15 Marvelous Songs About Women

Reading Time: 14 min read

“15 Marvelous Songs About Women” features music courtesy of Anthony Ramos, Isaac Dunbar, Jidenna, Kelly Clarkson, and Lana Del Rey.

Helen Reddy, who sung one of my personal favorite Disney songs (“Candle on the Water”), has an even more famous song under her belt. Yes, Reddy once sang, “I am woman, hear me roar.” Those classic, timeless lines appear on her 1972 hit, “I Am Woman,” which appeared on the album of the same title. Of course, there have been more thrilling songs about women such as “I’m Every Woman” (Chaka Khan, also covered by the late, great Whitney Houston) and “Woman” (John Lennon). This playlist, 15 MARVELOUS SONGS ABOUT WOMEN, just scratches the surface, focusing on some totally awesome songs that reference women.

Making the criteria crystal clear, every song on this list features woman or women – no other synonyms or slang whatsoever. 5 MARVELOUS SONGS ABOUT WOMEN, hence, features music courtesy of actor/singer Anthony Ramos (“Woman”), rising independent, teen pop artist Isaac Dunbar (“Woman on the hills”), rapper Jidenna (“Sufi Woman”), Grammy-winning pop superstar Kelly Clarkson (“Whole Lotta Woman”), and Grammy-nominated alternative pop artist Lana Del Rey (“Hope is a Dangerous Thing for a Woman Like Me to Have – But I Have It”) among others. Without further ado, get totally pumped up for these marvelous songs about W-O-M-E-N!

1. Lana Del Rey, “Hope is a dangerous thing for a woman like me to have – but I have it”

Norman Fucking Rockwell! • Interscope • 2019

“‘Cause hope is a dangerous thing for a woman like me to have / Hope is a dangers thing for a woman like me to have.” Yep, the title of the record is just what you think it is – “Hope is a Dangerous Thing for a Woman Like Me to Have – But I Have It”. Damn, that’s a long song title. Yes, Grammy-nominated, alternative pop standout Lana Del Rey dropped the rare song that features 16 words (!) in its title on her superb 2019 studio album, Norman Fucking Rockwell!. Del Rey definitely comes through on the ballad, including literary and cinematic references.

The ever-expressive Lana Del Rey sounds as chilling and enigmatic as ever. Her tone is absolutely stunning. Among her best moments come at the end of the record, when she flaunts her falsetto. Beyond her inspired vocal performance, there’s also the stripped, yet gorgeous nature of this five-and-a-half-minute ballad. The production keeps things hella simple, comprised of piano accompaniment. Even working with such a lengthy duration, it’s perfect fuel for the fire of Del Rey, who manages to keep things colorful with some profane lyrics, such as “I’ve been tearing up town in my fucking nightgown / Like a goddamn-near sociopath.” Wow.

Ultimately, with the threat of ‘hope’ in her hands on this particular song, Lana del Rey does what she does best – delivers an expressive, moody, well-rounded record. “Hope is a dangerous thing for a woman like me to have – but I have it” previously appeared on the threatening playlist, 11 Songs Where the Threat is Real, published in March 2019.

2. Anthony Ramos, “Woman”

The Good & The Bad • Anthony Ramos / Republic • 2019

Anthony Ramos is best known for roles in the Tony winning musical Hamilton as well as his role as Ally’s (Lady Gaga’s) best friend in A Star is Born. Beyond acting, The Brooklyn-born Ramos (who is of Puerto Rican descent) is also a singer, releasing his debut album, The Good & The Bad on October 25, 2019. On “Woman,” the eighth track from his debut album, Ramos delivers a blend of pop and Latin music, as he gets ‘in his feelings.’

On “Woman,” Anthony Ramos is regretful. Why? He didn’t love her or treat her the way that he should for various reasons. On the second verse, the excuses run rampant, including, “I was young, and I was traveling / I was dumb and just unraveling…” On the centerpiece, the chorus, Ramos mentions the woman, but not in the context one might expect:

“Shoulda stayed, but I couldn’t
Shoulda spoke, but I wouldn’t
And I did what I shouldn’t
If I coulda loved, you like I was a woman.”

