In the vibrant landscape of rhythm and blues, “I Got a Woman” by Ray Charles stands as a landmark composition that transcends genres. Released in 1954, this iconic track not only showcased Charles’s unparalleled musical talent but also laid the foundation for the fusion of gospel, R&B, and soul. Join us as we delve into the rhythmic revelation that is “I Got a Woman” and explore the enduring legacy of this trailblazing classic.
Ray Charles and the Birth of “I Got a Woman”
Gospel Roots
“I Got a Woman” emerged from the rich tapestry of gospel music, a genre that profoundly influenced Ray Charles. By infusing gospel elements into the track, Charles created a revolutionary sound that would pave the way for the future of rhythm and blues.
The Atlantic Records Connection
The song marked Charles’s transition to Atlantic Records, a pivotal move that allowed him the creative freedom to experiment with his sound. “I Got a Woman” became a pivotal track not only in Charles’s discography but also in the evolution of American music.
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Genre-Defying Impact
While rooted in rhythm and blues, “I Got a Woman” transcended its genre, foreshadowing the birth of soul music. Charles’s innovative fusion of gospel fervor with secular lyrics set the stage for a new era of musical expression, earning him the title “The Genius of Soul.”
🎵 Let’s sing along with the lyrics! 🎸
Lyrics
Well
I got a woman, way over town
That’s good to me, oh yeah
Say, I got a woman, way over town
Good to me, oh yeah
She give me money when I’m in need
Yeah, she’s a kind of friend indeed
I got a woman, way over town
That’s good to me, oh yeah
She saves her lovin’, early in the morning
Just for me, oh yeah
She saves her lovin’, early in the morning
Just for me, oh yeah
She saves her lovin’, just for me
Ah, she love me so tenderly
I got a woman, way over town
That’s good to me, oh yeah
She’s there to love me
Both day and night
Never grumbles or fusses
Always treats me right
Never runnin’ in the streets
And leavin’ me alone
She knows a woman’s place
Is right there now in her home
I got a woman, way over town
That’s good to me, oh yeah
Say, I got a woman, way over town
That’s good to me, oh yeah
Oh, she’s my baby
Oh, don’t you understand?
Yeah, and I’m her lover man
I got a woman, way over town
That’s good to me, oh yeah
Oh, don’t you know she’s alright
Oh, don’t you know she’s alright
She’s alright, she’s alright
Whoa yeah, oh yeah