Written by: John Lennon
Released: 1980
US Charts: #2
UK Charts: #1 (2 weeks)
Other Charts: #1 (New Zealand)
“Woman” was the first single released by John Lennon after his sudden death in New York City in December 1980. It was released as the second single from his final album, Double Fantasy, which only became commercially successful after his shocking and unexpected death. Nevertheless, this song has gone on to become one of the most popular and beautifully constructed ballads of all time.
Double Fantasy was Lennon’s first album is more than 5 years after deciding to take a break in 1975 following the birth of his son Sean. Between 1975 and 1980, he spent a considerable amount of time raising his son with his wife Yoko Ono, and rarely took time to record new music. In early 1980, he completed a life long ambition to learn how to sail and following that, he decided that it was time to start recording music once again. He stated on various occasions that he had never been so happy in his life. During the recording of his first album in more than 5 years, he also stated that he had never had so much creative energy flowing through him.
In an interview with Rolling Stone just days before his death, Lennon said that “Woman” was a “grown-up version” of the song “Girl”, which he wrote when he was with the Beatles. Lyrics-wise, the song expresses a man’s gratitude (in this case Lennon’s) for the woman in his life (in this case Yoko Ono). Lennon’s mastery at choosing beautiful lyrics shines through once again, not to mention, the simplicity of the lyrics.
Rhythm-wise, the song hooks you from the start and follow a simple, easy-to-follow pattern which any first timer can follow with ease. This also makes it an unforgettable song. Charts-wise, the song’s success largely stems from the reaction to Lennon’s shock death. It reached number 1 in the UK for 2 weeks, while it remained at number 2 for 3 weeks in the US. I hope you appreciate the mastery and genius that was John Lennon while listening to this song. Enjoy!
Lyrics can be accessed here.
Chords can be accessed here.
Feel free to comment on this song and/or my review below.