3. Maren Morris, “Good Woman”

GIRL • Sony • 2019

“I’ll sway like a tree when you need a change / I’ll travel the world or stay in one place / I’ll hold your hand when the storm’s at the door / ‘Cause you got my back and I got yours.” Maren Morris is willing to do any and everything for the man that she loves – period. Yes, the Grammy-winning country singer, best known for “My Church”, dropped her sophomore album, GIRL in March 2019. “Good Woman” appears as the penultimate track. While it is the 13^th song from GIRL, nothing feels unlucky about it whatsoever.

As aforementioned, Maren Morris sings about her relentless dedication and willingness to go to the ends of the earth for him. Arguably, some feminists might suggest Morris is ‘doing too much’ in regard to what she’ll do for him, Morrison also characterizes herself as a “good woman.” Personally, while all the things describe a ‘good woman,’ I think that Morris is confident about how awesome she is in her role in the relationship; he and she knows she’s superb. “You’ve got the love of a good woman,” she sings on the simple, but soaring chorus of this pleasant country ballad. “Good Woman” previously appeared on the playlist, 15 Really ‘Good’ Songs… It’s That Simple!, published in April 2019.

4. Jidenna, “Sufi Woman”

85 to Africa • Epic • 2019

In 2019, Jidenna, known for hits including “Classic Man” and “Bambi” (The Chief), quietly returned with his sophomore album, 85 to Africa. Quiet might be an understatement, considering 85 to Africa, released August 23, 2019, received very little attention. Regardless, Jidenna adds an infectious, must-hear, ‘woman’ song to this playlist via “Sufi Woman.” Given the title of the album (85 to Africa), and the title of the song at hand, “Sufi Woman” ends up being groovy to the nth degree. Sufism, according to Encyclopædia Britannica, is the “mystical Islamic belief and practice in which Muslims seek to find the truth of divine love and knowledge through direct personal experience of God.”

“Sufi Woman” is produced by Nana Kwabena. The sound perfectly captures international, world music sensibilities. It’s quite hypnotic from the onset. The tropical beat also works perfectly in contemporary hip-hop circles – quite sleekly conceived. Vocally, Jidenna opts for singing as opposed to singing, and the choice ends up being a brilliant one. Jidenna embraces patois, as well as that mystical spirit, singing, “You go shine your eyes, you go put it on me / Put a lickle spell on me,” as well as “You gon’ see that God is in la bruja, la bruja…” Ultimately, he shows adoration for women. On the chorus, he sings:

“Sufi woman, read me Rumi ‘til I fall asleep upon your bosom
Sufi woman, you’re a lion but you walk around so unassuming.”

5. Isaac Dunbar, “Woman on the Hills”

Balloons don’t float here • Isaac Dunbar • 2019

“Don’t turn your back when you’re near / The woman on the hills / Taking photographs of you / Taking ahold of you.” Noted Isaac Dunbar, noted! Dunbar is the youngest artist to appear on this playlist (16 as of publication). Even so, the teenage pop artist from Massachusetts is quite intriguing. He showcases such intrigue on the song “Woman on the Hills,” which appears as the second track on his 2019, eight-song project, balloons don’t float here. Dunbar wrote and produced “Woman on the Hills” – pretty impressive for teenager.

The aforementioned lyrics hail from the chorus, which continues as follows: “Don’t laugh or craft when you’re near / The woman on the hills / She needs more from you / She needs less of you.” Sigh. Of “Woman on the Hills,” Dunbar told Apple Music that “‘The woman on the hills’ is a metaphor for Hollywood in a sense – someone who might want to change you for their own benefit. For me, it kind of has to do with the music industry, but it can apply to you.” The music industry side seems to seep through the lyrics from the second half of the brief second verse:

“She found me and tore me apart
And told me for the millionth time.”

Of course, both verses lead to a very telling section, the pre-chorus, where ‘the woman on the hills’ (fame), urges him “Take the whole world by the throat / Boy, you have something no one else has got…” As aforementioned, this self-written, self-produced number by Dunbar is quite alluring. Vocally, he sounds quite refined despite his youth.

