About the song
“When a Man Loves a Woman” stands as a timeless testament to the power of soulful ballads, capturing the essence of deep emotion and heartfelt longing. Originally penned by Calvin Lewis and Andrew Wright, the song found its definitive voice through Percy Sledge’s soul-stirring rendition in 1966. Recorded at Norala Sound Studio in Sheffield, Alabama, this masterpiece of soul music not only topped the Billboard Hot 100 but also secured its place in the annals of music history.
The genesis of the song’s creation is as poignant as its lyrics. Calvin Lewis and Andrew Wright, members of the Esquires band in Sheffield, stumbled upon the song’s iconic riff during a late-night practice session at a local club. Inspired by the haunting melody, they crafted lyrics that resonated deeply with themes of love, loss, and heartache. Percy Sledge, known for his rich baritone and emotive delivery, lent his voice to bring these lyrics to life, turning personal experience into a universal anthem.
The recording process itself bore the marks of serendipity and determination. Initially recorded at Rick Hall’s FAME Studios before being re-done at Norala Studios under Quin Ivy’s guidance, the song underwent meticulous refinement. Rick Hall, a legendary producer, arranged a distribution deal with Atlantic Records, although subsequent adjustments were made to perfect the composition. Despite early challenges with horn arrangements, the final recording, featuring talents like Spooner Oldham on organ and Roger Hawkins on drums, struck a chord with audiences worldwide.
Released in April 1966, Percy Sledge’s rendition soared to number one on both the Billboard Hot 100 and R&B singles charts, marking a significant milestone for Muscle Shoals, Alabama, as the birthplace of a chart-topping hit. Its impact was not confined to the United States; the song reached the top ten in the UK and experienced a resurgence in popularity in 1987, bolstered by its use in a Levi’s Jeans commercial and its inclusion in the film Platoon’s soundtrack.
Over the years, “When a Man Loves a Woman” has endured as a cultural touchstone, inspiring numerous covers and interpretations by artists such as Bette Midler and Michael Bolton. Its lyrics, which capture the raw vulnerability and devotion of unrequited love, continue to resonate with listeners across generations. In recognition of its enduring influence, the Recording Academy inducted Percy Sledge’s 1966 recording into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 1999, cementing its status as one of the greatest soul songs of all time.
Beyond its commercial success, the song’s origins highlight the collaborative spirit and creative synergy among musicians in Muscle Shoals during the 1960s. Calvin Lewis and Andrew Wright’s initial inspiration, combined with Percy Sledge’s emotive storytelling, exemplifies how music can transcend personal experience to become universally cherished. “When a Man Loves a Woman” remains a poignant reminder of the power of music to convey profound human emotions and connect us all through shared experiences of love and loss.
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Lyrics
When a man loves a woman
Can’t keep his mind on nothing else
He’ll trade the world
For the good thing he’s found
If she is bad, he can’t see it
She can do no wrong
Turn his back on his best friend
If he put her down
When a man loves a woman
Spend his very last dime
Trying to hold on to what he needs
He’d give up all his comfort
Sleep out in the rain
If she said that’s the way it ought to be
Well, this man loves a woman
I gave you everything I had
Trying to hold on to your high-class love
Baby, ooh, please, don’t treat me bad
When a man loves a woman
Down deep in his soul
She can bring him such misery
If she plays him for a fool, yeah
He’s the last one to know
Loving eyes can’t ever see
When a man loves woman
He can do her no wrong
He can never want some other girl
Yes, when a man loves a woman
I know exactly how he feels
Baby, baby, baby, you’re my world
When a man loves a woman
I know exactly how he feels