A Good Man

Description

Reflection and Listener Guide for “A Good Man”

Overview:

“A Good Man” is a raw and soulful exploration of desire, vulnerability, and the longing for a deep, genuine connection. The song speaks to the universal craving for love that makes one feel alive, seen, and safe. Through simple yet evocative lyrics, it captures a yearning for a partner who can offer both passion and security, someone who fulfills emotional and physical needs. The repeated plea for a “good man” emphasizes the importance of trust, stability, and reciprocity in relationships, making it a relatable anthem for anyone seeking true companionship.

Verse Breakdown:

First Verse: “Roll me over and kiss me baby / Like it’s 1969…”

The opening lines immediately set a nostalgic tone, invoking a sense of youthful passion and carefree love. The reference to 1969—a year often associated with freedom and revolution—implies a desire to return to a time when love felt exciting and full of possibility. The lyrics, “I’ve got to get some love / That makes me feel alive,” express the narrator’s need for more than just physical affection; they long for a connection that brings vitality and meaning to their life. This verse sets the stage for a deeper exploration of emotional intimacy.

Second Verse: “I want you to know me / Like nobody’s ever known…”

In this verse, the narrator reveals a deeper desire for emotional intimacy. They want to be truly seen and understood by their partner in a way that they’ve never experienced before. The lyrics, “I want to show you sides of me / I’ve never shown,” express the vulnerability involved in opening up fully to someone, while the line “Wrap your arms around me babe / So I feel safe at night” emphasizes the need for security in love. This verse highlights the delicate balance between passion and the deeper need for trust and emotional safety in relationships.

Chorus: “All I ever wanted was woman / To be a good man to me…”

The chorus is the emotional core of the song. The repeated refrain, “All I ever wanted was woman / To be a good man to me,” underscores the narrator’s longing for a relationship that is grounded in mutual respect, kindness, and love. The repetition of the phrase, coupled with the impassioned “lord, lordy, lordy, lord,” gives the song a prayer-like quality, as if the narrator is calling out to the universe for this simple yet profound desire. This plea for a “good man” speaks to the universal human need for a partner who can offer stability and emotional support.

Bridge: “Ahh, Ahh, Ahh, Ahh…”

The wordless vocalization in the bridge adds an emotional release to the song, allowing the listener to feel the depth of the narrator’s longing without words. It’s a moment of pure feeling, where the music takes over and conveys what words cannot—an aching need for connection and fulfillment.

Key Themes:

• Desire for Emotional and Physical Connection: The song emphasizes the narrator’s yearning for both physical affection and emotional intimacy. They want to feel alive through love, but also safe and seen in a way they’ve never experienced before.
• Vulnerability in Love: There is a deep sense of vulnerability in the lyrics, especially in the verses where the narrator asks to be known fully and held close. This vulnerability makes the desire for a “good man” feel even more urgent and sincere.
• Longing for Stability: The repeated plea for a “good man” reflects a desire for more than just passion; it’s about finding someone who is kind, dependable, and emotionally supportive—a partner who can be trusted to make everything feel “alright.”
• Nostalgia and Yearning: The reference to 1969 and the overall tone of the song evoke a sense of nostalgia for a time when love felt simpler, freer, and more spontaneous. This yearning for the past ties into the narrator’s desire for a love that is both passionate and secure.

Reflective Questions for Listeners:

• What does being a “good man” or having a “good man” mean to you? Reflect on the qualities you value most in a partner.
• How do you relate to the balance between passion and emotional safety in relationships? Consider times when you’ve experienced or longed for both.
• Have you ever felt the kind of vulnerability the narrator expresses in this song? Think about moments when you’ve opened yourself up to someone, hoping to be seen and loved for who you truly are.

Credits

Lyrics and Music: Whit Whitley
Music Recorded: The Sound, Hilton Head, SC
Vocals Recorded: Luggage Factory Lofts, Brooklyn (Red Hook), NY
Produced: Greg Critchley
Engineered: Greg Critchley
Mixed: Whit Whitley
Mastered: Olav Christensen
Musicians: Whit Whitley, Greg Critchley
Label: East Broad Records
Publisher: Creative Coast Publishing
Copyright: 2022 Whit Whitley

Specs
Format: High-resolution WAV file download
Download Limit: 3 times
Download Expiry: 30 days