Woman
Cherry Neneh Lyrics
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I was just sitting here thinkin' good and bad
But I'm the kind of woman that was built to last
They tried erasing me, they couldn't wipe out my past
To save my child, I'd rather go hungry
I've got all of Ethiopia inside of me
And my blood flows through every man
In this godless land that delivered me
This is a woman's world, this is my world
This is a woman's world for this man's girl
There ain't a woman in this world, not a woman or a little girl
That can't deliver love in a man's world
I've born and I've bred, I've cleaned and I've fed
And for my healing wits, I've been called a witch
I've crackled in the fire and been called a liar
I've died so many times, I'm only just coming to life (woman)
This is a woman's world, this is my world (woman)
This is a woman's world for this man's girl (woman)
There ain't a woman in this world, not a woman or a little girl (woman)
That can't deliver love to a man's world
And my blood flows
Through every man and every child
In this godless land that delivered me
I've cried so many tears even the blind can see (woman)
This is a woman's world, this is my world (woman)
This is a woman's world for this man's girl (woman)
There ain't a woman in this world, not a woman or a little girl, no (woman)
That can't deliver love in a man's world (woman)
Oh, this is a woman's world
A woman (hey, hey)
Woman
Woman
Woman
The lyrics to Neneh Cherry's "Woman" are a powerful statement about the strength and resilience of women. The opening lines, "You gotta be fortunate, you gotta be lucky now / I was just sitting here thinkin' good and bad" suggest that Cherry is reflecting on the challenges she has faced in life and how luck has played a role in her ability to overcome them. She goes on to declare that she is "the kind of woman that was built to last," and that though others may have tried to erase her, her past remains a part of her.
The next stanza takes on a more urgent tone, as Cherry declares that she would "rather go hungry" than risk her child's safety. She speaks of the connection she feels to her Ethiopian heritage, with her blood flowing through the veins of every man. She has cried so many tears that even the blind can see her pain.
The chorus is a rallying cry for women everywhere, asserting that this is their world just as much as it is men's. Cherry acknowledges the many roles that women have traditionally played, from giving birth to cleaning and cooking, but she also addresses the way that women have been oppressed throughout history. She has been called a witch and a liar, and yet she persists. The final repetition of "woman" emphasizes the importance of this identity and the power that comes with it.
Overall, this song is an inspiring anthem for women who have faced adversity and continue to fight for their rights and their place in the world.
Line by Line Meaning
You gotta be fortunate, you gotta be lucky now
Luck is a significant factor in success and good fortune.
I was just sitting here thinkin' good and bad
Reflecting on both the positive and negative aspects of life.
But I'm the kind of woman that was built to last
I am a strong, resilient woman who endures and perseveres.
They tried erasing me, they couldn't wipe out my past
Despite attempts to erase my history, my identity and past experiences remain unshakeable.
To save my child, I'd rather go hungry
I prioritize my child's well-being over my own basic needs.
I've got all of Ethiopia inside of me
My identity and heritage are deeply ingrained within me.
And my blood flows through every man
My connections and influence extend to all people.
In this Godless land, that delivered me
Despite the challenges of living in a place without divine intervention, it is where I was born and raised.
I've cried so many tears even the blind can see
My struggles are evident and visible to all, even those who cannot physically see.
This is a woman's world, this is my world
The world belongs to women just as much as men, and I am a part of it.
This is a woman's world for this man's girl
Women own and navigate the same world that men do.
There ain't a woman in this world, not a woman or a little girl
Women of all ages have the ability to love and make a difference in the world.
That can't deliver love in a man's world
Women are just as capable of giving and receiving love in a world dominated by men.
I've born and I've bred, I've cleaned and I've fed
I have performed traditional women's roles of giving birth, raising children, and managing a household.
And for my healing wits, I've been called a witch
My intelligence and resourcefulness have been mistaken for sorcery and punished.
I've crackled in the fire, and been called a liar
I have experienced persecution and been accused of lying even though I tell the truth.
I've died so many times, I'm only just coming to life (woman)
I have overcome numerous adversities and now feel fully alive and empowered as a woman.
And my blood flows
My heritage and lineage are influential and meaningful.
Through every man and every child
I share a connection to and responsibility for all humans.
Oh, this is a woman's world
The world belongs to women as much as men, and we must claim our power within it.
A woman (hey, hey)
I am a woman and I deserve respect and recognition for my contributions to the world.
Woman
I am a strong and powerful force in the world.
Woman
I am unapologetically and authentically myself as a woman.
Woman
I am a symbol of strength and resilience for all women.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Neneh Cherry, Cameron Mcvey, Jonathan Sharp
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@awaken77
This song is a masterpiece. Vocal delivery is fantastic!
@c.nelson2411
This song has never lost it's magic. 💕
@menafturan5805
Merry Christmas 🎄Nelson✨Honorable Lady Neneh Cherry, l Love this Song it´s Magic🎎♥👒👠👠💎🎶🎵🎶have a nice day
@user-eb9gs3yg9t
❤
@robertsales9833
Listening to a classical Vivaldi piece I was reminded of this masterpiece. Very happy to have remembered the title!
@pennybunny
Such an underrated artist.
Beautiful inside and out with an enchanting voice
@jimmy_jamesjams_a_lot4171
‘The kind of woman who was built to last… only just coming to life…’
Damn straight, that’s the truest truth I’ve ever heard. At least I hope it is, whether you know it or hide it, WE NEED NENEH!!
@MrMaster2262
You're right we do need Neneh
so that the younger generation could
realise what a good singer sounds like
@homyce
One of my all-time favorites. I really miss the 90s
@bettyboop5177
Me too 👍🏻😋