When a Man Loves a Woman
Jimmy Barnes Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

When a man loves a woman
Can't keep his mind on nothin' else
He'd trade the world
For a good thing he's found
If she is bad, he can't see it
She can do no wrong
Turn his back on his best friend If he puts her down
When a man loves a woman
Spend his very last dime
Trying to hold on to what he needs
He'd give up all his comforts
And sleep out in the rain
If she said that's the way
It ought to be





When a man loves a woman

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Jimmy Barnes's song When a Man Loves a Woman are about the lengths a man would go to show his love for the woman he loves. The song starts off by describing how a man who is in love with a woman can't focus on anything else. He values the relationship so much that he would give up anything he has for a good thing that he has found - his love.


The lyrics then go on to say that when a man is in love with a woman, he is blinded to her faults. He sees her as perfect, and nothing she does can be wrong in his eyes. He is willing to turn his back on his best friend if they speak negatively about his woman. The chorus repeats the sentiment that when a man loves a woman, he would go to great lengths to show his affection. He would spend his very last dime trying to keep her happy and would even give up things that bring him comfort.


This song is about selfless love, which is the theme of many love songs. It talks about how love can be all-consuming and make people do things they would never do. It showcases the intensity of love and the sacrifices that people are willing to make for their partners.


Line by Line Meaning

When a man loves a woman
When a man is deeply in love with a woman


Can't keep his mind on nothin' else
He can't focus on anything else other than his beloved


He'd trade the world
He is willing to give up anything for his love


For a good thing he's found
For the wonderful thing he has found in her


If she is bad, he can't see it
Even if she has faults, he is blinded by love and doesn't see them


She can do no wrong
He believes she is perfect and can't make mistakes


Turn his back on his best friend
He is ready to break his friendship if his friend criticizes his beloved


Spend his very last dime
He would spend all his money to show his love


Trying to hold on to what he needs
He tries his best to hold onto the love he needs so much


He'd give up all his comforts
He would sacrifice all his luxuries for his beloved


And sleep out in the rain
He would endure any hardship for her, even sleeping outside in the rain


If she said that's the way
If she asked for something, he would do it without question


It ought to be
Because he thinks that's the way things should be in a loving relationship




Contributed by Joshua D. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
To comment on or correct specific content, highlight it

Genre not found
Artist not found
Album not found
Song not found
Comments from YouTube:

1francosvizzero

One of the finest raw, sincere voice in rock history. Goosebumps!

Shanks Pony

"the....

Phillip Marlan

A brilliant version! ✅🎹🎼

Aus Music Charts 1988

It's been a pleasure playing your music to my live crowds over the years mate. Khe Sahn was always the biggest request, followed by Working Class Man. So many to choose from to, was easy to work with regular crowds and give them something different from your work. Wishing you health and happiness.

Texas Love

Great Performance! Jimmy can do it all!

Renee Carrington

Best version
Hands down
Point blank Period
💔🖤❤️‍🔥

xx shazz xx

Love this version of it <3

Emma Charles

This song is for a true HERO an Australian legend James Douglas Packer.Thankyou for all you do.Yours fondly Emma Charles .

1 1

Killer cover

Jeff Sartain

Superb version.

More Comments

More Versions