About the song
When Welsh rock powerhouse Bonnie Tyler belted out “If You Were a Woman (And I Was a Man)” in 1986, she unleashed a song that would forever be etched into the annals of rock history. Penned by the songwriting duo of Desmond Child and Jim Steinman, this anthem offered a unique blend of power balladry and gender-bending lyrics.
The song’s inception was a curious one. Steinman, known for his bombastic productions, envisioned a track that would blend the vocal styles of Tina Turner, The Police, U2, and Bruce Springsteen. Child, a seasoned songwriter, took on the challenge and crafted a tune that captured the essence of Steinman’s vision.
While the song initially made a splash in Europe, reaching the top ten in France and selling over 250,000 copies, it faced a somewhat lukewarm reception in the United States. However, its legacy would soon be solidified.
A few months after the release of “If You Were a Woman (And I Was a Man),” Child teamed up with Jon Bon Jovi and Richie Sambora to write “You Give Love a Bad Name.” Drawing inspiration from the chorus of Tyler’s song, Child created a track that would become a massive hit for Bon Jovi. The success of “You Give Love a Bad Name” not only cemented Child’s reputation as a hitmaker but also inadvertently elevated the profile of Tyler’s original song.
Over the years, “If You Were a Woman (And I Was a Man)” has endured as a timeless rock anthem. Tyler’s powerful vocals, coupled with the song’s soaring melodies and thought-provoking lyrics, have resonated with audiences of all ages. While the song may not have achieved the same level of commercial success as its successor, it remains a testament to Tyler’s enduring talent and the enduring power of great songwriting.
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Lyrics
How’s it feel to be a woman
How’s it feel to be a man
Are we really that different
Tell me where you stand
I look at you, you look away
Why do you say we’re night and day
I’d like to try another way
Oh baby for just one day
If you were a woman and I was a man
Would it be so hard to understand
That a heart’s a heart and we do what we can
If you were a woman and I was a man
If you were a woman and I was a man
How’s it feel to be the hunter
How’s it feel to be the prey
Is there really a reason
For this game we play
I look at you, you look away
Why do you say we’re night and day
I’d like to try another day
Oh darling, just one day
If you were a woman and I was a man
Would it be so hard to understand
That a heart’s a heart and we do what we can
If you were a woman and I was a man
If you were a woman and I was a man
Hey, we’re just two people trying to love
Oh but how, how can we love
With this wall between us, holding us back
If you were a woman and I was a man
Would it be so hard to understand
That a hearts a heart and we do what we can
If you were a woman and I was a man
If you were a woman and I was a man