About the song
“When a Man Loves a Woman,” performed by the soulful Percy Sledge, is a timeless ballad that has resonated with listeners for generations. Released in 1966 as a single from his debut album of the same name, the song quickly soared to the top of the charts, securing the number one spot on the Billboard Hot 100 and becoming an enduring classic.
Written by Calvin Lewis and Andrew Wright, “When a Man Loves a Woman” is a poignant exploration of love and devotion. Percy Sledge’s emotive vocals, combined with the song’s lush orchestration and stirring melody, create a deeply moving listening experience that continues to captivate audiences to this day.
The success of “When a Man Loves a Woman” catapulted Percy Sledge to international fame, establishing him as one of the preeminent soul singers of his time. The song’s universal themes of love, longing, and heartache struck a chord with listeners around the world, earning Sledge widespread acclaim and cementing his legacy as a soul music icon.
In addition to its chart-topping success, “When a Man Loves a Woman” has been covered by numerous artists across various genres, further solidifying its status as a timeless classic. From Michael Bolton to Bette Midler, countless musicians have put their own spin on Sledge’s iconic song, each interpretation adding new layers of emotion and depth to the original composition.
For fans of soul music, “When a Man Loves a Woman” remains a cornerstone of the genre, cherished for its soul-stirring vocals, heartfelt lyrics, and timeless appeal. Percy Sledge’s masterful performance continues to touch the hearts of listeners, reminding us all of the enduring power of love.
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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