About the song
“I Got a Woman” is a seminal song in the history of American music, written and recorded by the legendary Ray Charles in 1954. This iconic tune, which has since become a classic of soul music, was born out of a fusion of gospel, blues, and jazz influences. Charles, who was known for his innovative blend of genres, drew inspiration from the Southern Tones’ “It Must Be Jesus” and Big Bill Broonzy’s “Living on Easy Street” to create a song that would revolutionize the music landscape.
Recorded on November 18, 1954, at the Atlanta studios of Georgia Tech radio station WGST, “I Got a Woman” was Charles’ first major hit, reaching number one on the R&B charts in January 1955. The song’s success was a testament to Charles’ unique talent and his ability to blend different styles to create something new and innovative. “I Got a Woman” was not only a hit for Charles but also a precursor to the development of soul music, a genre that would go on to shape the sound of popular music in the decades to come.
The song’s impact was immediate and far-reaching. It not only launched Charles’ career as a solo artist but also paved the way for other soul and R&B musicians to experiment with new sounds and styles. “I Got a Woman” has since been recognized as one of the greatest songs of all time, ranking number 239 on Rolling Stone’s list of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time. In 1990, the original 1954 recording of the song was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame, a testament to its enduring influence and significance in the world of music.
Video
Lyrics
Well
I got a woman, way over town
That’s good to me, oh yeah
Say, I got a woman, way over town
Good to me, oh yeah
She give me money when I’m in need
Yeah, she’s a kind of friend indeed
I got a woman, way over town
That’s good to me, oh yeah
She saves her lovin’, early in the morning
Just for me, oh yeah
She saves her lovin’, early in the morning
Just for me, oh yeah
She saves her lovin’, just for me
Ah, she love me so tenderly
I got a woman, way over town
That’s good to me, oh yeah
She’s there to love me
Both day and night
Never grumbles or fusses
Always treats me right
Never runnin’ in the streets
And leavin’ me alone
She knows a woman’s place
Is right there now in her home
I got a woman, way over town
That’s good to me, oh yeah
Say, I got a woman, way over town
That’s good to me, oh yeah
Oh, she’s my baby
Oh, don’t you understand?
Yeah, and I’m her lover man
I got a woman, way over town
That’s good to me, oh yeah
Oh, don’t you know she’s alright
Oh, don’t you know she’s alright
She’s alright, she’s alright
Whoa yeah, oh yeah