Intr0duction
Shania Twain recently shared the tragic story behind one of her biggest hits. In a new interview, the iconic singer revealed that her smash song, “Man! I Feel Like a Woman!”, was inspired by a desire to reclaim her identity after an abusive childhood.
Twain explained that due to her stepfather’s abuse and physical violence towards her mother, she spent much of her youth feeling insecure and uncomfortable in her own skin. She actively tried to hide her body and avoided drawing attention to herself.
“That song was me saying I have waited too long to feel good about being a woman,” she said.
The five-time Grammy winner expressed that she felt she missed out on the joy of being a young woman. She never even wore a bathing suit to the beach as a teenager, feeling that boys would take advantage of her. However, she eventually grew tired of trying to conceal herself, and that frustration became the fuel for her hit song.
“I guess I was a late bloomer in getting comfortable in my own skin,” she noted. “But after a while, you just have to stop picking away at the things you can’t change.”
A Career Fueled by Resilience
Twain’s career and life have been filled with remarkable highs and devastating lows. After her parents died in a car accident when she was 22, she took on the responsibility of raising her younger siblings. She supported them by singing at a local resort and processed her own grief through songwriting.
Her success was nearly derailed after she contracted Lyme disease, which caused nerve damage to her vocal cords. At the same time, her then-husband and longtime collaborator, Robert “Mutt” Lange, left her for her best friend.
Despite all the challenges, Twain has become an unwavering advocate for female artists in the music industry. Her resilience and honest storytelling through music continue to resonate with millions of fans around the world, proving that her songs are truly anthems for every season of life.