“Man! I Feel Like a Woman!” – Shania Twain’s Glorious Anthem of Uninhibited Feminine Joy
The late 1990s were a fascinating time in music, a period where genres began to blur, and artists found new ways to connect with massive audiences. Amidst the rise of pop princesses and boy bands, a Canadian country sensation named Shania Twain stormed onto the scene, not just with her voice, but with an audacious spirit and a knack for crafting songs that were both undeniably country and irresistibly pop. She was a breath of fresh air, a glamorous figure who sang about everyday experiences with a knowing wink and a powerful, empowering message.
“Man! I Feel Like a Woman!” is undeniably Shania Twain’s signature song, a jubilant declaration that, even decades later, still makes you want to crank up the volume and dance. Released in March 1999 as the eighth single from her colossal 1997 album, Come On Over, this track cemented her status as a global superstar. While Come On Over itself was an absolute phenomenon, becoming the best-selling studio album by a female solo artist of all time, the single “Man! I Feel Like a Woman!” also achieved significant chart success. It soared to number 4 on the Hot Country Songs chart in the US, crossed over impressively to reach number 23 on the Billboard Hot 100, and even hit number 3 on the UK Singles Chart. The song was a critical darling too, earning Shania Twain a Grammy for Best Female Country Vocal Performance in 2000. It wasn’t just a hit; it was a cultural touchstone.
Written by Shania Twain and her then-husband and longtime collaborator, Robert John “Mutt” Lange, the song’s origin is as intriguing as its vibrant energy. Twain has revealed that the inspiration for this anthem of female liberation came partly from her experiences in her youth, dancing at LGBTQ+ bars in Toronto. She witnessed men freely expressing themselves through elaborate dress and makeup, a liberating experience that sowed the seeds for her own embrace of bold femininity. For years, she had felt a need to shy away from her curves or simply wished she wasn’t a woman, often due to past traumas. This song became her unapologetic declaration, a powerful statement that she had “waited too long to feel good about being a woman.” It was about shedding inhibitions, celebrating one’s spirit, and embracing the joy of being female without apology or restraint. The iconic music video, with Twain in a top hat and menswear-inspired attire, flanked by men in full makeup, visually reinforced this playful subversion of traditional gender roles, while simultaneously celebrating the glamour of being a woman.
For many of us who remember the song’s arrival, it felt like a permission slip. It was a boisterous, joyous invitation to “go totally crazy,” to “forget I’m a lady” in the most empowering sense, and to simply have a good time. It wasn’t about discarding femininity, but rather reclaiming it, redefining it on one’s own terms. The raw, almost guttural “Man!” at the beginning of the song, followed by the exuberant declaration, captures that initial burst of realization and freedom. It’s a song that speaks to the unbridled fun of dressing up, putting on makeup, and feeling utterly fabulous, not for anyone else, but for yourself. It celebrates the “prerogative to have a little fun” and to dance with abandon. Looking back, Shania Twain wasn’t just singing; she was leading a movement, subtly shifting the landscape of country music and pop by demonstrating that female artists could be both strong and glamorous, relatable and aspirational. It became an anthem for women everywhere, a song that transcended its country roots to become a universal soundtrack for joy, confidence, and self-acceptance. Its infectious energy remains undimmed, a timeless reminder to embrace your true self and revel in every moment.