6. Ariana Grande, “God is a Woman”

Sweetener • Republic • 2018

“You, you love it how I move you / You love it how I though you / My one, when all is said and done / You’ll believe God is a woman…” Amen? Hallelujah? Arguably, Grammy-winning pop musician Ariana Grande made her boldest statement yet, one that God himself might question – “God is a Woman”. Naturally, the urban-pop standout from Sweetener isn’t about spiritual matters, well, unless you consider sex to be spiritual…

At the beginning, she establishes a sensual theme on the chorus, excerpted above and continued below:

“…And I, I feel it after midnight
A feeling that you can’t fight
My one, it lingers when we’re done
You’ll believe God is a woman.”

Wow! She’s so good in bed that after making sweet love with her, you’ll believe that “God is a woman…” – something like that. There’s more sacrilege on the verses, including “Baby, lay me down and let’s pray” on the first, and “And boy, if you confess, you might get blessed.” Woo Ari, you’re bad girl! The best moment of this soaring, slickly produced, urban-pop ballad comes during the outro. Here, Grande delivers her best vocals, ascending to that next level.

Sure, the most devout, pious Christians may take offense to the ‘blasphemy.’ However, those open-minded and ‘devout’ fans of Ariana Grande will definitely be in heaven. “God is a Woman” has appeared on multiple playlists on The Musical Hype for good reason – it’s a great song!

7. Mumford & Sons, “Woman”

Delta • Glassnote • 2018

“As the night ascends, all will slow again, oh-oh-ohh / I am left in awe of the woman I adore.” That seems pretty self-explanatory, right? “Woman” appears as the third track on Delta (2018), the fourth studio album by Grammy-winning, alternative/folk rock collective Mumford & Sons. Since their Grammy-winning Babel, critics haven’t been nearly as wowed by the bands albums, with Delta specifically achieving a modest Metacritic score of 59. Sure, there were some critics who bestowed high praise on the folk rockers, but the metascore of 59 is weighed down by those who simply weren’t feeling the album.

“Woman” sounds like a bit of a departure for Marcus Mumford and company, but that’s part of the charm. The lyrics are incredibly simple, with all three of the brief verses ending with the lyrics, “Do you ever really know / Can you ever really know?” The beginning of each verse addresses the subject, the nameless woman (likely a girlfriend or wife), finding Marcus singing calm, cool, and collected as he is in awe of her. On the third verse, he sings, “Woman / I never had such a sight / Burn itself onto my mind.”

On the pre-chorus, he focuses on her feelings – the unknown hurt and pain she’s experienced – and focuses ultimately on how special she is to him. The chorus, partially excerpted above, confirms the dedication Mumford feels toward “the woman [he] adore(s).” Ultimately, “Woman” is a truly beautiful, moving record from Mumford & Sons.

8. Kacey Musgraves, “Wonder Woman”

Golden Hour • MCA Nashville • 2018

“I don’t need a Superman to win my lovin’ / ‘Cause baby, I ain’t Wonder Woman.” Fair point! Golden Hour was the 2019 recipient of the most coveted Grammy of them all – Album of the Year. While an argument could be made for a number of albums that were in contention for the big prize, country singer Kacey Musgraves certainly outdid herself with her country album that had more crossover appeal compared to others released in 2018. What really stood out about Golden Hour was how mellow it sounded. Notably, “Mother”, a different song about a woman, was written while Musgraves was on acid.

“Mother” would’ve technically fit this list of 15 Marvelous Songs About Women, but we stuck with a song that actually features the word woman in the title, so, “Wonder Woman” gets the nod. The anti-superhero makes its bow on this particular record, where a lack of superhero powers won’t thwart a successful relationship. The aforementioned lyrics hailed from the chorus, specifically the end. Prior to those lyrics, on the song’s centerpiece, Musgraves sings:

“But, baby, I ain’t Wonder Woman
I don’t know how to lasso the love out of you
Don’t you know I’m only human?
And if I let you down, I don’t mean to
All I need’s a place to land,
I don’t need a Superman to win my lovin’
‘Cause baby, I ain’t Wonder Woman.”

