In 1999 Jazz legend Joe Sample collaborated with Lalah on the album The Song Lives On, which became a staple on both Jazz and Smooth R&B radio, as well as topping the Jazz charts. However, it would not be until 2004 that Lalah Hathaway would resurface with her own project. She had her biggest hit single in years with an inspired cover of the late Luther Vandross' Forever, For Always, For Love, topping the Urban AC Chart and reaching Top 40 on Billboards mainstream R&B chart, a feat repeated by Outrun the Sky, Hathaway's first solo album in a decade, which was released late in the year.
Strong Woman
Lalah Hathaway Lyrics
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Then she turn around and put up with you
Cookin, wash clothes
All the things she do only heaven knows
But you see and you know, but some how you still neglect it
Before it's too late, boy I think you better correct it
Because you never know what ya got till it's gone, till it's gone
You about to lose this strong woman,
Strong woman, strong woman, strong woman
Strong woman, strong woman, strong woman, strong woman
Your dedicated but your playing,
I suggest that you, you finna lose play to lose
Because you about to lose this strong woman,
Strong woman, strong woman, strong woman
Always on time she stay fly
Fellas almost crash every time they drive by
You see never know that she had a baby 5 months ago
But you see and you know, but some how you still neglect it
Before it's too late, boy I think you better correct it
Because you never know what ya got till it's gone, till it's gone
And you aint never gonna stop, till you alone all alone
You about to lose this strong woman,
Strong woman, strong woman, strong woman
Strong woman, strong woman, strong woman, strong woman
Your dedicated but your playing,
I suggest that you, you finna lose play to lose
Because you about to lose this strong woman,
Strong woman, strong woman, strong woman
Strong woman, strong woman, strong woman, strong woman
Strong woman, strong woman, strong woman, strong woman
Your dedicated but your playing,
I suggest that you, you finna lose play to lose
Because you about to lose this strong woman,
Strong woman, strong woman, strong woman
The song "Strong Woman" by Lalah Hathaway is a powerful anthem highlighting the strength and dedication of a woman. The first verse conveys the daily routine of a woman who takes care of the kids, does household chores like cooking and washing clothes, despite facing neglect from her partner. The lyrics talk about how men mostly don't appreciate their partner's contribution and take them for granted. The chorus warns the man that he is about to lose a strong woman if he continues neglecting her. The second verse highlights the woman's beauty, her fitness, and her ability to maintain herself even after childbirth. The song beautifully showcases how women possess both physical and emotional strength and how their efforts must be recognized by their partners.
The song also talks about how men need to change their ways and correct their mistakes before it's too late. It highlights the importance of acknowledging women who excel in their roles as mothers, partners, and caregivers. Overall, the song is a reminder of the strength, grace, and resilience of women who often go unnoticed and unappreciated while fulfilling their responsibilities.
Line by Line Meaning
She takes the kids to school
She handles her responsibilities as a mother and takes the kids to school.
Then she turn around and put up with you
Despite handling her responsibilities, she also deals with you and your issues.
Cookin, wash clothes
She manages the household chores like cooking and doing laundry.
All the things she do only heaven knows
She does so much for you and the family, and only the heavens above truly know the extent of her efforts.
But you see and you know, but some how you still neglect it
You see and know what she does for you, but you still don't fully appreciate it.
Before it's too late, boy I think you better correct it
It's high time for you to realize and make amends before it's too late.
Because you never know what ya got till it's gone, till it's gone
You might realize her worth only when she's gone and it's too late to fix things.
And you aint never gonna stop, till you alone all alone
If you keep neglecting her, you'll end up lonely and alone.
You about to lose this strong woman,
You're on the brink of losing this strong and capable woman.
Strong woman, strong woman, strong woman, strong woman
She is a strong woman who can handle many things and deserves appreciation.
Your dedicated but your playing,
You may be dedicated, but you're not sincere with your actions.
I suggest that you, you finna lose play to lose
If you keep playing games, you'll end up losing her.
Always on time she stay fly
She manages her time well and looks good while doing it.
Fellas almost crash every time they drive by
She looks so good that men almost crash their cars while checking her out.
You see never know that she had a baby 5 months ago
Despite having a newborn baby only five months ago, she still manages to handle everything.
Strong woman, strong woman, strong woman, strong woman
She is a strong woman who can handle many things and deserves appreciation.
Contributed by Micah R. Suggest a correction in the comments below.