“I am woman, hear me roar
In numbers too big to ignore
And I know too much to go back an’ pretend
‘Cause I’ve heard it all before
And I’ve been down there on the floor
No one’s ever gonna keep me down again
Oh yes, I am wise
But it’s wisdom born of pain
Yes, I’ve paid the price
But look how much I gained
If I have to
I can do anything
I am strong (strong)
I am invincible (invincible)
I am woman
You can bend but never break me
‘Cause it only serves to make me
More determined to achieve my final goal
And I come back even stronger
I am woman watch me grow
See me standing toe to toe
As I spread my lovin’ arms across the land”
Helens Reddy’s “I am woman” song screams power and pride. Although she uses the word “I” throughout the entire song she is implying all women, which makes the song more personal to females. Being released in 1974, when women were not treated with the same level of equality as men, it served as an extremely influential and moving sensation. Her first line states she is a woman and to hear her “roar.” This powerful command insists for people to listen to all women’s voices. Instead of saying “I am standing toe to toe” Reddy gives frequent prevailing commands such as “watch me grow” and “see me standing toe to toe” which enforces the importance of paying attention to women. In addition, women have been put down in society as inferior to men; however Reddy supports that women are able to accomplish the same successes and be equally productive in society.
The line “you can bend but never break me” proves the strength of women physically and mentally. Trying to put down women only gives them the determination to “come back even stronger” and achieve the final goal. The repetition in the chorus of “I am” strong, invincible and woman captures the essence that females are powerful human beings. Moreover, she describes her arms as “loving” as she spreads them across the land, this metaphor gives an image of a woman extending her kindness throughout the world. However, immediately after this verse she goes back to singing the chorus which establishes that women are compassionate yet strong. Every time I hear this song it sends an urge in me to sing along and advocate this message to all women.