Prior to the chorus, Musgraves focuses on the strength of the bond being built – letting the relationship build and build. Even so, things aren’t unrealistic like superheroes and their superpowers – mistakes and missteps occur. A prime example is the second verse, where she focuses on how hard Wonder Woman has it:

“Bet all that gold gets heavy
Weighin’ on her
I wonder if it’s scary
Always tryin’ not to get hurt.”

“Wonder Woman” may not be as elite as the best of the best of Golden Hour, but it’s another well-rounded, incredibly enjoyable moment if nothing else.

9. Dierks Bentley, “Woman, Amen”

The Mountain • Capitol Nashville • 2018

“She gives me faith / She gives me grace / She gives me hope / she give me strength.” Country singer Dierks Bentley definitely showcases faith on “Woman, Amen,” the fourth track from his 2018 album, The Mountain. Simply put, the premise of “Woman, Amen” is both paying ode and giving thanks.

First, here’s a prime example of Bentley paying ode to his woman, who happens to be his wife:

“I need all the cracks in my shattered heart
Cause that’s where her love gets in.”

Of course, the ultimate thanks is owed to G-O-D, according to Bentley. Why? Well, he blessed him with such an awesome woman, of course!

“Every night I should be on my knees…
Thank God for this woman, Amen.”

“Woman, Amen” previously appeared on the playlist 8 Secular ‘Amen’ Songs, which was published in July 2018.

10. Kelly Clarkson, “Whole Lotta Woman”

Meaning of Life • Atlantic • 2017

“Whole Lotta Woman” follows two ballads on Meaning of Life, the seventh album by Kelly Clarkson. The record restores the tempo and the bite of Meaning of Life. Furthermore, there’s a heaping dose of retro-pop and retro-soul, an awesome look for Clarkson. “Whole Lotta Woman” reminisces to gems like “Ain’t No Other Man,” a Christina Aguilera hit form 2006. Obviously, they are two different songs from two different decades, but there are similarities in the conception.

On “Whole Lotta Woman,” Clarkson isn’t focused on her man like Aguilera was, but on herself. In the bigger scheme of things, Clarkson focuses on women’s empowerment. Unsurprising this song previously graced the playlist 8 Songs Where Women Were Empowered in 2017, sigh. The centerpiece of this feisty pop bop is the chorus, which can be best characterized as badass.

“I’m a whole lotta woman
(From the way I walk and toss my hips)
I’m a whole lotta woman
(From the sound of my voice to the gloss on my lips)
I’m a whole lotta woman
(Anything I see, I want, I get)
I’m a strong, badass chick with classic confidence, yeah.”

11. John Legend, “One Woman Man”

Fifty Shades Darker • Republic • 2017

“A one-woman man / A one-woman man, oh / Want you all to myself / Don’t want nobody else…” Now that’s some monogamy right there! Among the best, most memorable songs from the Fifty Shades Darker soundtrack is “One Woman Man,” courtesy of John Legend. Co-written by producer and songwriter Toby Gad, The arrival of Legend and “One Woman Man” gives the Fifty Shades Darker soundtrack a timely lift. As classy and soulful as ever, Legend shows his knack for nuance and emotionally driven vocal performances.

Ultimately, “One Woman Man” ranks among the crème de la crème because of its authenticity. Making one of multiple playlist appearances on 15 Songs That Incorporate Virtues, the two virtues encompassed by this gem are love and temperance. “One Woman Man” could’ve easily appeared on any John Legend album and felt right in place – it’s that good. The monogamous record has appeared on multiple playlists including Ballads from 2017 That’ll Give You Those Feels, 100 Best Songs of 2017 (#89), and 13 Songs About ‘The Man,’ Whoever He May Be.

12. Kesha, “Woman”

Ft. The Dap-Kings Horns

Rainbow • Kemosabe • 2017

“I’m a motherfucking woman, baby, alright / I don’t need a man to be holding me too tight.” Wow. On “Woman” (Rainbow), Kesha enlists The Dap-Kings Horns to construct a soulful backdrop for her empowering, feminist vocals. Given the unfortunate series of events that Kesha has been part of, this song seems like the perfect complement. Vocally, much like the Grammy-nominated song, “Praying”, she continues to do things that we didn’t think she could do.

