While Tom Jones popularized the song with his powerful vocals in 1967, “It’s a Man’s Man’s Man’s World” was originally written and recorded by Godfather of Soul, James Brown, in 1966.
Themes:
The song presents a clear perspective: men hold the power. It talks about a woman needing a man and men being the “head of the house.” This reflects the social norms of the time, the mid-1960s.
Tom Jones’ Version:
Even though the lyrics promote a male-dominated view, Jones’ rendition became a popular hit. His powerful voice and soulful delivery resonated with audiences.
Legacy:
The song remains a cultural touchstone, sparking discussions about gender roles and equality. It’s been featured in movies and TV shows, and reinterpreted by female artists with a more feminist viewpoint.
This is a man’s world This is a man’s world, don’t you know? But it wouldn’t mean nothing, nothing Without a woman or a girl, oh no
You see, man made the car To take us over the road Man made the train To carry the heavy load
Man made the electric light To take us out of the dark Man made the boat for the water, oh yeah Like Noah made the ark
This is a man’s, man’s, man’s world But it wouldn’t mean nothing Without a woman or a girl
Man make a little bit of baby girl And a baby boy Man made them happy, oh ‘Cause man, man made them toys
And after a man makes everything Everything little thing he can Don’t you know that, that man makes money To buy from other man
This is a man’s world, man’s, man’s world But it wouldn’t mean nothing Not one little thing Without a woman Without a woman Without a woman This is a man’s world
