I’ve Got a Woman by Ray Charles Lyrics Meaning – Unraveling a Soulful Declaration of Devotion
Lyrics
I got a woman, way over town
That’s good to me, oh yeah
Say, I got a woman, way over town
Good to me, oh yeah
She give me money when I’m in need
Yeah, she’s a kind of friend indeed
I got a woman, way over town
That’s good to me, oh yeah
She saves her lovin’, early in the morning
Just for me, oh yeah
She saves her lovin’, early in the morning
Just for me, oh yeah
She saves her lovin’, just for me
Ah, she love me so tenderly
I got a woman, way over town
That’s good to me, oh yeah
She’s there to love me
Both day and night
Never grumbles or fusses
Always treats me right
Never runnin’ in the streets
And leavin’ me alone
She knows a woman’s place
Is right there now in her home
I got a woman, way over town
That’s good to me, oh yeah
Say, I got a woman, way over town
That’s good to me, oh yeah
Oh, she’s my baby
Oh, don’t you understand?
Yeah, and I’m her lover man
I got a woman, way over town
That’s good to me, oh yeah
Oh, don’t you know she’s alright
Oh, don’t you know she’s alright
She’s alright, she’s alright
Whoa yeah, oh yeah
Ray Charles’ ‘I’ve Got a Woman’ is more than a mere rhythm and blues tune; it’s an immortal sonic portrait etching the devotion and gratitude one can feel for a partner’s unwavering support. With a pulsating fervor that heralded the coming revolution of soul music, this song pierces through the mundane to celebrate an extraordinary bond.
Diving deep into the heart of the song, one uncovers layers of emotional fervency and the complex interplay between love, support, and the gender norms of its era. Let’s explore the rich tapestry woven by Ray Charles’ evocative lyrics and brazen delivery.
A Soulful Testament to Love’s Generosity
‘I’ve Got a Woman’ lyrically constructs the epitome of an ideal partner, who provides not just emotional but financial support. Ray Charles vocalizes this support system with a sense of pride, touching upon the rhythm of the blues’ roots that extolled the virtues of fidelity and generosity in love.
The song’s homage to a steadfast lover who sustains her man ‘when I’m in need’ and ‘saves her lovin” just for him is a resounding testament to love’s power to uplift and support. Charles’ delivery is as much an ode to his woman as it is to the very act of being loved and looked after.
Echoes of Gender Norms in a Bygone Era
Ray Charles encapsulates within his lyrics the societal expectations of the ’50s, enshrining the ‘woman’s place’ within the home and as the unwavering support system of the man. These ideals reflect the period’s normative gender roles, even as they might jar with contemporary ears.
Nonetheless, ‘I Got a Woman’ extends beyond these archaic views, concentrating on the protagonist’s deep-seated appreciation and his recognition that his woman is going above and beyond the expectations of the time, particularly with the notion of providing financial support.
Unearthing the Hidden Meaning: A Symbol of Salvation
Beyond its veneer of simple love song tropes, ‘I’ve Got a Woman’ offers a more profound symbolism as a beacon of salvation. The ‘woman’ in the song represents a lifeline, a source of moral and material rescue from the perilous ledge on which many musicians found themselves in that era due to the tempting trappings of fame.
Charles sings not just of a love that is simply ‘good to me,’ but of a redemptive force that claims him from the brink. His partner is depicted as both refuge and redeemer, an anchor in the tumultuous sea of life.
The Universal Relatability of Memorable Lines
‘She give me money when I’m in need, Yeah, she’s a kind of friend indeed,’ resonates far beyond the relationships of the 1950s. This sentiment conveys the universal desire for a partner who stands by you, illustrating the timelessness of Ray Charles’ words.
Moreover, the repetition of the phrase ‘oh yeah’ serves as an affirmation, a soulful nod that punctuates the lyrics with an invigorated sense of gratitude and satisfaction – a catchy reinforcement that has echoed through generations.
A Resounding Influence on Music and Culture
Charles’ ‘I’ve Got a Woman’ transcends its era, influencing countless artists and shaping the trajectory of soul and popular music. The song’s fusion of gospel with rhythm and blues set the stage for the emergence of soul and its thematic exploration of secular and sacred love.
The track’s legacy endures, instilling in its listeners a profound appreciation for the tenderness and dedication of a beloved partner – and cementing itself as a cultural touchstone in defining the power dynamics of love, support, and gratitude.
