He started to write song at around age of 14. At the age of 15 he had to chose between table tennis and music and he chose music. He lists Michael Jackson as one his biggest influences and funk and soul as the genres he got accustomed to listen when growing up. As modern day artists he likes Paolo Nutini and Maverick Sabre.
He released two EPs in 2015 and in 2017 his debut album Only When We're Naked. Album debuted at number 100 on the UK Albums Chart.
To date he has released 12 singles and 6 songs being a featured artist.
He is currently signed to Atlantic Records.
His songwriting credits include songs for artist like Paloma Faith and Sigala.
Less Of A Man
Zak Abel Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
And if I can′t build a house with my hands
If I go see a therapist, don't play football and I don′t drink
Does it make me less of a man?
What if I ain't scared to show my emotions
And I need a little help from my friends
If I hate being on my own, and I ugly cry to Bridget Jones
Does it make me less of a man?
If I need you, does it make me less of a man?
If I reach out when my head is underwater
And I need a helping hand
Does it make me less of a man?
Uh, less of a man (less of a man)
If my girlfriend makes more money than I do
And I love my mama 'cause she′s the best
If I′ve never had a cigarette or a single hair upon my chest
Does it make me less of a man? Tell me
Does it make me less of a man?
If I need you, does it make me less of a man?
If I reach out when my head is underwater
And I need a helping hand
Does it make me less of a man?
Uh, less of a man (less of a man)
Yeah
There's too many man down, to be told how they gotta man on up
There′s too many man down, to be told how they're not man enough
I am what I am and there ain′t nothing I can't rise above
I′m gonna rise above
No, it don't make me less of a man (uh, uh, uh)
If I need you, it don't make me less of a man (uh, uh, uh, uh, uh, uh)
If I reach out when my head is underwater
And I need a helping hand
It don′t make me less of a man
Don′t make me, uh (less of a man)
Oh, make it, make me (less of a man)
Uh, uh, uh, uh (less of a man)
(Less of a man)
The song "Less Of A Man" is an anthem for people who feel they do not fit within the strict societal expectations of what it means to be a man. Zak Abel poses a series of questions that challenge these expectations, such as whether singing love songs or seeking therapy makes someone less of a man. He also touches on emotional vulnerability and the importance of seeking help when needed, regardless of how it may be perceived by others.
Abel's lyrics highlight the toxicity of traditional masculine stereotypes and encourage individuals to reject them in order to live authentically. The chorus emphasizes this message by declaring that needing help or showing emotion does not make someone less of a man. The lines "There's too many man down, to be told how they gotta man on up" and "I am what I am and there ain′t nothing I can't rise above" further reinforce the idea that societal standards should not hold individuals back.
Line by Line Meaning
If I spend all day singing love songs, baby
Just because I sing love songs all day does not mean I am any less of a man.
And if I can′t build a house with my hands
Not being able to build a house manually does not deem me less of a man.
If I go see a therapist, don't play football and I don′t drink
Going to therapy, not playing football, and not drinking do not make me any less of a man.
What if I ain't scared to show my emotions
I am not scared of showing my emotions; it does not make me any less of a man.
And I need a little help from my friends
Asking my friends for help when necessary does not make me less of a man.
If I hate being on my own, and I ugly cry to Bridget Jones
Disliking being alone and crying during a movie does not make me any less of a man.
Does it make me less of a man? Tell me
These actions should not determine my manliness, but society constantly questions it.
If I need you, does it make me less of a man?
Asking for your support and needing you does not make me any less of a man.
If I reach out when my head is underwater
Needing help when I am overwhelmed does not make me less of a man.
And I need a helping hand
It is okay to need a helping hand; it does not make me less of a man.
If my girlfriend makes more money than I do
My girlfriend making more money than I do does not make me less of a man.
And I love my mama 'cause she′s the best
Loving my mother does not make me any less of a man.
If I′ve never had a cigarette or a single hair upon my chest
Not having smokeed or having chest hair does not make me less of a man.
There's too many man down, to be told how they gotta man on up
There are too many men who have to step up and meet societal standards for manliness.
There′s too many man down, to be told how they're not man enough
Many are being told they aren't a 'real man.'
