The song's lyrics attribute all of the productive work that goes on in the world to the male gender, but allows that it would all amount to "nothing without a woman or a girl." Brown's female co-writer Newsome wrote the lyrics based on her own observations of the relations between the sexes.
In 2004, "It's a Man's Man's Man's World" was ranked number 123 on Rolling Stone magazine's list of the 500 greatest songs of all time. The song has been recorded by many artists in various idioms over the years. It was the first hit single for Australian singer Renée Geyer, who recorded it for her 1974 album It's a Man's Man's World. The Residents covered the song in 1984 to promote their album George and James, despite it not appearing on that album. Van Morrison released a live version on his double album A Night In San Francisco in 1994. Cher recorded it on her 1995 album It's a Man's World. It is also a popular song for live performances, having been performed in concert by such artists as Govt. Mule and The Grateful Dead. Christina Aguilera performed a critically acclaimed rendition of the song as a posthumous tribute to James Brown at the 2007 Grammy Awards. Her performance has been voted as the 3rd Most Memorable Grammy Performance of all time. Celine Dion performed the song as a part of her 2008-2009 Taking Chances Tour. Seal recorded the song for his 2008 album Soul and released it as the second single from the album. Natacha Atlas recorded it on her 2003 album Something Dangerous under the simplified title "Man's World". Sekouba Bambino, a Guinean singer well known in West Africa, released a cover version on his 2002 album Sinikan.
The trumpet introduction was sampled by the Wu-Tang Clan for their 2001 song "Gravel Pit". 2Pac used a sample on the song "Tradin War Stories" from his 1996 album All Eyez on Me. The song is also sampled on Alicia Keys' song "Fallin'".
It's a Man's Man's Man's World
James Brown Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
But it wouldn't be nothing, nothing without a woman or a girl
You see, man made the cars to take us over the road
Man made the train to carry the heavy load
Man made electric light to take us out of the dark
Man made the boat for the water, like Noah made the ark
But it wouldn't be nothing, nothing without a woman or a girl
Man thinks about our little bitty baby girls and our baby boys
Man made them happy, 'cause man made them toys
And after man make everything, everything he can
You know that man makes money, to buy from other man
This is a man's world
But it wouldn't be nothing, nothing, not one little thing, without a woman or a girl
He's lost in the wilderness
He's lost in bitterness, he's lost lost
James Brown's song "It's a Man's Man's Man's World" is a commentary on the state of society, which is largely dominated by men. The song highlights the achievements of men, who are responsible for making cars, trains, electric lights, and boats. These inventions have changed the world dramatically, but James Brown acknowledges that without women, none of these things matter. He recognizes women as equally important to men and reminds listeners that they play an equally crucial role in society.
The song also discusses gender roles and expectations for men. Men are expected to provide for their children and make them happy by creating toys and other products. However, despite all the advancements men have made, they still struggle to find meaning and happiness. James Brown suggests that this is because they are lost in bitterness and the wild. The song is a call to society to recognize the value of women and to understand that they are essential to creating a world that is truly worthwhile.
Line by Line Meaning
This is a man's world, this is a man's world
This world is dominated by men, who hold power and control over everything.
But it wouldn't be nothing, nothing without a woman or a girl
Despite men holding most of the power, women are still essential to the functioning of the world, and without them, it would all fall apart.
You see, man made the cars to take us over the road
Men have built machines to transport us quickly and efficiently.
Man made the train to carry the heavy load
Men have created transportation to carry heavy objects over long distances.
Man made electric light to take us out of the dark
Men have invented technology to provide light and eliminate darkness.
Man made the boat for the water, like Noah made the ark
Men have crafted vessels to navigate water, like Noah did in the Biblical story of the great flood.
Man thinks about our little bitty baby girls and our baby boys
Men care for and think about their children, regardless of gender.
Man made them happy, 'cause man made them toys
Men create toys to entertain and bring happiness to children.
And after man make everything, everything he can
Once men have created everything they can, they still find ways to improve and innovate.
You know that man makes money, to buy from other man
Men generate profits to participate in commerce with other men.
This is a man's, man's, man's world
The dominance of men in the world is so great that it is worth repeating.
But it wouldn't be nothing, nothing without a woman or a girl
This world could not exist without the contributions and efforts of women and girls.
He's lost in the wilderness
Despite his perceived superiority, men can still feel lost or bewildered by the world around them.
He's lost in bitterness, he's lost lost
Men can also become bitter and resentful when they perceive that their power and influence is being threatened.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: James Brown, Betty Jean Newsome
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@IleneCamila
This is a man's world, this is a man's world
But it wouldn't be nothing, nothing without a woman or a girl
You see, man made the cars to take us over the road
Man made the train to carry the heavy load
Man made electric light to take us out of the dark
Man made the boat for the water, like Noah made the ark
This is a man's, man's, man's world
But it wouldn't be nothing, nothing without a woman or a girl
Man thinks about our little bitty baby girls and our baby boys
Man made them happy, 'cause man made them toys
And after man make everything, everything he can
You know that man makes money, to buy from other man
This is a man's world
But it wouldn't be nothing, nothing, not one little thing, without a woman or a girl
He's lost in the wilderness
He's lost in bitterness, he's lost lost
@chisomokayuni8078
This song was produced in 1966 and still lives on in 2023. Greatness
@daniellebonin1321
Cultissime
@khuongvan2169
Omg really?
@chisomokayuni8078
@@khuongvan2169 yes way way back
@alberto7694
É immortale.
@toastyae
Nice
@angellabarbaran6299
My grandma told me that man and woman are like the wings of a bird. Both different sides but the bird still needs its wings to fly high
@Sanda_Gaming
A wise Granny
@jonsnow3300
Well bird can still walk without wings
@wardodoo
@@jonsnow3300he rather fly thou😂