Shania Twain’s ‘Man! I Feel Like a Woman!’ Becomes an Anthem of Female Empowerment and Genre-Defying Success in 1999
In 1999, country-pop superstar Shania Twain released one of the most electrifying anthems of the decade, “Man! I Feel Like a Woman!” The song, with its unmistakable opening riff and bold, celebratory lyrics, became an instant classic, bridging the worlds of country and pop with a level of crossover success that was nearly unprecedented. As the opening track and final single from her record-shattering album Come On Over, the song’s infectious energy and empowering message made it a defining moment not only for Twain but also for female-driven country-pop. It stormed the charts, with its music video becoming an MTV staple, and earned Twain a Grammy Award for Best Female Country Vocal Performance—cementing her as a genre-blending powerhouse.
By the time “Man! I Feel Like a Woman!” was released as a single, Twain had already revolutionized country music with her boundary-pushing blend of pop hooks and rock-influenced production. Born in Canada in 1965, Twain overcame personal hardship and loss to become one of the best-selling female artists of all time. Her third studio album, Come On Over, released in 1997, shattered records, becoming the best-selling country album in history and one of the top-selling albums worldwide. Twain’s charm, magnetic stage presence, and ability to deliver empowering anthems made her a generational icon, often compared to country legends like Dolly Parton, yet with a distinctly modern pop sensibility.
The origins of “Man! I Feel Like a Woman!” can be traced back to Twain’s creative partnership with her then-husband, producer Robert John “Mutt” Lange. Inspired by their experiences in the vibrant late ’90s pop and rock landscape, they sought to craft a song that would celebrate female confidence with an unapologetic, high-energy attitude. Twain later revealed that the song was partially inspired by the atmosphere of drag shows and how performers embraced femininity with flair and fun. The track’s playful and anthemic nature was intentional—Twain wanted it to be a declaration of freedom and self-expression, one that women everywhere could sing at the top of their lungs.
The recording process for “Man! I Feel Like a Woman!” was as dynamic as the song itself. Lange’s signature glossy production helped blend elements of country instrumentation—like the steady drum shuffle and subtle pedal steel—with a rock-infused electric guitar riff that immediately made the song recognizable. Twain’s confident, playful vocal delivery added to the song’s irresistible appeal, striking a perfect balance between country storytelling and pop showmanship. The call-and-response style of the chorus, punctuated by Twain’s spoken declaration—“Let’s go, girls!”—gave the track an interactive quality that resonated deeply with audiences.
Upon its release, “Man! I Feel Like a Woman!” became a global sensation. It topped the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart and made a strong showing on the Billboard Hot 100, while also breaking into international markets, something rare for a country single. In the UK, the song reached the Top 10, a testament to Twain’s unprecedented worldwide appeal. The song’s music video, featuring Twain in a gender-flipped homage to Robert Palmer’s “Addicted to Love”, further fueled its success, earning heavy rotation on MTV and CMT alike.
Beyond its chart performance, the song became a cultural touchstone, particularly for its role in reshaping perceptions of what female country artists could achieve. Twain’s fusion of country with pop and rock elements blurred genre lines, making the song a staple in both honky-tonks and dance clubs. Its empowering lyrics resonated with women of all ages, while its infectious melody ensured its place as a karaoke and wedding reception favorite for years to come.
For Twain, “Man! I Feel Like a Woman!” was more than just a hit—it was a statement. The song further established her as a dominant force in the industry, allowing her to headline international tours that filled stadiums, a feat almost unheard of for a female country artist at the time. Twain’s Vegas residency and later career reinventions can be directly traced back to the momentum songs like this one gave her.
The song’s influence extended far beyond Twain’s own career. It inspired a wave of country-pop crossovers, paving the way for artists like Carrie Underwood and Taylor Swift to blend country storytelling with pop production. Even in the rock and pop worlds, the song found an audience, with artists such as Harry Styles covering it in concert, proving its enduring, multi-genre appeal.
Notably, “Man! I Feel Like a Woman!” has been covered and performed in a variety of settings, from mainstream pop acts to drag performances. Celine Dion, Kelly Clarkson, and even contestants on reality singing competitions have all taken on the track, each recognizing its undeniable power as an anthem of confidence and self-expression.
At the time of the song’s release, Twain’s personal and professional life seemed to be at its peak. However, just a few years later, her world was shaken by a highly publicized divorce from Lange, which led to a period of withdrawal from the music industry. Still, even during her absence, “Man! I Feel Like a Woman!” never faded from pop culture consciousness. It remained a go-to song for empowerment campaigns, commercials, and celebratory moments in film and television.
Decades after its release, “Man! I Feel Like a Woman!” remains one of Twain’s signature songs and a defining moment in country-pop history. It continues to be a staple on radio playlists, feminist playlists, and nostalgia-driven dance floors worldwide. Twain has since received numerous lifetime achievement awards, and the song has been recognized as one of the greatest country-pop songs ever recorded.
The song’s legacy is undeniable. It shattered stereotypes, proving that a country song could be both fun and fiercely feminist. It also demonstrated that women in country music could command the same level of global superstardom as their male counterparts. The track’s genre-blending approach influenced the future of music, setting the stage for the country-pop explosion of the 2000s and beyond.
Ultimately, “Man! I Feel Like a Woman!” endures not just because of its catchy melody and energetic production, but because of its message. In an era when women were often boxed into traditional roles in country music, Twain delivered a song that encouraged freedom, fun, and unapologetic self-expression. More than two decades later, that message still rings loud and clear.
