About the Song
"American Woman" is a song by the Canadian rock band the Guess Who. The song was first released in January 1970 on the album American Woman, and again in March 1970 as the second single from the album, backed with "No Sugar Tonight". The song reached number one for three weeks commencing May 9 on both the United States' Billboard Hot 100 and the Canadian RPM magazine singles chart. Billboard magazine placed the single at number three on the Year-End Hot 100 singles of 1970 list, and it was listed as number five for 1970 on the RPM Year-End Chart. On May 22, 1970, the single was certified as gold by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). It also reached the top ten in the Netherlands, Switzerland and Austria, and the top twenty in the United Kingdom and New Zealand.
Meaning Behind the Lyrics
"American Woman" can be seen as a powerful commentary on the complexities of gender and cultural identity during a tumultuous era. For many listeners, it expresses a sense of rebellion against societal expectations and norms, highlighting the tension between personal freedom and external pressures. The song's energetic rock sound complements its bold message, inviting interpretations related to the empowerment and independence of women. Additionally, the track resonates with themes of resistance and a desire for change, making it both a timeless anthem and a reflection of its time.
Did You Know?
- The Guess Who is a Canadian rock band formed in Winnipeg, Manitoba, in 1958.
- The band found their greatest success from 1969 to 1972, with hit songs including "American Woman", "These Eyes", "No Time", "No Sugar Tonight", "Laughing", "Share the Land" and "Clap for the Wolfman".
Music Details
These details come from the iTunes song listing used for the artwork and metadata match.
- Album/collection: The Best of the Guess Who
- Genre: Rock
- iTunes release date: January 1, 1970
- Track runtime: 3:53
Video Snapshot
- Video title: The Guess Who – American Woman (Official Audio)
- YouTube channel: TheGuessWhoVEVO
Quick Facts
- Artist: The Guess Who
- Song: American Woman
- Album/collection: The Best of the Guess Who
- Genre: Rock
- Reference page: American Woman
