Unveiling the Untold Story: Earl Thomas Conley’s Chart-Topping Ballad “What She Is (Is a Woman in Love)”
In the realm of music collaborations, Earl Thomas Conley‘s partnership with Randy Scruggs gave birth to a remarkable album called “The Heart of It All” in 1988. Filled with doubts about their own abilities, the duo sought the assistance of Emory Gordy, Jr. to ensure the project’s success. Despite his talent, Conley contributed only three original songs to the album, turning to the renowned Bob McDill for the first single, a captivating tune titled “What She Is (Is a Woman in Love).“
The process of creating this song was no easy feat for McDill and his co-writer, Paul Harrison. They toiled over it for several months, as its deceptive simplicity presented a unique challenge. McDill, revered as one of country music’s most prolific songwriters, attests that crafting a simple yet profound message is the true artistry in a country song.
Conley, drawing inspiration from McDill’s demo of the song, recorded his own rendition. While he veered away from replicating McDill’s phrasing, Conley’s interpretation struck a chord with McDill himself. In fact, McDill believed that Earl had elevated the song to an even greater level, showcasing his exceptional talent. As was customary, once Conley made a song his own, it became forever synonymous with his name.
Although Conley recognized that “What She Is (Is a Woman in Love)” portrayed a somewhat chauvinistic perspective, depicting women as saintly figures enduring their partner’s lack of consideration, he personally resonated with the track. Having experienced a period in his life akin to what the song depicted, Conley carried deep remorse for putting his wife through such hardships.
On June 4, 1988, “What She Is (Is a Woman in Love)” soared to the pinnacle of Earl’s career, claiming the coveted number one spot on Billboard’s charts. This triumphant achievement marked Conley’s 15th out of 18 chart-topping hits, solidifying his status as a country music icon.
Artist: Earl Thomas Conley
Released: 1988
Album: The Heart of It All
Lyrics
There’s a lot of nice things
That he never told her
And he forgets to hold her
When she needs him sometimes
The promises he made her
He never got around to
Still the thought of leavin’
Never crossed her mind
Cause what she sees, is only what she wants to
And what she has, she thinks is enough
And what she does, is just look at the good things
And what she is, is a woman in love
He forgets to call her
So he keeps her waiting
He’s always breaking the plans that she’s made
And there’s so many good things
That he never gave her
But it never mattered, to her anyway
Cause what she sees, is only what she wants to
What she has, she thinks is enough
What she does, is just look at the good things
And what she is, is a woman in love
And he’s just an ordinary guy
Like you and I
And she’s looking at him with her heart
And not her eyes
What she sees, is only what she wants to
And what she has, she thinks is enough
And what she does, is just look at the good things
And what she is, is a woman in love
What she sees, is only what she wants to
And what she has, she thinks is enough
And what she does, is just look at the good things
And what she is, is a woman in love
