Shes Always a Woman by Billy Joel is a song that portrays a nuanced view of femininity, embracing both virtues and vices. Joel penned the track for his then-wife Elizabeth Weber, reflecting on her strength, complexity, and the challenges they faced together.
She can kill with a smile She can wound with her eyes She can ruin your faith with her casual lies And she only reveals what she wants you to see She hides like a child But she's always a woman to me
She can lead you to love She can take you or leave you She can ask for the truth But she'll never believe And she'll take what you give her, as long as its free She steals like a thief But she's always a woman to me
Ohhh.. she takes care of herself She can wait if she wants She's ahead of her time Ohhh.. and she never gives out And she never gives in She just changes her mind
And she'll promise you more Than the Garden of Eden Then she'll carelessly cut you And laugh while you're bleedin' But she'll bring out the best And the worst you can be Blame it all on yourself Cause she's always a woman to me
Ohhh.. she takes care of herself She can wait if she wants She's ahead of her time Ohhh.. and she never gives out And she never gives in She just changes her mind
She is frequently kind And she's suddenly cruel She can do as she pleases Shes nobody's fool But she can't be convicted She's earned her degree And the most she will do Is throw shadows at you But she's always a woman to me