Meaning of "This Woman's Work" by Maxwell

The lyrics of "This Woman's Work" delve into the complexities of the dynamics between a man and a woman during the transformative experience of childbirth. From the perspective of the man, the song highlights his feelings of helplessness as he witnesses the physical and emotional hardships endured by his partner. The opening lines, "Pray God you can cope, I stand outside, This woman's work, This woman's world," aptly capture the sense of separation and unavailability the man feels as he acknowledges that the burden of childbirth and caring for a child is solely on the woman.

The song also emphasizes the transition from the man's role to the woman's, as it states, "Now his part is over, Now starts the craft of the father." This line conveys the realization that while the man's initial responsibilities may be complete, the true challenges lie in embracing his role as a father and providing support to the woman during this new chapter.

The repeated refrain, "I know you've got a little life in you left, I know you've got a lotta strength left," serves as a comforting reminder to the woman that she still has the resilience and determination to push through the difficulties she faces. It acknowledges the woman's inner strength and serves as a plea to keep going, despite the overwhelming circumstances.

The lyrics also touch on the regrets and missed opportunities in the relationship, with lines such as "All the things we should've said that are never said, All the things we should've done that we never did." The song reflects on what could have been, expressing a desire to go back in time and make amends for the things that were not said or done.

Ultimately, "This Woman's Work" is a poignant portrayal of the complexities of childbirth, the emotional struggles experienced by both parents, and the need for empathy, understanding, and support within a relationship during such a challenging time.