About the Song
Alright, settle in folks, and let’s take a trip down memory lane with a country classic by the legendary Conway Twitty. This song, Take It Like A Man, was released back in 1985, but its message about love, loss, and the struggle to show emotions resonates just as strongly today.
Twitty was a true country music icon. His rich baritone voice and smooth delivery could turn a heartache into a three-chord masterpiece, and Take It Like A Man is a prime example. The song explores the age-old question of masculinity and the pressure men face to suppress their feelings.
Now, we all know men ain’t made of stone. Life throws its punches, love don’t always go your way, and sometimes a good cry feels mighty necessary. But Twitty paints a picture of a younger generation raised on a specific brand of masculinity – one where tears are a sign of weakness and vulnerability is something to be hidden.
This song is a conversation between a father and son, with the father passing down the traditional idea of what it means to be a man. Twitty sings about the pressure to be strong, to hold back the tears, and project an image of stoicism no matter what life throws your way. Women, according to the song, are portrayed as wanting heroes, these mythical figures on white horses who never falter.
But Take It Like A Man isn’t just about bottling up emotions. It’s about the internal struggle men face when those emotions come bubbling up. The song explores the desire to express yourself, to let the tears flow, but feeling trapped by societal expectations.
So, as we listen to Conway Twitty belt out this tune, let’s consider the message. Is it healthy to suppress emotions? What truly defines a strong man? Take It Like A Man might not offer all the answers, but it sure gets the conversation started.
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