It's A Man Lyrics - Betty Hutton

Song Facts:

• Genre: Pop, Swing


• Lyricist: Betty Hutton




Rumors:

"It's a Man" by Betty Hutton, while it was mostly seen as having a bit of light fun on gender stereotypes, sparked the debate for its meaning in looking at gender perception and its ramification on societal expectations.
The interpretation is that of a bright, edgy, tongue-in-cheek commentary on how women were supposed to look at men in the mid-20th century, casting it into a satirical perspective on the gender roles.



Artist Info:

Betty Hutton was an American actress and recording artist who rose to stardom as a zany, energetic star of Hollywood through the 1940s to the mid-1950s.

Hutton's career was known for its "exuberant style" and her "powerful" voice; she recorded many best-sellers and had leading roles in several of the hit films of the era.
Her performances had ebullient energy and a gift for infusing emotion into song that made her a favorite of film buffs during the classic era of Hollywood musicals. Frequently, the music was synonymous with Hutton's screen roles, furthering the reputation of a dynamic entertainer.



Annotations and Meaning:



In "It's A Man," Betty Hutton wittily idolizes the qualities and behavior that supposedly belong to a man with satiric lyrics full of sardonic humor. The song goes on to radiate ridiculous stereotypes, mocking each crazier notion at judging a person on the basis of norms of gender roles.

The call of "beware" to men, humorously classified as a "two-legged animal," really sets a playful tone, hence suggesting the change of allusion to a light-hearted scrutiny of male behavior.

Verse 1 & 2: Here is where the hilarious and stinging male habits and traits are listed, among them cigar smoking, lying, and stubbornness. The listener is, therefore, given an opportunity to reflect on an exaggerated form of gender difference presented in a humorous way. Chorus: In the chorus, a level of caution and allure is projected, while warning the listener over the charismatic influence of men but also noting some aspect of the romantic charm men might possess. It portrays men as being a source of frustration, but at the same time being adorable and lovely.

The playful directive to "grab it" if a man is romantic or proposes marriage is humorous advice for ladies on how to relate with men—being both cautious and proactive at the same time when in a relationship. This dual message plays into the very concept that women should be guarded and assertive, mirroring back the complex social dynamics of dating and relationships during the era. All in all, Betty Hutton's "It's A Man" is an invigorating and comedic piece, revisiting the formulas of gender stereotypical satire that she was famous for when she blended them with her entertainment.