About the song
“You Ain’t Woman Enough” stands as a pivotal album in Loretta Lynn’s illustrious career, marking her ascent to country music stardom and earning her first number one spot on the US Billboard Hot Country Albums chart upon its release on September 12, 1966, under Decca Records. This seventh solo studio album not only showcased Lynn’s distinctive voice and songwriting prowess but also solidified her reputation as a formidable force in the genre.
The album comprises a compelling mix of Lynn’s original compositions and covers of contemporary hits by other artists, demonstrating her ability to infuse personal narratives with universal themes that resonated deeply with audiences. Among the standout tracks is the title song, “You Ain’t Woman Enough,” which became a breakout hit for Lynn, reaching number two on the US Billboard Hot Country Singles chart. Its success not only propelled the album’s popularity but also underscored Lynn’s knack for delivering powerful, assertive lyrics that spoke directly to the experiences of women navigating love, betrayal, and resilience.
Critical reception for “You Ain’t Woman Enough” was overwhelmingly positive. Cashbox praised the album for its strong lineup of tracks, predicting substantial sales and noting Lynn’s adeptness at interpreting songs like “These Boots Are Made For Walkin’,” “God Gave Me a Heart to Forgive,” and “Put It Off Until Tomorrow.” AllMusic also lauded Lynn’s rendition of the Wilburn Brothers’ hit “It’s Another World,” highlighting her skillful interpretation and emotional depth.
In terms of commercial success, “You Ain’t Woman Enough” debuted at number 29 on the Billboard Hot Country Albums chart, eventually ascending to the number one position on November 12, 1966. This achievement marked a significant milestone in Lynn’s career, cementing her status as a chart-topping artist in the competitive realm of country music. The album also made its mark on the Billboard Top LPs chart, peaking at number 140, further expanding Lynn’s audience beyond the traditional country music fanbase.
The recording sessions for “You Ain’t Woman Enough” were held at Nashville’s renowned Columbia Recording Studio and RCA Victor Studio across three separate dates in early 1966. Lynn’s meticulous approach to recording, coupled with the expert production of Decca Records, ensured that each track on the album captured the essence of Lynn’s distinctive style and storytelling prowess.
Overall, “You Ain’t Woman Enough” not only showcased Loretta Lynn’s burgeoning talent but also set the stage for her subsequent achievements in country music. Its blend of heartfelt ballads, spirited performances, and insightful lyrics continues to resonate with audiences, solidifying its place as a timeless classic in Lynn’s celebrated discography.
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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