Introduction:
She’s No Lady, a song written by Paul Weber, was released in 1972 and quickly became a defining moment in the career of country music singer Gene Watson. The song rocketed up the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart, peaking at number two. This success helped solidify Watson as a rising star within the country music genre.
She’s No Lady is a country ballad that explores themes of heartbreak and disillusionment. The narrator paints a picture of a woman who, despite outward appearances, falls short of his expectations of a lady. The song delves into the complexities of relationships, specifically the disconnect between how someone presents themselves and their true nature. She’s No Lady doesn’t rely on insults or derogatory terms towards women. Instead, the narrator uses subtle details to convey his disappointment and disillusionment.
While the exact producer of She’s No Lady remains unclear, it stands as a prime example of Gene Watson’s signature musical style. Watson was known for blending traditional country music with elements of honky-tonk and the Bakersfield sound. Honky-tonk, characterized by its upbeat tempo, prominent steel guitars, and focus on themes of heartbreak and drinking, adds a layer of liveliness to the song’s underlying sadness. The Bakersfield sound, developed in Bakersfield, California, in the 1950s and 1960s, often incorporated elements of electric guitars and a rougher, more energetic sound, which can also be heard in She’s No Lady. This unique blend of styles helped Watson carve out a distinct space for himself within the vast landscape of country music.
She’s No Lady’s commercial success and critical acclaim solidified Watson’s place in country music. The song became a staple of his live performances and helped propel him to greater stardom. She’s No Lady is not only a testament to Watson’s musical talent but also serves as a timeless reminder of the complexities of love and relationships.
Video:
Lyrics:
Tonight I hold the one I love far from the one at homeI picked her up some time ago and I never feel aloneI held on tight too many years to ever set her freeAnd though she’s not a lady she still means the world to me.
She’s no lady but I love her, she’s been known to be untrueShe’s been knocked around and picked on, even dropped a time or twoShe’s been passed around at parties, sat on everybody’s kneesThis old guitar’s changed hands a time or two but it still belongs to me.It still belongs to me.
— Instrumental —
She’s the one who keeps me from my wife and family half the timeShe haunts me and she drives me to these honky tonk divesI pick her up each evening as the neon starts to glowAnd hold her closer to my heart than any lady’s ever known
She’s no lady but I love her, she’s been known to be untrueShe’s been knocked around and picked on, even dropped a time or twoShe’s been passed around at parties, sat on everybody’s kneesThis old guitar’s changed hands a time or two but it still belongs to me.It still belongs to me.
She’s no lady but I love her, she’s been known to be untrueShe’s been knocked around and picked on, even dropped a time or twoShe’s been passed around at parties, sat on everybody’s kneesThis old guitar’s changed hands a time or two but it still belongs to me.It still belongs to me…