What a man by Salt-N-Pepa Lyrics Meaning – Empowerment Anthem or A Tribute to Exceptional Men?
Lyrics
(repeat 4 times)
I want to take a minute or two, and give much respect to –
To the man’s that’s made a difference in my world.
And although most men are hoes, he goes on the down-low
’cause i never heard about him with another girl.
But i don’t sweat it because it’s just pathetic to let it,
Get me involved in that he said she said crowd.
I know that ain’t nobody perfect, i give props to those who deserve it,
And believe me ya’ll he’s worth it.
So here’s to the future ’cause we got through the past,
I finally found somebody who can make me laugh. (ha ha ha)
You so crazy…i think i want to have yo baby.
Whatta man, whatta man, whatta man, whatta mighty good man!
(repeat 4 times)
My man is smooth like barry, and his voice got bass.
A body like arnold with a denzel face. he’s smart like a doctor
With a real good rep, and when he comes home, he’s relaxed with pep.
He always got a gift for me everytime i see him.
a lot of snot nose, ex-flames couldn’t be him.
He never ran a corny line once to me yet, so i give him stuff
That he’ll never forget. he keeps me on cloud 9 just like intended.
He’s not a fake wannabe, tryin’ to be a pimp. he dresses like a
Davadon, but even in jeans, he’s a god sent original,
The man of my jeans.
Yes my man says he loves me, never says he loves me not. not to
Rush me good and touch me in the right spot.
See other guys that i’ve had, they’ve tried to play all the mac,
But everytime they tried, i’ve said “that’s not it!”
But not this man, he’s got the right potion, baby rub it down
And make it smooth like lotion. he’s the original highway to
Heaven. from seven to seven he’s got me open like 7 eleven, and
Yes it’s me that he’s always choosin. with him i’m never loosin,
And he knows that my name is not susan. he always has heavy
Conversation for the mind, whuch means a lot to to me ’cause good men
Are hard to find.
Whatta man, whatta man, whatta man, whatta might good man!
(repeat 4 times)
Whatta mighty mighty good man! know what i’m saying? whatta
Might mighty good man ya’ll! ya’ll don’t hear me. now check
Him out.
My man gives real lovin, that’s why i call him killa. he’s not a
Wam bam, thank-you-ma’am, he’s a thrilla. he takes his time,
And does everything right. knocks me out with one shot for
The rest of the night. he’s a real smooth brotha, never in a
Rush. and he gives me goose pimples with every single touch, spends
Quality time with his kids when he can. secure in his manhood
’cause he’s a real man. a lover, and a fighter, and he’ll knock
Another out. don’t take him for a sucka, ’cause it’s not what he’s
About. everytime i need him, he always got my back. never dis-
Respectful, ’cause his momma taught him that.
Whatta man, whatta man, whatta man, whatta mighty good man!
(repeat 4 times)
Salt-N-Pepa’s 1993 hit ‘What a Man’ is a boisterous celebration of the best qualities a man can embody. At its core, the song is both an ode to healthy masculinity and an anthem of appreciation. It’s a far cry from the ubiquitous narratives of male disenchantment that often pepper the musical landscape.
The track stands as a cultural touchstone, not only for its infectious hook but for its forward-thinking take on gender dynamics. It’s a rare paean in hip-hop: a female perspective that openly lauds, instead of deriding, the positive aspects of upstanding male behavior. Through the lens of Salt-N-Pepa, let’s dive into what makes ‘What a Man’ a timeless homage to good men everywhere.
A Mighty Good Man: Rebranding Masculine Ideals
In an era where toxic masculinity often dominates the conversation, Salt-N-Pepa’s lyrics flip the script, acknowledging the existence and importance of positive male figures—men who are supportive, respectful, and loving. Each lyric praises attributes that deftly challenge the antiquated macho stereotypes, promoting an image of men who are compassionate, faithful, and nurturing.
The portrayal of the ideal man in ‘What a Man’ is multi-faceted: he’s assertive yet gentle, humble yet confident. The song doesn’t just fantasize about a man’s physical attributes but also places significant emphasis on his character and emotional intelligence.
Searing Shout-Outs To Exceptional Men
Amidst a backdrop of relationship woes and disappointments, Salt-N-Pepa take the opportunity to spotlight a man who rises above the fray. The repeated rhetorical question ‘Whatta man?’ is a rallying cry, a declaration of sheer admiration that transcends simple attraction.
By showering accolades on the man who has made a difference in their lives, Salt-N-Pepa set new standards for the kind of men women should celebrate. This isn’t about settling for the baseline; it’s about setting the bar high and recognizing when someone meets it.
The Hidden Meaning: A Commentary on Relationships
While the surface of ‘What a Man’ is glitzy, celebrating the ideal male partner, a deeper narrative emerges upon closer inspection. It becomes apparent that this isn’t just about praising a single good man, but about urging listeners to recognize and demand respect and equality within their relationships.
The song’s infectious chorus serves as a means to empower women, to remind them they deserve a significant other who is not only their equal but also someone who consistently brings positivity and love into their lives. It’s a musical manifesto demanding fair treatment and throwing light on the bright side of loving partnerships.
Memorable Lines That Capture Extraordinary Qualities
The imagery of a man who ‘always has heavy conversation for the mind’ captures Salt-N-Pepa’s admiration for intellectual compatibility and profound emotional connection. Unlike the superficial exchanges that can plague relationships, they celebrate the type of man who can engage on a deeper level.
‘He dresses like a Davadon, but even in jeans,’ emphasizes that it’s not just about outward appearance. The man of their dreams is just as dazzling in everyday attire, shining through authenticity and unique charisma.
Revisiting a Feminist Anthem Disguised as a Love Song
Some might argue that ‘What a Man’ transcends the love song genre to become a subtle feminist anthem. Salt-N-Pepa manage to express adoration without objectification, appreciation without submission—a fine line that they walk with expert finesse.
The attention to ‘whatta mighty good man’ manages to eschew female dependency tropes. Instead of needing a man to be whole, these powerful women identify and reverence the values in a partner that truly enhance and complement their already-complete selves.
