Format 7" | Released 19 February 1971 Recorded 3 November 1970 Length 4:32 | |
"Oh Woman, Oh Why" is a song written by English musician Paul McCartney, first released on the Apple Records label in February 1971 as the B-side to McCartney's debut single as a solo artist, "Another Day".
Contents
Release
Upon release, "Another Day/Oh Woman, Oh Why" achieved a top-5 status in both the United Kingdom and the United States, reaching number 5 on the Billboard Hot 100 and number 2 in the United Kingdom in April 1971. On the Cash Box Top 100 chart, which listed sides separately, the song peaked at number 55. The song has also been praised for McCartney's impressive range of vocal pitch.
Style
The overall style of "Oh Woman, Oh Why" is that of a tense, blues rock song complimented by a fierce vocal delivery. In addition, the song is paced by drum rhythm which establishes a solid foundation upon which tight guitar lines interweave. McCartney's gritty vocal upon this track has been described by one author as being as one of his most solid and authentic performances.
Later release
Although "Another Day" and "Oh Woman, Oh Why" were not originally released upon any solo or Wings album, both songs would be released as bonus tracks upon later editions of Paul and Linda McCartney's 1971 solo album, Ram. "Oh Woman, Oh Why" has also been included upon the Special and Deluxe editions of the 2012 remasters of Ram.