About the song
“I Got a Woman,” originally titled “I’ve Got a Woman,” is a classic piece of American music history, created by the influential R&B and soul artist Ray Charles. Released in December 1954 by Atlantic Records, this song was paired with “Come Back Baby” as its B-side. Both tracks later appeared on Ray Charles’s 1957 album, which was reissued under the title *Hallelujah I Love Her So*.
The origins of “I Got a Woman” are deeply rooted in the musical influences of Ray Charles. While traveling with his band in the summer of 1954, Charles was inspired by the Southern Tones’ song “It Must Be Jesus,” which he heard on the radio. Additionally, a bridge from Big Bill Broonzy’s “Living on Easy Street” played a role in shaping the song. Collaborating with his band member, trumpeter Renald Richard, Charles crafted a song that fused a lively gospel rhythm with secular lyrics and a jazz-infused R&B backdrop. This innovative blend contributed to the early development of what would later be known as “soul music.”
Ray Charles recorded “I Got a Woman” on November 18, 1954, at the WGST studios in Atlanta. The song quickly gained popularity, becoming Charles’s first hit and reaching number one on the R&B charts in January 1955. Charles had actually performed the song live for about a year before recording it, highlighting his dedication to perfecting the piece. “I Got a Woman” paved the way for many more hits during Charles’s time with Atlantic Records.
The impact of “I Got a Woman” was significant, earning a spot at No. 239 on Rolling Stone’s list of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time, making it one of Ray Charles’s five entries on this prestigious list. In 1990, the 1954 recording was honored with induction into the Grammy Hall of Fame, solidifying its place in music history.
Video
Lyrics
Well
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