The Meaning Behind The Song: Evil Woman by Electric Light Orchestra

Electric Light Orchestra (ELO) is a British rock band founded by Jeff Lynne in 1970. One of their most popular songs, Evil Woman, was released in 1975. The song became a hit in several countries, including the United States, United Kingdom, Netherlands, and Australia. Evil Woman has become a classic rock anthem, but what is the meaning behind it? In this article, we will dissect the lyrics and explore the possible interpretations of the song.

The Lyrics

The lyrics of Evil Woman are quite straightforward. The song is about a man warning another man about a woman who is manipulative and deceitful. The lyrics read:

You made a fool of me
But them broken dreams have got to end
Hey woman, you got the blues
‘Cause you ain’t got no one else to use
There’s an open road that leads nowhere
So just make some miles between here and there
There’s a hole in my head where the rain comes in
You took my body and played to win
Ha ha woman, it’s a crying shame
But you ain’t got nobody else to blame
Evil woman, evil woman, evil woman, evil woman

The repetition of “evil woman” is significant as it emphasizes the negative characteristics of the woman in question. The song suggests that she uses men for her own pleasure and leaves them brokenhearted. The man warning the other man has experienced this firsthand and is urging him to avoid her.

The Interpretation

The interpretation of Evil Woman is open to debate. On the surface, the song is about a manipulative woman who takes advantage of men. The lyrics suggest that the woman is evil and should be avoided. However, some have suggested that the song is also a commentary on the battle of the sexes during that era.

In the mid-1970s, feminism was just beginning to gain mainstream attention. Some have pointed out that the lyrics of Evil Woman reflect the fear of male entitlement being challenged. The man warning the other man may be representative of the patriarchal society resisting the changes that feminism was bringing forth. The repetition of “evil woman” may also be seen as a manifestation of the male fear of losing control.

Another interpretation suggests that Evil Woman is a commentary on the music industry itself. Jeff Lynne, the founder of ELO, has been vocal about the challenges he faced in the music industry during the 1970s. In an interview with Rolling Stone, he stated that the music industry was full of “evil women” who would use their power to manipulate and control musicians. The lyrics of Evil Woman may be viewed as a reflection of Lynne’s personal experiences with these “evil women.”

The Legacy of Evil Woman

Regardless of the interpretation, Evil Woman has become a timeless classic. The song has been covered by several artists, including Black Sabbath, Santana, and Crow. The opening riff of the song has become iconic and is recognizable by music fans of all ages.

Evil Woman has also been featured in several movies and TV shows, including Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery, Boogie Nights, and The Simpsons. The song has become a cultural icon and remains relevant to this day.

FAQs

1. Was Evil Woman a hit when it was released?

Yes, Evil Woman was a hit when it was released in 1975. The song reached number ten on the US Billboard Hot 100 and number nine on the UK Singles Chart.

2. Who wrote the lyrics for Evil Woman?

The lyrics for Evil Woman were written by Jeff Lynne, the founder of ELO.

3. What inspired Jeff Lynne to write Evil Woman?

There is no definitive answer to what inspired Jeff Lynne to write Evil Woman. Some have suggested that the song was inspired by Lynne’s personal experiences with manipulative women in the music industry.

4. Is Evil Woman a feminist song?

The interpretation of Evil Woman as a feminist song is up for debate. While some have suggested that the song is a commentary on male entitlement and the fear of losing control, others argue that the song reinforces negative gender stereotypes.

5. Has Evil Woman been covered by other artists?

Yes, Evil Woman has been covered by several artists, including Black Sabbath, Santana, and Crow.

6. What is the significance of the repetition of “evil woman” in the song?

The repetition of “evil woman” emphasizes the negative characteristics of the woman in question. The song suggests that she uses men for her own pleasure and leaves them brokenhearted.

7. What is the legacy of Evil Woman?

Evil Woman has become a cultural icon and remains relevant to this day. The song has been featured in several movies and TV shows and has been covered by several artists.

8. Why is Evil Woman considered a classic rock anthem?

Evil Woman is considered a classic rock anthem because of its catchy melody, iconic opening riff, and straightforward lyrics.

9. What challenges did Jeff Lynne face in the music industry during the 1970s?

Jeff Lynne has been vocal about the challenges he faced in the music industry during the 1970s, including dealing with “evil women” who would use their power to manipulate and control musicians.

10. What message does Evil Woman send to listeners?

Evil Woman sends a message to listeners to be careful of manipulative and deceitful people, particularly in romantic relationships.

11. Is Evil Woman still relevant today?

Yes, Evil Woman remains relevant today. The song’s message of caution against manipulative and deceitful people is a timeless one.

12. What impact did Evil Woman have on the music industry?

Evil Woman was a hit song that helped solidify ELO’s place in the music industry. The song’s popularity helped catapult ELO to international stardom.