About The Song
“When a Man Loves a Woman” is a timeless soul ballad by Percy Sledge. Released in March 1966, it was Percy Sledge’s debut single and remains his most famous song. It topped both the Billboard Hot 100 and R&B charts, making it Atlantic Records’ first song to achieve this feat. The song explores the depth of love, depicting the emotional turmoil experienced when deeply in love.
The song serves as an ode to unconditional love, illustrating how love can conquer obstacles and heal wounds. It depicts the profound effect love has on a man, making him unable to focus on anything else but his beloved. The lyrics suggest that love can drive a man to extreme actions, emphasizing the lengths one might go for love.
Lyrics
When a man loves a woman,
Can't keep his mind on nothin' else,
He'd change 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,
He'll spend his very last dime
Tryin' to hold on to what he needs.
He'd give up all his comforts
And sleep out in the rain,
If she said that's the way
It ought to be.
Well, this man loves you, woman.
I gave you everything I have,
Tryin' to hold on to your heartless love.
Baby, 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 is playin' him for a fool,
He's the last one to know.
Lovin' eyes can never see.
When a man loves a 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,
'Cause baby, baby, you're my world
When a man loves a woman....