About the song
Background of Kentucky Woman by Neil Diamond
- Released in October 1967, “Kentucky Woman” was Neil Diamond’s last hit single for Bang Records.
- The song was a minor hit in the US, reaching number 22 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
- Interestingly, it did better in other countries, reaching the top 10 in New Zealand and the top 6 in Canada.
- It’s a pop song with some country influences, and the original recording by Diamond is in mono.
There isn’t a confirmed story behind the inspiration for the lyrics, but some accounts suggest:
- Diamond wrote it while on tour, inspired by the beauty of women he saw in a small town.
Themes in Kentucky Woman
The lyrics paint a picture of a strong, independent woman from Kentucky. The narrator is clearly smitten with her, but she seems uninterested in him. Here are some of the themes explored in the song:
- Southern charm: The song evokes a sense of place, highlighting the beauty and culture of Kentucky.
- Unrequited love: The narrator’s admiration for the woman goes unreturned.
- Female empowerment: The Kentucky woman is portrayed as self-assured and unwilling to settle.
- Beauty and desire: The song celebrates feminine beauty and the power it can hold.
Video
Lyrics
Kentucky woman
She shines with her own kind of light She’d look at you once And a day that’s all wrong looks all right And I love her God knows, I love herKentucky woman
If she get to know you She goin’ to own you Kentucky womanWell, she ain’t the kind
Makes heads turn at the drop of her name But something inside That she’s got turn you on just the same And she loves me God knows, she loves meKentucky woman
If she get to know you She goin’ to own you Kentucky womanI don’t want much
The good Lord’s earth beneath my feet A gentle touch from that one girl And life is sweet and good Ain’t no doubt I’m talkin’ aboutKentucky woman
If she get to know you She goin’ to own you Kentucky womanI don’t want much
The good Lord’s earth beneath my feet A gentle touch from that one girl And life is sweet and good Ain’t no doubt I’m talkin’ aboutKentucky woman
If she get to know you She goin’ to own you Kentucky woman Kentucky woman Kentucky woman