Career
She released an eponymous album, Phoebe Snow, in 1974, that featured the top five hit "Poetry Man." She has continued to release albums sporadically for the next three decades, including Second Childhood (1975), It Looks Like Snow (1976), Never Letting Go (1977), and Against The Grain (1978), all on the Columbia Records label. One of President Bill Clinton's favorite vocalists, she performed for the President, Mrs. Clinton and his cabinet at Camp David in 1999.
Phoebe has performed with a Who's Who of prolific artists including Jewel, Donald Fagen, Paul Simon, Billy Joel, Queen, Jackson Browne, Dave Mason, Linda Ronstadt, Bonnie Raitt, Michael McDonald, Boz Scaggs, Cyndi Lauper, Roger Daltry, Chaka Khan, CeCe Peniston, Take 6, Michael Bolton, Thelma Houston, Mavis Staples, Laurie Anderson, and The Sisters of Glory (with whom she performed at the second Woodstock festival), among many, many others. She also sings the title track on the 1997 Laura Nyro tribute album, Time and Love, and recently Phoebe joined the pop group, Zap Mama, who recorded their own version of "Poetry Man," in an impromptu duet on the PBS series, "Sessions At West 54th."
Born Phoebe Ann Laub in New York City, she was raised in a household where Delta blues, Broadway show tunes, Dixieland jazz, classical music and folk music recordings were played around the clock. As a teenager, she carried her prized Martin 00018 ac guitar from club to club around Greenwich Village, playing and singing on amateur nights.
It was at the Bitter End Club in 1972 that a promotions executive for Shelter Records was so taken by the singer that he signed her to the label and produced her first recording. Featuring guest performances by The Persuasions, Zoot Sims, Toddy Wilson, David Bromberg and Dave Mason, Snow album became one of the most acclaimed debut recordings of all time. It spawned the Top 5 hit single, "Poetry Man," winning Snow a Grammy Award nomination for Best New Artist and established her as a formidable singer/songwriter. Platinum records, the cover of Rolling Stone magazine, and legions of fans followed.
Snow went on to record a slew of solo albums over the next 15 years including Second Childhood (1975), It Looks Like Snow (1976), Never Letting Go (1978), Against The Grain (1979), Rock Away (1980) and Something Real (1989).
In 1992 she toured with Donald Fagen's popular New York Rock And Soul Revue and was featured on the group's album recorded live at the Beacon Theater in New York City. Even when she wasn't recording her own works, Phoebe continued to tour extensively as a solo artist throughout North America, Great Britain, Germany, and the Far East.
Decorating an already vibrant career, in May of 1998, Snow received the Cultural Achievement Award by New York City Mayor Rudolph Guliani. She is also the recipient of a Don Kirschner Rock Award, several Playboy Music Poll Awards, New York Music Awards and the Clio Award.
Snow resided in Bergen County, New Jersey, and in her later years she embraced Buddhism.[9]
Phoebe Snow suffered a cerebral hemorrhage[9] on January 19, 2010, and slipped into a coma, enduring bouts of blood clots, pneumonia and congestive heart failure. She died on April 26, 2011, at age 60 in Edison, New Jersey.[20]
Love Makes A Woman
Phoebe Snow Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
But I know, I should have been learning
And my pockets were full of money
I had someone, yes I did, to call my honey
And it's love that makes a woman
And it's love that makes a woman
My money is in the past
I had to swallow all my pride
And admit to myself deep down inside
Diamonds and pearls, I, I've had enough
But I feel so much better dressed in love
And it's love that makes a woman
And it's love that makes a woman
What she is, yeah, what she is, hey, yeah
And it's love that makes a woman
And it's love that makes a woman
What she is, yeah, what she is, hey, yeah
It's love, it's love, it's love
That makes a woman
The lyrics to Phoebe Snow's song "Love Makes A Woman" tell a story of a woman who realizes that her priorities were not aligned with her heart. She had material possessions and a man to call her own, but something inside her knew that it wouldn't last. She realized that true happiness and fulfillment come from not material possessions but from love. She had to let go of her pride and admit to herself that love was what she truly needed in her life. The song emphasizes the idea that a woman is defined by the love she gives and receives, rather than the possessions she has.
The lyrics also touch upon the idea that money can't buy happiness. The woman in the song had money and possessions, but she was still unsatisfied. The line "Diamonds and pearls, I, I've had enough" suggests that material possessions may seem alluring but they cannot replace the joy that love brings. In the end, she realizes that it is love that makes her who she is and gives her true happiness.
Overall, the song is a reminder that love is what truly matters in life. It is a common theme in many songs, but Phoebe Snow's "Love Makes A Woman" delivers this message in a way that is both relatable and powerful.
Line by Line Meaning
When the fire, it was burning
Despite the passion and excitement, I failed to recognize what was truly important.
But I know, I should have been learning
I realized that I was blinded by material possessions and missed out on the opportunity to grow and learn.
And my pockets were full of money
During this time, I was financially successful and had a good amount of wealth.
I had someone, yes I did, to call my honey
I was in a romantic relationship and had someone special to call my own.
And it's love that makes a woman
Love is the defining factor that shapes a woman's life.
Something told me that this wouldn't last
My intuition warned me that my current situation was not sustainable.
My money is in the past
My focus on material wealth is a thing of the past.
I had to swallow all my pride
I needed to set aside my ego and admit to myself the truth of my situation.
And admit to myself deep down inside
I needed to be honest with myself and acknowledge my true feelings and desires.
Diamonds and pearls, I, I've had enough
I realized that material possessions do not bring true happiness or fulfillment.
But I feel so much better dressed in love
Love brings a sense of joy and contentment that cannot be found in material things.
What she is, yeah, what she is, hey, yeah
Love is integral to a woman's identity and defines who she is.
It's love, it's love, it's love
Love is the most important and powerful force in our lives.
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: William Nelson Sanders, Eugene Record, Gerald Marvin Sims, Carl Davis
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind