The Meaning Behind The Song: More Than A Woman by Tavares
Introduction
The disco era of the late 70s brought about several chart-topping hits, including the iconic song, “More Than A Woman” by Tavares. This upbeat and infectious tune is about a man’s love for a woman, but it goes much deeper than just a simple declaration of affection. The lyrics delve into the complexities of relationships and how they can sometimes be more than what meets the eye. Let’s explore the meaning behind this timeless classic.
Table of Contents
The Lyrics
The first verse of “More Than A Woman” sets the tone for the entire song: “Girl, I’ve known you very well / I’ve seen you growin’ every day / I never really looked before / But now you take my breath away.” These opening lines convey a sense of familiarity between the narrator and the woman he loves. He has watched her evolve and develop, and now he can’t help but be struck by her beauty.
The chorus is the most recognizable part of the song, with its repeated refrain of “More than a woman to me / More than a woman, more than a woman to me.” This repetition emphasizes the underlying message of the song – that this woman means more to the narrator than just a simple romantic interest.
In the second verse, the narrator goes on to describe how he sees the woman: “Oh, girl, I’ve known you very well / I’ve seen you growin’ every day / I never really looked before / But now you take my breath away.” These lyrics suggest that the narrator has gone from merely observing the woman to truly appreciating and admiring her for who she is.
The Message
So what is the message behind “More Than A Woman”? At its core, the song is a celebration of the complexities of relationships. It acknowledges that love is not always simple or straightforward – sometimes, there are deeper feelings and emotions at play that go beyond physical attraction.
In an interview with Rolling Stone, Tavares lead vocalist Ralph Tavares explained that:”The meaning of ‘More Than A Woman To Me’ is, it’s not just surface love; it’s deeper than that. It’s not just superficial, ‘I love you baby.'”
This sentiment is echoed by music historian Chris Molanphy in his book “Slate’s History of the American Billboard Charts.” He writes that:”The chorus doesn’t mean he loves her more than any other woman; it means she’s more than any woman could be.”
The Legacy
“More Than A Woman” has become a cultural touchstone since it was first released in 1977. It has been covered by numerous artists over the years, including the Bee Gees (who wrote the song), Aaliyah, and the Jonas Brothers.
But it is the original Tavares version that remains the definitive version of the song. Its funky disco beats and catchy melody have made it a perennial favorite on dance floors around the world.
According to the website WhoSampled, “More Than A Woman” has been sampled or interpolated in over 50 songs by other artists. Its influence can be heard in everything from hip-hop to electronic dance music.
The Conclusion
“More Than A Woman” by Tavares is more than just a disco hit – it is a testament to the complexities of love and relationships. Its memorable chorus and infectious melody have made it a beloved classic that continues to inspire new generations of music fans.
As Ralph Tavares explained in his Rolling Stone interview:”The song still holds up today. People still love it. It’s just a feel-good, rhythmic song that you can dance to.”
And dance to it we will – “More Than A Woman” is a timeless gem that will continue to make us groove for years to come.
