About the song
Shania Twain. The name itself conjures up images of windswept prairies and a powerful, yet undeniably feminine voice that redefined country music for a generation. When we talk about iconic anthems that bridge genres and stand the test of time, “Any Man Of Mine” invariably enters the conversation. Released in 1995 as the second single from her breakthrough album The Woman in Me, this track wasn’t just a hit; it was a cultural moment. It announced Twain’s arrival as a force to be reckoned with, a songwriter and performer who wasn’t afraid to blend traditional country sensibilities with a pop rock edge that resonated deeply with a broad audience.
For those of us who remember the mid-90s, “Any Man Of Mine” was inescapable – in the best possible way. It dominated radio airwaves, climbed the Billboard charts with confident strides, and became a staple on CMT. But its success wasn’t simply about catchy melodies or Twain’s undeniable charisma. The song struck a chord because of its lyrical content, a forthright and unapologetic declaration of a woman’s expectations in a relationship. It wasn’t about demanding subservience; rather, it laid out a clear and relatable vision of partnership built on respect, support, and a healthy dose of good old-fashioned charm.
Twain, co-writing the track with her then-husband and collaborator Robert John “Mutt” Lange, crafted a narrative that felt both personal and universal. The lyrics paint a picture of a woman who knows her worth and isn’t afraid to articulate it. Lines like “Any man of mine better be proud of me” and “Any man of mine better be good to me” aren’t delivered with aggression, but with a confident knowingness that many women found empowering. It was a refreshing departure from some of the more traditional portrayals of women in country music at the time, offering a perspective that was both strong and grounded.
The musical arrangement of “Any Man Of Mine” further solidified its appeal. Lange’s production expertise shines through, blending the twang of country guitars with a driving rock beat and soaring harmonies. The song has an infectious energy, a foot-tapping rhythm that makes it impossible to sit still. It’s the kind of track that feels equally at home on a country dance floor or a cross-country road trip. The instrumentation perfectly complements Twain’s vocal delivery, which is both assertive and playful, conveying the nuances of the lyrics with conviction.
Looking back, “Any Man Of Mine” wasn’t just a great country song; it was a significant moment in popular music. It helped pave the way for other female artists to express their perspectives with similar confidence and paved the way for Twain’s own remarkable career. It’s a song that continues to resonate today because its themes of respect and partnership are timeless. So, let’s revisit this enduring classic, a testament to Shania Twain’s artistry and the enduring power of a well-crafted song that speaks to the heart.
Video
Lyrics
This is what a woman wants
Any man of mine better be proud of me
Even when I’m ugly, he still better love me
And I can be late for a date that’s fine
But he better be on time
Any man of mine’ll say it fits just right
When last year’s dress is just a little too tight
And anything I do or say better be okay
When I have a bad hair day
And if I change my mind
A million times
I want to hear him say
Yeah (yeah), yeah (yeah), yeah, I like it that way
Any man of mine better walk the line
Better show me a teasin’ squeezin’ pleasin’ kinda time
I need a man who knows, how the story goes
He’s gotta be a heartbeatin’ fine treatin’
Breathtakin’ earthquakin’ kind
Any man of mine
Well any man of mine better disagree
When I say another woman’s lookin’ better than me
And when I cook him dinner and I burn it black
He better say, mm, I like it like that, yeah
And if I change my mind
A million times
I want to hear him say
Yeah (yeah), yeah (yeah), yeah I like it that way
Any man of mine better walk the line
Better show me a teasin’ squeezin’ pleasin’ kinda time
I need a man who knows, how the story goes
He’s gotta be a heartbeatin’ fine treatin’
Breathtakin’ earthquakin’ kind
Any man of mine, woo
Let me hear you say yeah (yeah), yeah (yeah)
Yeah, I like it that way
any man of mine better walk the line
Better show me a teasin’ squeezin’ pleasin’ kinda time
I need a man who knows, how the story goes
He’s gotta be a heartbeatin’ fine treatin’
Breathtakin’ earthquakin’ kind
Any man of mine
Ooh, ah
Woo
Ooh, ah
You gotta shimmy shake
Make the earth quake
Kick, turn, stomp, stomp, then you jump
Heel to toe, do si do
‘Til your boots want to break
‘Til your feet and your back ache
Keep it movin’ ’til you just can’t take anymore
Come on everybody on the floor
One two, a-three four
Hup, two, hup, woo
Mmhmm
If you want to be a man of mine, that’s right, woo
This is what a woman wants
