Shania Twain's "Man! I Feel Like A Woman!" - An Anthem Of Empowerment And Inspiration

On the surface, Shania Twain’s 1999 radio hit “Man! I Feel Like a Woman!” is the ultimate girl power anthem. With lyrics like “No inhibitions, make no conditions / Get a little outta line / I ain’t gonna act politically correct / I only want to have a good time / The best thing about being a woman is the prerogative to have a little fun,” it’s all about letting loose for a no-holds-bar night on the town. But the actual inspiration behind the song? Men at Toronto’s LGBTQ bars.

The singer co-wrote the song, featured on her 1997 album, Come On Over, with her producer-turned-ex-husband Robert John “Mutt” Lange. Twain has said the hit was likely inspired by nights out at gay clubs with her friends during her teen years. And it’s no wonder that today, it’s become as popular with drag queens as it has with audiences of every kind.

Twain’s Fascination with Transformation

A songwriter since she was 10, Twain moved to Toronto when she was 18 to focus on a music career. “If I was to achieve my long-term goal of making music for a living, this is where I needed to be,” she wrote in her 2011 autobiography, From This Moment On. Sharing a one-bedroom apartment with two college friends allowed her to explore her musical ambitions in a vibrant environment.

Every Friday night, Twain and her roommates would visit gay bars with their flamboyant friend, Sheriff. They would dress up, don dark eyeliner, and embrace the bold fashion statements of the time, inspired by icons like Madonna. This experience opened her eyes to the artistry and glamor of men transforming themselves into beautiful women.

Eye-Opening Experiences at Gay Bars

For a small-town girl from Timmins, the experience was eye-opening. “This was an adventure for me, as it was all new,” she wrote. “Gay bars had the best dance music and the most impressive dancers. Being inexperienced at applying makeup, I marveled at how artistic and glamorous some of the men were.” This fascination likely sowed the seed for her later hit, “Man! I Feel Like a Woman!”

Reflecting on those nights out, Twain mentioned, “There was no need to judge or even decide anything among ourselves—we were just being free-spirited about dressing and makeup.” This liberating environment allowed her to embrace her femininity and be inspired by the creative expressions around her.

Life Challenges and Musical Growth

As she was discovering new worlds and honing her craft, an unimaginable tragedy struck when Twain was 21. Her mother and stepfather were killed in a car accident, leading her to contemplate giving up music. “I thought my family comes first. I have to take care of them,” she said.

However, taking care of her younger siblings led her to a performing job at Deerhurst Resort in Huntsville, Ontario. “I’m lucky I got the job at Deerhurst because it was music,” she recalled. This role not only kept her on track but also introduced her to the world of showmanship.

Showmanship and Performance Arts

“Deerhurst was the first time I was directed on stage, and it was the first time I had dancers. It educated me,” Twain shared. This experience prepared her for her future performances, especially when she later took the stage in Las Vegas. “It was like a mini-Vegas! Or like attending a Vegas performing arts school.”

Her exposure to drag performers during her time at Deerhurst also contributed to the influences of “Man! I Feel Like a Woman!” This blend of experiences shaped her understanding of entertainment and performance, making her songs relatable to a wide audience.

Building Bridges with Music

Twain’s early influences from her Toronto club days and her Vegas-like training combined to create the fun energy of “Man! I Feel Like a Woman!” The song has extended wide appeal across genres and audiences, breaking down barriers. “A lot of straight men sing ‘Man! I Feel Like a Woman!’ just for the sheer entertainment of it,” she noted, emphasizing the song's role in bringing people together.

During performances, Twain focuses on the love of music rather than political or social implications. “I like to have a sense of humor about everything,” she said. Her music aims to create a space where everyone can enjoy the experience, regardless of their background.

Embracing Femininity and Gender Fluidity

More recently, Twain has stated that the song reflects her journey of embracing her femininity. Growing up, she shied away from overt femininity to avoid unwanted male attention. However, dancing at Toronto’s LGBTQ bars was a liberating experience where she could “feel good about being female.”

Twain has become an idol in the drag queen community, often celebrating artistic expressions that cross traditional gender norms. She believes that “entertainment doesn’t have a gender” and that fashion can blend both masculine and feminine traits.

Shaping a Legacy and Inspiring Others

Ultimately, Twain’s legacy continues to inspire many, especially in the LGBTQ community. She proudly shares her advice for drag performers wanting to mimic her style, emphasizing iconic elements such as “something leopard print” and “a top hat.” This openness to creativity allows for a seamless blend of artistry across all gender expressions.

In Twain’s world, music and performance art are powerful tools for connection, celebration, and empowerment. Through her journey, she encourages everyone to embrace their true selves, no matter how unconventional that might be.