About the song

Loretta Lynn: A Pioneer’s Anthem

You Ain’t Woman Enough is more than just a song; it’s a declaration of independence, a feminist anthem that resonated deeply with women of all generations when it was released in 1966. Sung by the legendary country music icon, Loretta Lynn, this track is a powerful testament to the strength and resilience of women.

Lynn, often referred to as the “Coal Miner’s Daughter,” used her music to give voice to the experiences of working-class women in a male-dominated society. You Ain’t Woman Enough is a prime example of her ability to tackle tough subjects like divorce and female empowerment with raw honesty and a touch of humor.

The song tells the story of a woman who has finally had enough of her cheating husband. With lyrics like, “I ain’t your mama, and you ain’t my pa,” Lynn boldly asserts her independence and refuses to be treated as less than. The song’s straightforward and relatable lyrics, combined with Lynn’s powerful vocals, made it an instant hit and a cultural touchstone.

Beyond its commercial success, You Ain’t Woman Enough had a profound impact on the country music genre and on women’s music in general. It helped to pave the way for future generations of female artists who would continue to explore themes of love, loss, and empowerment. Lynn’s ability to blend traditional country sounds with modern sensibilities made her a pioneer in the genre, and You Ain’t Woman Enough remains one of her most enduring classics.

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Lyrics

You’ve come to tell me somethin’
You say I ought to know
That he don’t love me any more
And I’ll have to let him go
You say you’re gonna take him
Oh, but I don’t think you can
‘Cause you ain’t woman enough
To take my man
Women like you, they’re a dime a dozen
You can buy ’em anywhere
For you to get to him I’d have to move over
And I’m gonna stand right here
It’ll be over my dead body
So, get out while you can
‘Cause you ain’t woman enough
To take my man
Aw, pick it out there, Dave
Sometimes a man’s caught lookin’
At things that he don’t need
He took a second look at you
But he’s in love with me
Well, I don’t know where that leaves you
Ah, but I know where I stand
And you ain’t woman enough
To take my man
Women like you they’re a dime a dozen
You can buy ’em anywhere
For you to get to him I’d have to move over
And I’m gonna stand right here
It’ll be over my dead body
So, get out while you can
‘Cause you ain’t woman enough
To take my man
No, you ain’t woman enough
To take my man