Her first album, Abbey Lincoln's Affair, A Story of a Girl in Love was released in 1956. Also that year Lincoln starred in the film The Girl Can't Help It, for which she famously wore a dress worn by Marilyn Monroe.
Lincoln sang on the 1960s landmark jazz civil rights recording, We Insist! - Freedom Now Suite in 1960 by jazz musician and Lincolns husband from 1962-1970, Max Roach. Especially since this album, Abbey Lincoln was connected to the political fight against racism in the United States.
She co-starred with Sidney Poitier and Beau Bridges in 1968's For Love of Ivy and received a 1969 Golden Globe nomination for her appearance in the film. She also starred in the 1990 Spike Lee movie Mo' Better Blues.
In 2003, she received the National Endowment for the Arts NEA Jazz Masters Award.
Lincoln died on August 14, 2010 in Manhattan at the age of 80. Although no official cause of death was given, Lincoln had suffered deteriorating health following open heart surgery in 2007. She passed away in a Manhattan nursing home.
When a Woman Loves a Man
Abbey Lincoln Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Doing what he can
But what does she care
When a woman loves a man
She'll just string along
All through thick and thin
Till his ship comes in
It's always that way
She'll be the first one to praise him
When he's goin' strong
The last one to blame him
When everything's wrong
It's such a one-sided game that they play
But women are funny that way
Tell her she's a fool
She'll say yes, I know
But I love him so
And that's how it goes
When a woman loves a man
I tell I her she's a fool
She'll say yes, I know
But I love him so
And that's how if goes
When a woman loves a m
an
Abbey Lincoln's song "When a Woman Loves a Man" is a poignant examination of how love can turn logic on its head, particularly for women. This song delves into the emotional complexities of a woman's love for a man, even when he's not much, and she knows it. The lyrics evoke a woman's unwavering loyalty to a man, her willingness to stick with him "through thick and thin" and not give up until his "ship comes in." This devotion and resilience in the face of adversity is one of the most striking themes of the song.
The lyrics also touch on the one-sided nature of a woman's love for a man sometimes. Like the line "She'll be the first one to praise him when he's goin' strong, the last one to blame him when everything's wrong." This is a stark reminder that women often put up with a lot from men they love, even to the detriment of their own happiness or well-being. This is particularly true when it comes to the more challenging aspects of relationships, such as infidelity or abuse - situations in which women's love often leads them to stay and try to make things work, even when it seems hopeless.
Overall, Abbey Lincoln's "When a Woman Loves a Man" is a powerful tribute to the strength and resilience of women's love for the men in their lives. The song's lyrics speak to the complexities and nuances of romantic love, particularly for women, and it's a song that continues to resonate with audiences today.
Line by Line Meaning
Maybe he's not much, just another man
Even if he is not exceptional, just an ordinary man in society
Doing what he can
Performing his best, regardless of the circumstances
But what does she care
The woman is not bothered about his social status or financial standing if she truly loves him.
When a woman loves man
The passion and love that a woman feels for her man cannot be compared to any other feeling.
She'll just string along
She will accompany him everywhere he goes, just to be by his side.
All through thick and thin
She is there for him always, no matter how difficult the situation gets.
Till his ship comes in
She will patiently wait for his success, even if it takes a long time
It's always that way
This is the way it goes when a woman loves a man. It's a pattern, a rule.
She'll be the first one to praise him
She becomes his cheerleader, applauding him for all his achievements.
When he's goin' strong
She acknowledges his strengths and admires him when he is performing well.
The last one to blame him
In difficult situations, she does not blame him. Instead, she becomes his support system.
When everything's wrong
Even when everything seems to be going against them, she is still there for him.
It's such a one-sided game that they play
This love that a woman has for a man is usually one sided, and she is the one who bears more responsibility.
But women are funny that way
Though it may seem strange to others, women are just naturally so devoted when they're in love.
Tell her she's a fool
Even if someone tells her that her love and devotion to him is foolish, it will not change her feelings.
She'll say yes, I know
She is fully aware that her love is not logical, nor does it make sense to others
But I love him so
But, she loves him deeply and truly.
And that's how it goes
This is simply how love works, and it will not change.
When a woman loves a man
In conclusion, the song is all about how women can love their men through thick and thin, without giving up on them.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: BERNARD D. HANIGHEN, GORDON JENKINS, JOHNNY MERCER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
juanita mitchell
Classy jazzy
Gladys Stevenson
Nothing personal. This song