I am what I am and there ain′t nothing I can't rise above
I am who I am and nothing will stop me from surpassing the stereotype.
It don′t make me less of a man
None of these actions make me any less of a man.
Don′t make me, uh (less of a man)
I am strong and no one can take that away from me.
Writer(s): Zak David Zilesnick, Lawrie Gordon Prime-martin, Hampus Petter Lindvall, Sandro Cavasso
Contributed by Benjamin T. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Ronan David
Si je passe toute la journée à chanter des chansons d'amour, bébé
Et si je ne peux pas construire une maison avec mes mains
Si je vais voir un thérapeute, que je ne joue pas au football et que je ne bois pas...
Est-ce que ça fait de moi moins qu'un homme ?
Et si je n'ai pas peur de montrer mes émotions
Et que j'ai besoin d'un peu d'aide de mes amis
Si je déteste être seul, et que je pleure laidement sur Bridget Jones
Est-ce que ça fait de moi moins qu'un homme ? Dis-moi
Est-ce que ça fait de moi moins d'un homme ?
Si j'ai besoin de toi, est-ce que ça fait de moi moins qu'un homme ?
Si je tends la main quand ma tête est sous l'eau
Et que j'ai besoin d'une main secourable
Est-ce que ça fait de moi moins d'un homme ?
Euh, moins d'un homme (moins d'un homme)
Si ma copine gagne plus d'argent que moi
Et que j'aime ma mère parce qu'elle est la meilleure.
Si je n'ai jamais eu une cigarette ou un seul poil sur la poitrine
Est-ce que ça fait de moi moins qu'un homme ? Dis-moi
Est-ce que ça fait de moi moins d'un homme ?
Si j'ai besoin de toi, est-ce que ça fait de moi moins qu'un homme ?
Si je tends la main quand ma tête est sous l'eau
Et que j'ai besoin d'une main secourable
Est-ce que ça fait de moi moins d'un homme ?
Uh, moins d'un homme (moins d'un homme)
Ouais
Il y a trop d'hommes à terre pour qu'on leur dise comment s'élever.
Il y a trop d'hommes à terre pour qu'on leur dise qu'ils ne sont pas assez virils.
Je suis ce que je suis, et il n'y a rien que je ne puisse surmonter.
Je vais m'élever au-dessus
Non, ça ne fait pas de moi un moins bon homme (uh, uh, uh)
Si j'ai besoin de toi, ça ne me rend pas moins un homme (uh, uh, uh, uh, uh, uh)
Si je te tends la main quand j'ai la tête sous l'eau
Et que j'ai besoin d'une main secourable
Ça ne me rend pas moins un homme
Ne fais pas de moi, euh (moins d'un homme)
Oh, fais-le, fais-moi (moins d'un homme)
Uh, uh, uh, uh (moins d'un homme)
(Moins d'un homme)
Melisa Jabagjorian
PLEASE MAKE THIS GO VIRAL!
The meaning behind this is amazing, I love that you are breaking the stereotype of what it means to be a man, the song is great to listen to such a BOP, his voice is 🔥 and the music video looks so fun! We love you Zak so much with all our heart!
Zak Abel
Thank you Melisa ❤️
Simón Gámez
Can't stop smiling! I don't know if I should cry tho lol. I love this song, the video turned out amazing, couldn't be better. Love the message, these lyrics are powerful, thanks for putting them out there!
Zak Abel
Thank you Simón 🙏🏼
Aleksandra A.
such a great message ❤️ this song needs to blow up!
Anaïs Puau
Great song with a great message behind it! I’ve listening hundreds of times since it’s been out. Looking forward to see this song performed live!
Zak Abel
❤️❤️❤️
Josie Allen
You honestly outdo yourself every single time. The song and video are absolute masterpieces, and I’m so proud of you!! ❤️
Alexandria Tiffany
This man DOES NOT make a bad song! Authentic Views
Cesar Fredd
Cool song for some good mental health specially nowadays! Great lyrics, funny editorial video and catchy rhythm 🔥 When you make some good art with a positive message, you feel that a better present is not so impossible. Great job! THANKS YOU!!! 👏👏👏