The biggest offense of this empowering anthem is the profanity. In some respects, it seems counterproductive given her message. Yet, looking at it from a different perspective, she’s placing emphasis on femininity and being a badass woman. Regardless whether you’re fine with her potty mouth or not in select instances, “Woman” is irresistible – even for the guys.

“I’m a motherfucking woman, baby, that’s right
I’m just having fun with my ladies here tonight
I’m a motherfucker.”

“Woman” previously appeared on the playlist 14 Songs That Are About Boys or Girls, which was published in August 2018.

13. Harry Styles, “Woman”

Harry Styles • Columbia • 2017

Every boy band has a star. While One Direction was so popular that all five of its members had their fair share of buzz, Harry Styles seemed to be ‘the chosen one’ you might say. Styles became the second member of 1D to release a solo album, simply titled Harry Styles (2017), following former member Zayn (Mind of Mine). On Harry Styles, Styles embraced a pop/rock sound, clearly different than most young pop artists in recent times. This was evident on the ace in the hole, the powerful “Sign of the Times” which SHOULD have been nominated for a Grammy. With “Sign of the Times” ineligible for this playlist that focuses on women, the song “Woman” definitely fits the criteria.

“I’m selfish, I know / But I don’t ever want to see you with him.” Straight to the point there Harry – straight to the point! The penultimate record blends classic rock, pop and soul together. All of those styles work particularly well for Harry Styles stylistically. Like much of his self-titled debut, “Woman” sounds like it could’ve potentially been a hit in the 1970s. Vocally, he impresses as he can’t bear the thought of this woman being with another man. That’s ultimately the point of the song. Here’s exhibit B:

“I hope you can see, the shape that I’m in
While he’s touching your skin
He’s right where I should, where I should be
But you’re making me bleed.”

And if that wasn’t convincing enough, there’s also the chorus, which is made up of the word, “Woman!”

14. Weezer, “Weekend Woman”

Pacific Daydream • Crush / Atlantic • 2017

Some bands seem to fade and lose interest in recording new music past their prime. Weezer isn’t one of those bands. While their popularity and relevance have diminished over the years, Rivers Cuomo and company have continued to be prolific. 11^th studio album Pacific Daydream (2017), marked the Grammy-nominated collective’s fourth album since 2010! Short and sweet, Pacific Daydream has its fair share of enjoyable, well-rounded moments including the song at hand, “Weekend Woman”.

“Weekend Woman” is a mid-tempo cut with some vintage pop sensibilities. The production work by Butch Walker is generally a pro. The guitars arrive on the chorus, giving the record a bit more of a rock quality. The pre-chorus serves as a fantastic lead-in to the chorus, helping to build-up the energy, while the chorus is highly respectable. The bridge marks a stark contrast to the verse, pre-chorus, and chorus sections. The element of surprise and unpredictability is a pro. Weezer brings ‘the goods’ on the fourth teaser track (and fifth overall) from Pacific Daydream.

15.Ariana Grande, “Dangerous Woman”

Dangerous Woman • Republic • 2016

“All that you got / Skin to skin, oh my God / Don’t ya stop, boy.” Sigh, years before proclaiming “God is a Woman”, Grammy-nominated pop artist Ariana Grande proclaimed herself to be a dangerous woman. “Dangerous Woman” was certainly a change of pace from the Grande music of old, set in a minor key and embracing more of an edgy, risqué sound.

To answer the burning question, besides the music itself, what or who makes Grande dangerous? YOU – rather her man – if you listen to the lyrics from the chorus.

“Somethin’ ‘bout you makes me feel like a dangerous woman
Somethin’ ‘bout, somethin’ ‘bout, somethin’ ‘bout you
Makes me wanna do things that I shouldn’t ...”

So, ultimately, Ari’s dangerous because of a three-letter word… Fair enough! “Dangerous Woman” previously appeared on the playlist, 11 Songs That Are Dangerous, Violent, or Otherwise.

15 MARVELOUS SONGS ABOUT WOMEN [📷: Anthony Ramos, Atlantic, Brent Faulkner, Capitol Nashville, Columbia, Epic, Glassnote, Interscope, Isaac Dunbar, Kemosabe, MCA Nashville, The Musical Hype, Pixabay, Pexels, Republic, Sony]