It was released on a 45s together with "A Legal Matter" in January 1967 (Scotty 803G-6710) and with "Whatcha Gonna Do About It" in 1967 (Warick 6712) and on the Vinyl LP "Distortions".
It was also released on a lot of compilations:
- Pebbles, Volume 1 (LP-1979; CD-1992)
- Songs We Taught the Fuzztones (1993)
- Nuggets: Original Artyfacts from the First Psychedelic Era, 1965-1968 — Box Set (1998)
- Garage Rock Classics (2004)
- Trash Box (5-CD box set)
Action Woman
The Litter Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I've had all I can take
Walkin' right on by me
That's your last mistake
I've gotta find myself some action
To satisfy my soul
A little satisfaction
You say you love me good
But why are you so cold?
You say you own the world,
But you don't own my soul.
A little competition, now
Maybe that'll wake you up,
Stir up some ambition, yeah
And really shake you up.
Yeah! Oh!
I'm gonna find me an action woman
To love me all the time,
A satisfaction woman
Before I lose my mind.
Yeah, I'm gonna find me an action woman
To love me all the time,
A satisfaction woman
Before I lose my mind.
I'm gonna find me an action woman
A satisfaction woman!
I'm gonna find me an action woman! (fade out)
The lyrics of "Action Woman" by The Litter express the frustration and dissatisfaction of a man who is tired of being ignored by the woman he loves. He describes her as "Miss High and Mighty" and reveals that he has reached his limit with her indifference. The singer seeks excitement and stimulation and hopes to find it in an "action woman" who will love and satisfy him before he loses control. He accuses his current partner of being cold and claims that she cannot possess his soul, which highlights the sense of entrapment he feels in the relationship.
The lyrics suggest that the singer is seeking a sense of autonomy and freedom, which he feels he cannot achieve with his current partner. He hopes that a little competition in the form of an action woman might "wake her up" and stir some ambition in her, but ultimately he decides to take matters into his own hands by seeking other options. The repetition of the phrase "I'm gonna find me an action woman" at the end of the song underscores his determination to find the excitement and satisfaction he needs.
Line by Line Meaning
Hey, Miss High and Mighty
Addressing a woman who thinks highly of herself
I've had all I can take
Fed up with the current situation
Walkin' right on by me
Ignoring and not acknowledging my presence
That's your last mistake
Displeased with the behavior and attitude of the woman
I've gotta find myself some action
Searching for new experiences
To satisfy my soul
To fulfill a personal longing or desire
A little satisfaction
Seeking a sense of contentment
Before I lose control
Before getting overwhelmed or consumed by emotions
You say you love me good
Claiming to love, but with doubts
But why are you so cold?
Questioning the sincerity and warmth of the love
You say you own the world,
Implying arrogance and overconfidence
But you don't own my soul.
Refusing to be controlled or manipulated
A little competition, now
Introducing a challenge to the woman
Maybe that'll wake you up,
The challenge may bring a reality check
Stir up some ambition, yeah
Encouraging the woman to strive for more
And really shake you up.
Pushing the woman out of her comfort zone
Yeah! Oh!
Expressing excitement and anticipation for what's to come
I'm gonna find me an action woman
Looking for a woman who is adventurous and exciting
To love me all the time,
Wanting a partner who will always be there
A satisfaction woman
Searching for contentment and fulfillment
Before I lose my mind.
Feeling like going crazy, needing something to ground oneself
I'm gonna find me an action woman
Reemphasizing the desire for adventure and excitement
A satisfaction woman
Reemphasizing the search for contentment and fulfillment
I'm gonna find me an action woman! (fade out)
Fading out with the repetition of the desire for an exciting and fulfilling partner
Contributed by Camilla C. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@MrRobotNinjaSpy
Since I sang the vocal on the Litter's, 'Action Woman', recorded 1966, I can't claim to be objective about anything. It does amaze me that people still listen to it, and say nice things, even. The Litter's doing a reunion concert Sat., March 3rd, 2012, at Famous Dave's nightclub in Minneapolis, in case you can make it. Zip Caplan will be using his vintage gear on lead guitar. Should be a blast. Love and Peace Denny Waite, Litter original lead singer
@DuaLeaD
Yeah!! The man himself \m/ \m/ I love your vocals on this track. Still amazing more than half a lifetime later....I discovered The Litter from hearing this song on the famous 1972 "Nuggets: Artyfacts From The Original Psychedelic Era" compilation. And guess what? Your track is my favorite on the disc! What an absolute gem from the 60s. What attitude and tone that lead guitar had!!
Do you know the actual guitar that was used on the recording and what it was played thru? I just have to know being a dedicated guitarist myself. I'm only 31 but love, love classic rock 'n roll. I was thinking of covering it on my Rickenbacker 620 =)
@captaineasychord1
Denny, this is one of the most breathtaking performances of not only ‘60s garage rock but of rock in general! Hope you’re still playing in some capacity. I’m from Boston and play keys and bass myself, performing solo and in a group that does lots of ‘60s and ‘70s covers. Action Woman is a song that is held in high esteem. And someday I’ll have the nerve to cover it.
@64098
I have a compilation LP with this on it, unfortunately the 45 they copied had a skip in it. Great to hear it without the skip!
@sunsetvlogs5500
This is my favourite record in my collection and I’ve only had it a month
@evanabbott2737
How do you like Glenn Danzig’s version?😃
@pelotaritorino
Being a sixties fuzz fan, I love this song like many others from that era. The Aussie Lime Spiders did a good version of it in 1986 in their LP "The cave comes alive".
@MyMotherTheCar
This song was the only thing that kept me sane during the last couple years of my marriage.
@bellaandgypsy
Love this tune & Minnesota`s Own!!!....."The Litter"!!!
@jejune14
One of the best songs ever! If more people heard this, the world would be a better place. lol