“Scroll down to the end of the article to listen to music.”
Introduction
“This Woman and This Man” by Clay Walker is a deeply resonant country ballad that speaks to anyone who has ever faced the challenges of love and communication in a relationship. Released in 1994, the song became one of Walker’s biggest hits, demonstrating his evolution as a serious artist beyond his earlier, more carefree hits. The song’s narrative, centered on a relationship at a crossroads, struck a chord with listeners and showcased Walker’s vocal and emotional depth.
About the Composition
- Title: “This Woman and This Man”
- Composer: Jeff Pennig and Michael Lunn
- Premiere Date: December 1994 (as a single)
- Album: If I Could Make a Living
- Genre: Country
- Background: The song was released as the second single from Walker’s sophomore album, If I Could Make a Living. It highlights the struggles of a couple trying to reconnect despite their differences. This poignant narrative, paired with Walker’s emotional delivery, helped the song top the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart, where it stayed at number one for two consecutive weeks in March 1995.
Musical Style “This Woman and This Man” is a mid-tempo ballad that balances rich country instrumentation with emotional storytelling. The arrangement includes classic country elements like fiddle, steel guitar, and electric guitar, layered with powerful, resonant drums that elevate the emotional intensity of the song. Walker’s signature growling vocal technique in the final verses adds a raw, pleading energy that makes the listener feel the urgency of the story. The song’s production, led by James Stroud, creates a cinematic feel, blending traditional country with contemporary elements
Lyrics The lyrics are deeply introspective, focusing on the miscommunication between two partners. The protagonist reflects on how a once deeply in-love couple could drift apart, using the story of a hypothetical “woman and man” to symbolize their struggle. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a relationship on the verge of collapse, yet filled with hope for reconciliation. Themes of love, regret, and yearning are beautifully interwoven with the music, making the song relatable to anyone who has faced difficult times in a relationship
Performance History Since its release, “This Woman and This Man” has remained one of Walker’s most beloved songs. The music video, directed by Bill Young, adds another layer to the song’s narrative by showing Walker and his lover at a meeting, seemingly on the brink of a breakup. The video shifts between modern-day and dream-like sequences of reconciliation, mirroring the emotional highs and lows of the song
Cultural Impact The song solidified Walker’s position as a major force in the 1990s country music scene. It demonstrated his ability to tackle complex emotional themes, elevating him from a fresh face in country to a seasoned storyteller. “This Woman and This Man” became one of his signature hits, and its themes of love and conflict continue to resonate with listeners today. It has been included in various country music retrospectives and is regarded as one of the essential country singles of the 1990s
Legacy More than two decades after its release, “This Woman and This Man” continues to be a highlight of Clay Walker’s career. Its emotional depth, coupled with its commercial success, ensures its place in the country music canon. Walker’s heartfelt performance of the song still connects with audiences, as it encapsulates timeless themes of love, miscommunication, and reconciliation. It remains a favorite in his live performances and has influenced many country ballads that followed
Conclusion “This Woman and This Man” is a masterclass in storytelling, blending personal reflection with universal themes. Its powerful lyrics, combined with Walker’s raw emotional delivery, make it a standout in 90s country music. If you haven’t experienced this song yet, now is the perfect time. For a truly memorable rendition, check out Clay Walker’s live performances to feel the full impact of this classic hit.
Video
Lyrics
Been trying so hard just to talk to you
Haven’t heard half of what you want me to
I hurt so bad over where we’ve been
Don’t know how not to go back there again
I know what I want to say
Can I get it through to you now
In some other way
Like there was this woman and there was this man
There was this moment they had a chance
To hold on to what they had
How could they be so in love and still never see
Now nothing could be sadder than
This woman, this woman and this man
A strangers eyes in a lovers face
See no signs of a better time and place
Have we lost the key to an open door
I feel the need to reach out to you even more
It’s a circle we’re going round
If we don’t get us out from under it’s going to take us down
See there was this woman and there was this man
There was this moment they had a chance
To hold on to what they had
How could they be so in love and still never see
Now nothing could be sadder than
This woman, this woman and this man
For all we’ve got to lose, so much to gain
If we come this far and leave it behind
There’s only you and me to blame
See there was this woman and there was this man
There was this moment they had a chance to hold on to what they had
How can they be so in love and still never see
How they can get it back again
This woman, this woman and this man
Yeah we can get it back again
This woman, this woman and this man
(Hmm hmm hmm hmm hmm)