Woman To Woman

The song dives into themes of love, betrayal, and womanhood. It highlights the emotional struggles women face when it comes to relationships. Shirley’s call to Barbara is both a confrontation and a plea for understanding. She’s not just claiming her man; she’s revealing her heart and the pain of possibly losing him. The song captures the complexity of love and the fierce bond women can share, even in competition.

Verse 1

Hello, may I speak to Barbara
Barbara, this is Shirley
You might not know who I am
But the reason I am

Shirley opens the song with a direct phone call, setting a personal tone. She establishes herself and addresses Barbara, making it clear this is an important conversation. The way she introduces herself feels both respectful and urgent, as if she knows the weight of what she's about to say.

Chorus

So woman to woman
I don't think it's being
Any more than fair to call you
And let you know where

In the chorus, Shirley emphasizes the connection between women. She talks about fairness and honesty, suggesting that this conversation is necessary. It’s almost like she’s asking for mutual respect, showing that she values Barbara’s feelings too, even while asserting her own.

Verse 2

Now Barbara, I don't know
How you're gonna take this
But whether you be cool or
Come out of a bag on me

Here, Shirley acknowledges that the conversation could go either way. It shows her vulnerability. She’s ready for any reaction, whether calm or angry, which makes her seem brave. This adds tension to the conversation and highlights her emotional investment in the situation.

Chorus

But it's only fair
That I let you know that
The man you're in love with
He's mine

The repetition of the chorus reinforces her main point: she’s claiming her love. It’s a strong declaration that she feels justified in making this call. By repeating it, she stresses the importance of honesty in relationships, no matter how painful it might be.

Verse 3

From the top of his head
To the bottom of his feet
The bed he sleeps in and
Every piece of food he eats

In this verse, Shirley lists all the ways she supports him, making her love clear. She’s not just claiming him; she’s showing how deeply she cares for him. This adds a layer of intensity to her message, emphasizing that her commitment goes beyond mere words.

Chorus

You see I make it possible
The clothes on his back
Ha ha, I buy them
The car he drives

This continues her declaration of love and ownership. It feels almost like a battle cry, where she outlines the sacrifices she’s made. The laugh suggests a mix of confidence and defiance, indicating that she’s proud of what she’s done for him.

Bridge

Oh, oh, woman to woman
If you've ever been in love
Then you'd know how I feel

The bridge invites empathy from Barbara. Shirley isn’t just asking for sympathy; she’s hoping for understanding. It creates a moment of connection between the two women, suggesting they might share similar experiences in love, even if they’re on opposite sides.

Chorus

And woman to woman
Now, if you were in my shoes
Wouldn't you have done
The same thing too

In this repeated chorus, she challenges Barbara to relate to her situation. It’s a powerful call for recognition of her feelings. She’s not just looking for validation; she’s asking for shared understanding, which adds depth to her plea.

Verse 4

Oh, oh, woman to woman
Can't you see
Where I'm coming from
Woman to woman

Shirley continues to emphasize the bond between them. She’s not just a rival; she’s a woman reaching out for comprehension. This line suggests a desire for a peaceful resolution, rather than a fight, highlighting her emotional intelligence.

Chorus

Ain't that the same
Thing you would've done
Oh, oh, woman to woman
Now should I just step aside

In this part, she questions the fairness of the situation again. It’s a moment of reflection, as she wonders if she should just give up without a fight. This adds a layer of sadness and desperation to her plea, showing how deeply she values her relationship.

Outro

And let her take
What's rightfully mine
Oh, oh, woman to woman
Was I right or was I wrong

The outro leaves us with a sense of uncertainty. Shirley questions her own actions, showing the emotional toll this situation has taken on her. It captures the struggle of wanting to hold on and the fear of losing everything she’s built.

Closing Thoughts

"Woman To Woman" is a powerful exploration of love and loyalty. Shirley Brown’s heartfelt lyrics and emotional delivery create a vivid picture of a woman standing her ground. It’s a reminder that love can be complicated, especially when it involves more than one person. The song encourages empathy and understanding among women, even in tough situations.