It's A Man World
Luciano Pavarotti & James Brown Lyrics
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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
The song "It's a Man's World" by Luciano Pavarotti and James Brown speaks to the fact that society has been mostly dominated by men. It's a man's world, where men have created and made significant advancements in technology, transportation, and infrastructure. They have created cars, trains, electric lights, and boats which have made life comfortable and convenient for everyone.
The song, however, acknowledges that despite these advancements, men wouldn't have been able to achieve half of what they have without the presence of women. Women have been and are still a significant influence in all aspects of life, from raising children to supporting their husbands with their careers. In their women's roles, they have made it possible for men to advance and strive for greatness. As the lyrics say, "But it wouldn't be nothing, nothing without a woman or girl."
The ending of the song is a bit poignant. It talks about how lost men have become in their accomplishments and ambitions. They've forgotten that their success depends on the support they receive from the women in their lives. The chorus is a reminder that without women, men's success would be nothing.
Line by Line Meaning
This is a man's world, this is a man's world
The world is perceived as being primarily owned and led by men.
But it wouldn't be nothing, nothing without a woman or a girl
Despite the existing power dynamic, women and girls play an essential role in the world's continuation and prosperity.
You see, man made the cars to take us over the road
Men have engineered vehicles like cars to improve transportation.
Man made the train to carry the heavy load
The creation of trains is attributed to men to aid in carrying heavy burdens.
Man made electric light to take us out of the dark
Men have made electrical lighting to eliminate the natural darkness and enhance visibility.
Man made the boat for the water, like Noah made the ark
The creation of watercraft like boats is credited to men, similar to the story of Noah's Ark from the bible.
Man thinks about our little bitty baby girls and our baby boys
Men are considerate of both baby girls and boys alike.
Man made them happy, 'cause man made them toys
The creation of toys is among the ways men have provided happiness to children.
And after man make everything, everything he can
Men create everything conceivable.
You know that man makes money, to buy from other man
Men work to buy the goods and services made by other men.
This is a man's, man's, man's world
The repeated line emphasizes that men hold the power.
But it wouldn't be nothing, nothing without a woman or a girl
The recurring line reminds us that women and girls are valuable contributors to the world despite the prevalence of men.
He's lost in the wilderness
This line suggests that despite their influence, men may lack direction or guidance.
He's lost in bitterness, he's lost lost
The repetition of lost implies that men can become purposeless, resentful and misguided.
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: James Brown, Betty Jean Newsome
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind