Alice Cooper’s “Only Women Bleed” Lyrics Meaning

“Only Women Bleed” is a classic example of how, even in the days of old, cancel culture was such that participants would often leap before they look. Indeed going through these lyrics now, it is nearly impossible to understand how anyone in their right mind may have thought they were misogynistic. Unless maybe such individuals were judging its content by outward factors, such as perhaps Alice Cooper’s stage persona. 

You can view the lyrics, alternate interprations and sheet music for Alice Cooper's Only Women Bleed at Lyrics.org.

Or maybe some would say that this piece depicts women as being too weak. But it is difficult to understand how any critic would deem this track as being about menstruation or misogynistic, as we generally understand that latter term.

Instead what we have here is the vocalist clearly taking the side of women against the male power structure. In the first verse leading into the chorus, men are basically presented as being the unappreciative oppressors of women.

The latter ‘spends her life pleasing her man’ only to be compensated with a woefully carefree and semi-committed spouse.

And in the second verse, males are portrayed even worse. This time even physically abusing their partners “once in a while”. And on top of this they are dishonest and stressing poor womenfolk out to the point that it ‘makes their hair gray’. 

And a line contained in this passage can be considered to encapsulate the thesis sentiment of this song, that a woman getting married to the wrong dude can prove to be her “life’s mistake”.

The Title (“Only Women Bleed”)

Meanwhile the title can be taken both figuratively and literally. Literally, Alice speaks of “black eyes” and what have you that women suffer at the hand of an abusive lover. And figuratively, it is meant to allude to the idea that “only women” have to deal with spousal abuse.

Well a lot has changed since the days of old, Alice, as most readers could probably attest to the fact that in the 21st century domestic violence against men is actually a growing concern. And somewhat relatedly, the main fault with this song’s lyrics is that they basically generalize all men as spousal abusers, which simply isn’t true.

But it is also obvious that there is a lot of emotion behind the wording. And with that in mind, it is very much possible that Alice was inspired by a real-life incident(s) of domestic violence against a woman that he’s personally familiar with.

Indeed Cooper was in his late 20s at the time of this song’s dropping, and many men grow up under the impression that women are the sole victims of romantic mistreatment – that is until they get their own thorough experience out on the field.

Takeaway

And once again going back to the backlash against “Only Women Bleed”, it’s kinda comical thinking that in contrast if this song were released here and now, it would probably be men rather who lash out against its overgeneralizations. 

But again, we understand where Alice is coming from. Because at the end of the day no matter what it is women who most tend to be the victims of domestic violence, not men. And most logically speaking, the desired effect of this song is to make their abusers stop and think that it simply isn’t fair just to mistreat someone who has dedicated her life to you.

Lyrics to Alice Cooper's "Only Women Bleed"

Facts about “Only Women Bleed”

This track dates back to the “Welcome to My Nightmare” project. This project was Alice’s first solo album, which Atlantic Records released during April of 1975. The band has referred to it as a concept album.

And the song was written by Alice himself. He did so alongside Dick Wagner (1942-2014). The song’s producer Bob Ezrin, also contributed writing to it.

Wagner was formerly a member of a band known as The Frost, which was briefly extant from 1968 to 1970. According to Wagner, it was during that era that he first began developing what would become known as “Only Women Bleed”.

Micky Dolenz, a former member of The Monkees, was also indirectly involved in the composition of this track. This is because Ezrin recorded a demo of “Only Women Bleed” in Dolenz’s home studio.

This song reached number 1 on Canada Top Singles. It also performed admirably on the Billboard Hot 100, where it peaked at number 12. And overall it proved to be the best performing song on “Welcome to My Nightmare”. It is also one of the most-successful singles in Cooper’s catalog.

A few artists have covered this song since its release. Perhaps most notably in terms of notoriety (and irony) would be Ike and Tina Turner in 1980.

Some other noteworthy covers were done by the following artists:

  • Etta James
  • Elkie Brooks
  • Glenn Hughes
  • Guns N’ Roses
  • Lita Ford
  • Julie Covington
Only Women Bleed

3 Responses

  1. Anonymous says:

    I don’t think Alice was ever a member of The Frost.

  2. Mark says:

    I think that is one of his best songs

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