About the song
“You Ain’t Woman Enough (To Take My Man).” This isn’t just a hit song; it’s a defiant statement, a declaration of strength and self-assurance that was both groundbreaking and deeply resonant in its time.
Released in 1966, “You Ain’t Woman Enough” was a pivotal moment for Loretta Lynn and for country music as a whole. In an era when many female artists were expected to sing heartbroken ballads, Loretta fearlessly stepped into a confrontational role, taking a direct stand against a rival. The song’s lyrical theme is a masterful exercise in confident confrontation: it’s a wife warning another woman to back off her man, but the warning isn’t filled with jealousy or tears. It’s filled with an unshakeable belief in her own worth and her man’s loyalty. “You’ve been a-talkin’ ’bout me and my man,” she sings, before delivering the unforgettable, razor-sharp line: “But you ain’t woman enough to take my man.” This isn’t a plea; it’s a statement of fact, a testament to a strength that comes from a place of deep-seated security and pride. This theme of a woman confidently defending her territory speaks volumes to an audience that understands the complexities and emotional battles fought within relationships.
What truly makes “You Ain’t Woman Enough” an enduring classic is Loretta Lynn’s iconic vocal performance. Her voice, with its distinctive country twang and incredible power, is perfectly suited for the song’s message. She sings with a fiery, assertive confidence that makes the warning feel genuine and a little intimidating. There’s a subtle smile in her delivery that suggests she knows she’s already won, and the confrontation is more of a formality. She doesn’t cry or beg; she lays down the law with a quiet authority that is infinitely more powerful. This authenticity is a hallmark of her artistry and a key reason why she remains so beloved.
Musically, the song is classic honky-tonk at its best. It’s driven by a brisk, no-nonsense tempo, with a prominent fiddle and a twangy guitar that perfectly match the song’s confrontational mood. The arrangement is clean and punchy, allowing the sharpness of the lyrics and the power of Loretta’s voice to shine through. “You Ain’t Woman Enough” solidified Loretta Lynn’s legacy as a trailblazer, a voice for women who weren’t afraid to speak their minds. It’s a cherished classic that reminds us of the strength and resilience of a woman who knows exactly who she is and what she’s worth.
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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
