Oh Woman, Oh Why

"Oh Woman, Oh Why" is a song written by English musician Paul McCartney, first released on the Apple Records label in February 1971 as the B-side to McCartney's debut single as a solo artist, "Another Day".

"Oh Woman, Oh Why"
Single by Paul McCartney
A-side"Another Day"
Released19 February 1971
Recorded3 November 1970
GenreBlues rock, hard rock
Length4:32
LabelApple Records
UK: R 5889; US: 1829
Songwriter(s)Paul McCartney
Producer(s)Paul McCartney
Paul McCartney singles chronology
"Oh Woman, Oh Why"
(1971)		 ""Uncle Albert/Admiral Halsey" (with Linda McCartney)"
(1971)

Release

Upon release, "Another Day/Oh Woman, Oh Why" achieved a top-5 status in both the United Kingdom and the United States, reaching number 5 on the Billboard Hot 100 and number 2 in the United Kingdom in April 1971.[1][2][3][4] On the Cash Box Top 100 chart, which listed sides separately, the song peaked at number 55.[5] The song has also been praised for McCartney's impressive range of vocal pitch.[6]

Personnel

Lyrics and music

The overall style of "Oh Woman, Oh Why" is that of a tense, blues rock song complemented by a fierce vocal delivery.[7][8] In addition, the song is paced by a drum rhythm which establishes a solid foundation upon which tight guitar lines interweave. Beatle biographer John Blaney praised McCartney's "rip-roaring" vocal performance for its grit and rawness.[7] Blaney also praises McCartney's "economical" bass line and Denny Seiwell's "thunderous" drumming.[7] Blaney does criticize the lyrics for "questioning rather than celebrating womanhood," stating that in this context the aggressiveness of the vocal performance is "particularly notable."[7]

Later release

Although "Another Day" and "Oh Woman, Oh Why" were not originally released upon any solo or Wings album, both songs would be released as bonus tracks upon later editions of Paul and Linda McCartney's 1971 solo album, Ram. "Oh Woman, Oh Why" has also been included upon the Special and Deluxe editions of the 2012 remasters of Ram.[9]

References
  1. Rock Movers & Shakers by Dafydd Rees & Luke Crampton, 1991 Billboard Books.
  2. "Paul McCartney Hot 100". Billboard. Retrieved 29 June 2020.
  3. "Official Charts: Paul McCartney". The Official UK Charts Company. Retrieved 13 October 2011.
  4. "Billboard Hot 100" (PDF). Billboard. 17 April 1971. p. 56. Retrieved 29 June 2020.
  5. Whitburn, Joel (2015). The Comparison Book. Menonomee Falls, Wisconsin: Record Research Inc. p. 333. ISBN 978-0-89820-213-7.
  6. Still the Greatest: The Essential Songs of The Beatles' Solo Careers p. 42
  7. Blaney, John (2007). Lennon & McCartney: Together Alone. Jawbone Books. p. 41. ISBN 978-1-906002-02-2.
  8. Fanelli, Damian (17 June 2018). "Paul McCartney: 15 of His Best Under-the-Radar Solo Songs". guitarworld.com. Retrieved 27 December 2018.
  9. "RAM Tracklisting Announced Today". paulmccartney.com. 19 April 2012. Archived from the original on 1 May 2012. Retrieved 24 February 2016.


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