Title: The Heartbreaking Journey of Kate Bush’s “This Woman’s Work”
Introduction
Music has been an integral part of our lives for centuries, with some songs speaking to us on a much deeper level than others. One such song that resonates with millions of people around the world is Kate Bush’s “This Woman’s Work”. Released in 1989 as part of the soundtrack for the film “She’s Having a Baby”, the song talks about the struggles and sacrifices that women have to endure. But what is the true meaning behind this iconic song?
Kate Bush: A Brief Overview
Kate Bush is a British singer-songwriter who rose to fame in the late 1970s with her debut album “The Kick Inside” which included hit singles such as “Wuthering Heights”. Known for her ethereal voice, unique writing style, and eccentric personality, Kate has become a cult figure in the music industry with a huge following worldwide.
The Inspiration Behind the Song
“This Woman’s Work” is a song that speaks to women on multiple levels, but it was inspired by a specific event in Kate Bush’s life. In 1987, John Hughes, the director of the film “She’s Having a Baby”, asked Kate to write a song for the movie. The film explores the journey of a married couple who are trying to have a baby, and John wanted a song that captured the emotion and complexity of that journey.
At the time, Kate was also pregnant with her first child. Unfortunately, during her pregnancy, Kate also suffered a miscarriage. This tragedy had a profound impact on her life and inspired her to write “This Woman’s Work”. The song talks about the pain and heartbreak of losing a child, as well as the resilience and strength of women who are able to pick themselves up and move forward despite their grief.
The Lyrics
The lyrics of “This Woman’s Work” are powerful and emotional, with each verse highlighting a different aspect of the pain and sacrifice that women are subjected to in society. Here are some of the most poignant lyrics:
“Pray God you can cope
I stand outside
This woman’s work
This woman’s world
Ooh, it’s hard on the man
Now his part is over
Now starts the craft of the father”
These lyrics talk about the struggles of pregnancy and how women have to bear the brunt of it. They also acknowledge the difficulties faced by men who are not able to fully comprehend the emotional and physical toll that pregnancy takes on women.
“There’s a man goin’ round takin’ names
And he decides who to free and who to blame
Everybody won’t be treated all the same
There’ll be a golden ladder reaching down
When the man comes around”
These lyrics highlight the inequality in society and how some people have more privilege than others. It also speaks to the hope that someday, everyone will be treated equally regardless of their gender, race, or social status.
The Music Video
The music video for “This Woman’s Work” is also noteworthy as it features Kate Bush dancing and emoting in a way that is very raw and authentic. She is dressed in a simple black outfit with no makeup, and her movements are fluid and graceful. The video is shot in black and white, which adds to the somber and contemplative mood of the song.
The Legacy of the Song
Over the years, “This Woman’s Work” has become an anthem for women all over the world. It has been covered by several artists, including Maxwell, Greg Laswell, and Kate’s own son, Bertie. It has also been used in several TV shows and movies, including “American Idol”, “So You Think You Can Dance” and “Love Actually”.
In 2007, the song gained renewed popularity when it was used in a commercial for the American television series “The Sopranos”. The ad featured a montage of scenes from the show set to the haunting melody of “This Woman’s Work”. It was a fitting tribute to the power and impact of the song, which had touched so many people’s lives.
Conclusion
Kate Bush’s “This Woman’s Work” is a song that has stood the test of time. It speaks to women on a deep and personal level, touching on the struggles and sacrifices that they have to endure every day. The song is a testament to the power of music and how it can connect people across boundaries and borders. It is a song that will continue to inspire and comfort generations of women to come.
