Man Smart (Woman Smarter)

Harry Belafonte

About Man Smart (Woman Smarter)

"Man Smart (Woman Smarter)" is a calypso song variously credited as being composed by Norman Span (King Radio), D. L. Miller, F. Kuhn, and Charles Harris. Span's authorship seems most likely since, as a popular calypso musician and songwriter, he first recorded the song in 1936, and none of the other ascribed composers are associated with calypso. Miller's music industry career began around 1950. Artists from many genres, including Joan Baez, Harry Belafonte, the Carpenters, Rosanne Cash, Chubby Checker, Dr Victor, Robert Palmer, and Ratdog, have recorded the song. It was a staple of the live repertoire of the Grateful Dead from 1981 to 1995. Belafonte's first of three recordings of the song was included on his best-selling album Calypso, which reached number one on the Billboard Top Pop Albums chart in 1956, and remained on the chart for 31 weeks. Span is credited as the song's composer on Belafonte's albums. It is sung by Desi Arnaz, Lucille Ball, William Frawley and Vivian Vance in the 1957 episode of I Love Lucy entitled "Ragtime Band". 


Year:
2010
3:34
43 
#1

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I say let us put man and a woman together
To find out which one is smarter
Some say man but I say no
The woman got the man de day should know

And not me but the people they say
That de man are leading de women astray
But I say, that the women of today
Smartre than the man in every way
That's right de woman is uh smarter
That's right de woman is uh smarter
That's right de woman is uh smarter, that's right, that's right

Ever since the world began
Woman was always teaching man
And I you listen to my bid attentively
I goin' tell you how she smarter than me

Samson was the strongest man long ago
No one could a beat him, as we all know
Until he clash with Deliah on top of the bed
She told them all the strength was in the hair of his head

You meet a girl at a pretty dance
Thinking that you would stand a chance
Take her home, thinking she's alone
Open de door you find her husband home

I was treating a girl independently
She was making baby for me
When de baby born and I went to see
Eyes was blue it was not by me

Garden of Eden was very nice
Adam never work in Paradise
Eve meet snake, Paradise gone
She make Adam work from that day on

Methuselah spent all his life in tears
Lived without a woman for 900 years
One day he decided to have some fun
The poor man never lived to see 900 and one

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Harry Belafonte

Harold George "Harry" Belafonte, Jr. (born March 1, 1927) is an American singer, songwriter, actor and social activist. He was dubbed the "King of Calypso" for popularizing the Caribbean musical style with an international audience in the 1950s. Belafonte is perhaps best known for singing "The Banana Boat Song", with its signature lyric "Day-O". Throughout his career he has been an advocate for civil rights and humanitarian causes and was a vocal critic of the policies of the George W. Bush Administration. more »

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Written by: Harry Belafonte, Jack Segal, Norman Span

Lyrics © NEXT DECADE ENTERTAINMENT,INC., Universal Music Publishing Group

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Song Origin
"Man Smart (Woman Smarter)" is a calypso song typically credited to Norman Span or King Radio (the stage name for Norman Span).
Other Artists' Version
This song has been covered by multiple well-known artists over the years, including the Carpenters, Harry Belafonte, Robert Palmer, and Rosanne Cash.
Carpenters' Version
In 1977, the American pop duo the Carpenters added a cover of "Man Smart (Woman Smarter)" to their album "Passage". This version leaned heavily into a pop/soft rock sound.
Harry Belafonte's Contribution
Harry Belafonte, a widely popular Jamaican-American singer, brought the song into mainstream recognition when he covered it in 1956. Belafonte was known for popularizing the Caribbean musical style, which can be heard in his rendition of the song.
Robert Palmer's Rendition
English rock singer Robert Palmer also covered "Man Smart (Woman Smarter)" but added his distinctive rock touch to it. This version appeared on his 1980 album, "Clues" and a live version was also included in his 1982 album, "Maybe It’s Live".
Rosanne Cash’s Cover
Rosanne Cash, an American singer-songwriter and the daughter of country music icon Johnny Cash, added a country flavor to her cover version of "Man Smart (Woman Smarter)". This version was featured on her 1985 album, "Rhythm & Romance".
Song Interpretation
The lyrics of "Man Smart (Woman Smarter)" can be perceived as either a feminist anthem praising female intelligence or a tongue-in-cheek joke about gender roles, depending on interpretation.
Popular Culture Inclusion
The song's popularity has ensured it has featured in various television shows, movies, and even an episode of "The Muppet Show" where it was performed by Miss Piggy.
The Grateful Dead's Regular Performance
The Grateful Dead, an American rock band, performed this song regularly as part of their live concerts from the mid-1980s until their disbandment in 1995. Their version is one of the most recognized covers of the song.
Song Recognition
Though many artists have covered this song, perhaps the most famous version remains that of Harry Belafonte, as he helped bring calypso music to the worldwide music charts.

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