White began performing when she was a child, singing in a gospel group with her parents and brother. The group, called the White Family Singers, sang at local church and community gathering. After a while, the children began working pop music into the act, most notably Elvis Presley. As a teenager, Lari sang show tunes at talent contests and sang with a local rock & roll band. She earned a scholarship to the University of Miami, where she studied vocals and music engineering. After a while, she began writing her own songs, singing in local clubs at night and taking professional singing jobs. Upon graduating from college, she travelled around the United States, looking at various local music scenes. In 1988, she decided to move to Nashville and try to become a professional.
Later in 1988, she appeared on the Nashville Network's You Can Be a Star and won the first prize. The award led to a record contract with Capitol. Before the end of the year, she had released a single on Capitol, "Flying Above the Rain," which became a regional hit in the South but failed to break into the big time. Later that same year, she joined Ronnie Milsap's publishing house and began taking acting lessons. For the next few years, White continued in this vein, choosing to hone her talent, sing in local dinner theaters and wait for another break. That break arrived in 1991, after an ASCAP showcase revived interest in her talents. Following the showcase, Rodney Crowell asked her to sing backup vocals in his live band. In 1992, White signed a record contract with RCA and Crowell produced her debut album, Lead Me Not, which was released the following year.
Lead Me Not received strong reviews and produced three minor hit singles: "What a Woman Wants," "Lead Me Not," and "Lay Around and Love You." Wishes, White's second album, became her breakthrough release, producing the Top Ten singles "That's My Baby," "Now I Know," and "That's How You Know (When You're in Love)." Don't Fence Me In, White's third album, wasn't quite as successful as its predecessor, but it continued her success. Stepping Stone followed in 1998. In 2004, after a lenghty hiatus that found the artist building her own home studio, White released the self-produced Green Eyed Soul on the UK based Mesmerizing Records.
What A Woman Wants
Lari White Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
A precious little secret that I think you need to hear
With the way the women's movement's always making the news
I can see how a man might get confused
Now a woman doesn't mind a man holding the door
But slaving in some kitchen ain't what God made a woman for
We've come a long way baby, but way down deep we're still the same
What a woman wants will never change
What a woman wants is to be treated like a queen
By a man who deserves to be treated like a king
What a woman wants, what keeps her holding on
Is a loving man who understands what a woman wants
Now that ain't so complicated, baby, you know what to do
Just do onto me like you want to be done to
Put me on a pedestral and I'll put you on a throne
I bet you're gonna love what a woman wants
What a woman wants is to be treated like a queen
By a man who deserves to be treated like a king
What a woman wants, what keeps her holding on
Is a loving man who understands what a woman wants
What a woman wants is to be treated like a queen
By a man who deserves to be treated like a king
What a woman wants, what keeps her holding on
Is a loving man who understands what a woman wants
The song "What A Woman Wants" by Lari White is a playful yet thought-provoking song that deals with the topic of gender roles and expectations. In the first verse, Lari acknowledges the women's movement that has been making headlines and how it might have caused some confusion in men about how to treat women these days. She asserts that while women appreciate gestures like having doors held open for them, they are not content with being confined to traditional domestic roles. Lari goes on to claim that although women have come a long way, at the core of their needs and wants, they remain unchanged.
The chorus of the song repeats the central message several times, stating that women want to be treated like queens deserving of respect and adoration. They need a partner who not only understands their needs but can reciprocate with love and care. The idea of treating women like a queen and putting men on a pedestal is a refreshing change from the usual dominant/submissive roles assigned to men and women in popular culture.
"What A Woman Wants" presents an empowering message for women while also encouraging men to step up and be better partners. By acknowledging the changing gender dynamics and the core human needs that remain constant, Lari White has created an anthem that celebrates love, respect, and equality.
Line by Line Meaning
Come here darlin', let me whisper in your ear
I have something important to tell you that only you need to hear
A precious little secret that I think you need to hear
This secret is valuable and important for you to know
With the way the women's movement's always making the news
The feminist movement is currently in the spotlight
I can see how a man might get confused
Men may have a hard time understanding what women want
Now a woman doesn't mind a man holding the door
Chivalry is appreciated by women
But slaving in some kitchen ain't what God made a woman for
Women are not meant to be confined to traditional gender roles in the kitchen
We've come a long way baby, but way down deep we're still the same
We've progressed in society, but fundamentally, our wants and needs remain constant
What a woman wants will never change
The desires of women will stay consistent over time
What a woman wants is to be treated like a queen
Women want to be cherished and respected
By a man who deserves to be treated like a king
A man who treats his partner well will receive love and respect in return
What a woman wants, what keeps her holding on
Love and understanding from her partner are essential in keeping the relationship strong
Is a loving man who understands what a woman wants
A man who cares for and comprehends his partner's desires is what women seek
Now that ain't so complicated, baby, you know what to do
Meeting a woman's needs isn't hard if you try
Just do onto me like you want to be done to
Treat me the way you would like to be treated
Put me on a pedestral and I'll put you on a throne
If you treat me like a queen, I'll treat you like a king in return
I bet you're gonna love what a woman wants
If you fulfill a woman's desires, you'll be rewarded with love and happiness
Lyrics © TASTE AUCTION MUSIC
Written by: CHUCK CANNON, LARI M. WHITE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@DennetteLivingston
My husband always said that Lari was the most beautiful woman ever , and he was right, God bless,Chuck🙏🦋
@MichaelJohnson-xw4pf
So sad she's gone. When I saw her in "Castaway," I became curious about her. What a great voice, and a wonderful spirit! RIP 🙏
@radiodf
Same :)
@JohnDoe-jc3cl
I thought about “ that woman “ at the crossroads and her pickup truck today, too.
I’m at a crossroads roads, too. And I’d like to meet somebody just like her.
I didn’t know until now that she had passed
@tonygallo1104
@@radiodfsame here too
@martynewell1181
We lost [ country music ] talented lady when we lost Lari White at a young age with cancer RIP LARI WHITE
@lydianewton2056
R.I.P.LARI WHITE
@barry8844
LARI - LOVE YOU SO MUCH!!! Thank you for your visibility!!!
@Cactus1967TV
R.I.P. Senora Mrs. Lari...
@notyouraccount566
A very nice lady we lost too soon. Met her when she first started and got her autograph