an archetype of wisdom, worldliness, and an almost otherworldly charisma. Steven Tyler’s raspy vocals weave through the listener’s consciousness, evoking an emotional landscape where each chord strikes a balance between adoration and melancholy. The “Woman of the World” is a muse, a mirror, revealing the poet’s desires and the profound depths of what it means to yearn for connection beyond the mere physical; it is a soul-deep longing that resonates with anyone who has encountered a person who seems to carry the weight and wonder of the world in their gaze. Aerosmith invites us into this captivating narrative, asking us to reconsider the women who move through our lives, not just for what they are, but for the infinite stories and secrets they hold within.
Lyrics
[Verse]
Well she’s a woman of the world, and God she knows it
She’ll turn my head every time she shows it
Yeah, nothing you can do, nothing you can say
No way you can try to change her way
She might be gone tomorrow, honey, say what you gotta say
Lordy, Lordy, Lordy, Lordy, what a woman
How are you feeling?
[Verse 2]
Know I tried, I tried so hard to please her
She’d give me a look if I beg to tease her
There’s nothing you can say, nothing you can do
No way you can try to coochie coo
She might be gone tomorrow, oh Lordy what you going to do?
[Verse 3]
And I tried with an open hand and a heart of sorrow
Hoped that everything would be alright
Don’t save too much loving for tomorrow
Get out all your loving here tonight
Na, na, na, na, na, na, na
[Verse 4]
And I tried with an open hand and a heart of sorrow
Hoped that everything would be alright, alright, alright
Don’t save too much loving for tomorrow
Get out all your loving here tonight
[Verse 5]
She got big-eyed cats, she got coats of sable
She seats 44 at her dinner table
And there’s nothing you can do, nothing you can say
No way you can try to change her way
She might be gone tomorrow, oh throwing it all away
The Essence of a Woman of the World
The song opens with, “Well she’s a woman of the world, and God she knows it.” Right from the get-go, it’s clear that the subject of the song is a woman who is aware of her own worth and influence. She is not just any woman; she is a global citizen, someone who has seen and experienced much. This line sets the tone for the entire song, highlighting her independence and self-awareness.
Her Irresistible Charm
“She’ll turn my head every time she shows it.” The charm of this woman is undeniable. She possesses an allure that is both captivating and irresistible. Her presence alone is enough to make heads turn, an indication of her magnetic personality and the confidence she exudes.
Unchangeable Nature
“Yeah, nothing you can do, nothing you can say / No way you can try to change her way.” This verse emphasizes her steadfastness. She is set in her ways and is not easily swayed by others. This line speaks volumes about her strong will and determination, traits that make her a compelling figure.
The Fleeting Nature of Relationships
The song continues with the line, “She might be gone tomorrow, honey, say what you gotta say.” This introduces an element of impermanence. Despite her captivating presence, there is always the possibility that she might leave at any moment. This fleeting nature adds a layer of complexity to the relationship, urging one to cherish the present moment.
The Struggle to Please
“Know I tried, I tried so hard to please her / She’d give me a look if I beg to tease her.” The protagonist’s efforts to please this enigmatic woman are met with mixed reactions. This verse underscores the difficulty of satisfying someone who is both complex and independent. It reflects the challenges faced in relationships where one partner is exceptionally strong-willed.
The Inflexibility of Her Character
“There’s nothing you can say, nothing you can do / No way you can try to coochie coo.” Once again, the song highlights her unyielding nature. She remains true to herself, regardless of external influences. This verse reiterates the theme of independence and the challenges it brings to those who try to get close to her.
The Emotional Depth Behind the Lyrics
In the third verse, Aerosmith dives deeper into the emotional turmoil experienced by the protagonist. “And I tried with an open hand and a heart of sorrow / Hoped that everything would be alright.” These lines convey a sense of vulnerability and hope. Despite the challenges, the protagonist remains optimistic, hoping that things will eventually work out.
The Urgency of Love
“Don’t save too much loving for tomorrow / Get out all your loving here tonight.” This line carries a sense of urgency. It emphasizes the importance of living in the moment and expressing love without hesitation. The fleeting nature of their relationship makes every moment precious, urging them to make the most of the present.
Material Wealth Versus Emotional Fulfillment
In the fifth verse, the song shifts focus to the woman’s material possessions. “She got big-eyed cats, she got coats of sable / She seats 44 at her dinner table.” These lines paint a picture of opulence and luxury. However, despite her wealth, there is a lingering sense of emptiness.
The Contrast Between Wealth and Happiness
“And there’s nothing you can do, nothing you can say / No way you can try to change her way.” Despite her material riches, the woman remains unchanged. This verse highlights the idea that true fulfillment cannot be achieved through wealth alone. Her steadfast nature suggests that emotional satisfaction is still elusive.
The Impermanence of Material Possessions
“She might be gone tomorrow, oh throwing it all away.” The song concludes with a reminder of the impermanence of material possessions. Despite her wealth, the possibility of losing it all remains. This line reinforces the idea that true value lies in emotional connections and experiences rather than material wealth.
Conclusion
In every riff, in each verse, and in the choruses that soar high above our terrestrial concerns, “Woman of the World” encapsulates the essence of what it means to truly live. The song’s legacy is secure, and its themes promise to endure as long as there are those who seek to live life to the fullest. Thank you, Aerosmith, for sharing with us this timeless anthem of the heart and road. We are all the richer for having “Woman of the World” in our lives.