What Is A Woman For?

The song 'What Is A Woman For?' by the Edgar Broughton Band delves into the complex and often misunderstood role of women in society. The lyrics begin with a metaphorical image of dropping a word in the water, which eventually falls into the sea. This can be interpreted as the search for meaning or understanding, which is a gradual and sometimes elusive process. The voice in the sand holding out a hand with words written just for the narrator suggests a moment of revelation or insight, yet the question 'What is a woman really for?' remains unanswered, highlighting the ongoing quest for understanding women's roles and identities.

The song also touches on societal expectations and pressures. The lines 'The people were calling / Get up on the wall / Hey you there do the talking / Are you ready to fall?' suggest a public demand for the narrator to conform or perform, possibly reflecting the societal pressures women face to fit into predefined roles. The narrator's internal warmth contrasted with the external coolness hints at the complexity and depth of women's experiences and emotions, which are often hidden beneath the surface.

Furthermore, the mention of a baby inside and the acknowledgment of sin point to themes of motherhood and moral judgment. The phrase 'The most we can hope for is sin' could be interpreted as a commentary on the flawed nature of human existence and the unrealistic expectations placed on women. The repetition of the initial metaphor at the end of the song reinforces the cyclical nature of these questions and the enduring struggle to find answers. Through its poetic and evocative lyrics, the song invites listeners to reflect on the multifaceted and often contradictory roles that women navigate in their lives.