About the song
Loretta Lynn, a titan of country music, often found herself breaking barriers with her candid lyrics and unwavering authenticity. Her 1967 single, “You Ain’t Woman Enough,” stands as a testament to her power as a songwriter and a feminist icon. This defiant anthem, penned by Lynn herself, explores themes of female empowerment, independence, and self-worth in a society that often relegated women to traditional roles.
The song’s narrative unfolds through the perspective of a woman who is fed up with her partner’s infidelity and lack of respect. Lynn’s lyrics are direct, unapologetic, and filled with a biting wit that belies her gentle demeanor. She challenges societal expectations and demands equality in her relationships, refusing to be treated as an inferior or a possession.
Musically, “You Ain’t Woman Enough” showcases Lynn’s distinctive vocal style, characterized by her rich, soulful tone and expressive delivery. The arrangement is simple yet effective, featuring a driving rhythm and a memorable melody that complements Lynn’s powerful performance. The instrumentation is stripped down, allowing Lynn’s vocals to take center stage and convey the raw emotion behind the lyrics.
“You Ain’t Woman Enough” resonated with audiences upon its release, becoming a top-ten hit on the Billboard Country Singles chart. It solidified Lynn’s status as a leading figure in country music and inspired countless female artists who followed in her footsteps. The song’s enduring popularity can be attributed to its timeless message of empowerment and its ability to connect with listeners on a deep emotional level.
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Lyrics
You’ve come to tell me somethin’
You say I ought to know
That he don’t love me any more
And I’ll have to let him go
You say you’re gonna take him
Oh, but I don’t think you can
‘Cause you ain’t woman enough
To take my man
Women like you, they’re a dime a dozen
You can buy ’em anywhere
For you to get to him I’d have to move over
And I’m gonna stand right here
It’ll be over my dead body
So, get out while you can
‘Cause you ain’t woman enough
To take my man
Aw, pick it out there, Dave
Sometimes a man’s caught lookin’
At things that he don’t need
He took a second look at you
But he’s in love with me
Well, I don’t know where that leaves you
Ah, but I know where I stand
And you ain’t woman enough
To take my man
Women like you they’re a dime a dozen
You can buy ’em anywhere
For you to get to him I’d have to move over
And I’m gonna stand right here
It’ll be over my dead body
So, get out while you can
‘Cause you ain’t woman enough
To take my man
No, you ain’t woman enough
To take my man