“I Am Woman”

Released in 1971 – I was merely 2 years old when this song was originally released, but it found its way into my life through my mother.  After my parents divorced I heard this often – maybe because I was finally old enough to listen.  It has become my personal anthem, as well.  Any adversity that I face, any time I struggle – I put on this song and scream it out over and over again.   Often times, the adversity that I actually face is missing my mother – who passed when I was merely 22 years old.  I cannot hear it and not think of her…I cannot think of her and not hear it.  She remains my hero and a visage of strength, powering through life’s challenges with courage, integrity, and conviction.

What the song is about: These lyrics are simply about the strength a woman finds in herself.

My favorite lines:

“Oh yes I am wise
But it’s wisdom born of pain
Yes, I’ve paid the price
But look how much I gained
If I have to, I can do anything
I am strong (strong)
I am invincible (invincible)
I am woman”

What the words mean to me:   My life experiences have led me to the depths of despair and I have been able to crawl out of the darkness, time and time again.  I am empowered by my victories, as well as forever scarred.  My mother would tell me all the time that “God never gives you more than you can handle”.   And she favored “that which doesn’t kill you only makes you stronger”.   Her strength of faith in herself and God speak to me through these lines.

“As I spread my lovin’ arms across the land”

What the words mean to me: My mother’s heart overflowed with love and compassion for all people.  She did not see race or class.  She did not look down on others – ever.  She embraced everyone with patience and love and always tried to help those in need.  She’s got the whole world…in her hands.

“But I’m still an embryo
With a long long way to go
Until I make my brother understand”

What the words mean to me:  I take these lines quite literally, often, when I am trying to connect to either of my ACTUAL brothers. Good grief.

Thank you for reading my post!  Follow my blog at Fields of Poppies!  Check out another blog like this one by looking at life through lyrics category.

 I Am Woman