About the song
“A Woman’s Love.” Released in 1985, this song was a significant hit for Nelson, reaching number 9 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart, and featured on his album Half Nelson. While many of his iconic songs are self-penned or from the outlaw movement, this particular track, written by Steve Dorff and John Bettis, highlights Willie’s remarkable ability to interpret a poignant narrative with an unparalleled depth of feeling, making it entirely his own. It’s far more than just a popular song; it’s a profound appreciation for the steadfast and transformative power of devotion.
The lyrics of “A Woman’s Love” beautifully articulate the enduring, almost redemptive quality of a woman’s unwavering affection. The song speaks to the resilience, the quiet strength, and the steadfastness of a partner’s love, suggesting that it can heal wounds, provide solace in times of trouble, and offer a constant source of comfort and acceptance. Phrases like “There ain’t nothing like A Woman’s Love / To turn a troubled life around” and “When the world is cold and lonely / She’s the only friend you’ve found” perfectly capture this profound sentiment. It touches on themes of appreciation, gratitude, and the recognition that such a love is a rare and precious gift, capable of weathering any storm. It’s a simple, yet deeply moving, testament to the profound impact a supportive and loving partner can have on one’s life.
Willie Nelson’s vocal performance on “A Woman’s Love” is, as always, characterized by his unique blend of warmth, honesty, and relaxed sincerity. His distinctive voice, with its gentle phrasing and unmistakable timbre, delivers the lyrics with a profound sense of gratitude and tenderness. He doesn’t need to employ dramatic vocalizations; instead, he relies on the raw authenticity of his delivery, making every word feel deeply personal and utterly believable. There’s a subtle wisdom in his tone, a quiet understanding of the complexities of life and the immense value of true love that makes the song incredibly resonant. It’s a performance that solidifies his reputation not just as an outlaw, but as a sensitive interpreter of the human heart.
The musical arrangement of “A Woman’s Love” is a classic, mellow ballad, perfectly complementing the song’s tender theme. It features Willie Nelson’s iconic guitar, “Trigger,” prominently, its unique sound adding a soulful, almost conversational quality to the melody. Gentle piano chords, subtle strings, and a restrained rhythm section create a warm, inviting, and intimate atmosphere. The production is clean, tasteful, and unpretentious, allowing Nelson’s heartfelt vocals and the song’s simple yet powerful message to remain at the forefront. It’s an arrangement that feels like a quiet, heartfelt embrace.
“A Woman’s Love” resonated deeply with audiences because its message of gratitude for enduring love is universally understood and cherished. It became a beloved hit for Willie Nelson, showcasing his remarkable versatility and his enduring appeal across generations. It remains a timeless classic, a beautiful and poignant reminder of the strength, comfort, and redemptive power found in “A Woman’s Love.”
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Lyrics
A woman’s love goes deeper than a man’s
Into a place only she understands
It’s a healing touch, it’s a blade of a knife
But it’s a woman’s love, a woman’s love that gives you lifeA woman’s love is stronger than a man’s
But it can hold your heart in the palm of its hands
It’ll keep the faith through the long dark night
It takes a woman’s love, a woman’s love to see the lightIt’ll make you fly or sink you like a stone
It’ll leave you high or leave you all alone
If you believe her word no matter what you’ve heard
Anybody say about it, there’s no life for you without it nowIt’ll make you fly or sink you like a stone
But it’ll leave you high or leave you all alone
If you believe her word no matter what you’ve heard
Anybody say about it, there’s no life for you without it nowIf a woman’s love ever finds your soul
It’ll break your will and take control
Cause the very thing that your heart cries for
Is a woman’s love, this woman’s love and nothing more
It’s a woman love you’re living for
