About the song
**”When a Man Loves a Woman”** is an iconic soul ballad written by Calvin Lewis and Andrew Wright, first recorded by Percy Sledge in 1966. This deeply emotional song, characterized by its poignant lyrics and soulful delivery, quickly became a defining hit of its era. Originally recorded at Rick Hall’s FAME Studios in Muscle Shoals, Alabama, the track was later re-recorded at Norala Sound Studio, a facility owned by Quin Ivy, which was pivotal in its final release. The song showcases the talents of Sledge and a group of skilled session musicians, including Spooner Oldham on the Farfisa organ, Marlin Greene on guitar, and Roger Hawkins on drums, among others.
The song’s powerful expression of devotion and heartache resonated with audiences, leading to its meteoric rise on the charts. It achieved the number one spot on both the Billboard Hot 100 and the R&B singles charts, solidifying its place as a classic in the soul genre. The song’s emotional depth and Sledge’s impassioned performance made it an enduring favorite, and its influence can be seen in subsequent covers and adaptations.
Over the years, “When a Man Loves a Woman” has been revisited by various artists. In 1976, country singer John Wesley Ryles released a version that achieved minor success. More notably, singer and actress Bette Midler included the song in her repertoire in 1980, reaching the Top 40 with her rendition. Michael Bolton’s 1991 cover of the song also found tremendous success, topping both the Billboard Hot 100 and the Billboard Adult Contemporary Singles charts, demonstrating the song’s timeless appeal.
The recording process behind the song was not without its challenges. Initially, Atlantic Records requested a re-recording of the song due to issues with the tuning of the horns, as noted by musician David Hood. Despite these technical difficulties, the original version, which was inadvertently released due to a mix-up with the tapes, became the definitive hit.
The song’s legacy is further cemented by its inclusion in various greatest hits collections and its enduring popularity across different musical genres. Percy Sledge’s original recording remains a quintessential example of soul music’s emotional power and continues to influence artists and captivate listeners around the world.
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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