Lyrics: I Can Be That Woman
You're asleep on the couch with Tammy And she looks straight up at me The reproach in her eyes is imagined But the pain that I feel is real She jumps down and her tail is swishing Like a feather right under your nose And then you wake up and you're bleary-eyed I say I'm sorry, I can see you've cried You look frail as you stand before me Then you curse and kick a chair And the dog, bless her heart, licks my fingers But she jerks every time you swear I feel sick and my hands are shaking This is how all our fights have begun You say you've had it And you say, "Screw you!" I say, "I love you!" And I know it's true You're not the man you should have been I let you down somehow (Not the one I could have been) I'm not the woman I could have been (I can be that woman) But I can be that woman now You're confused when you turn to face me Is it true or is she drunk? But it's clear that I've hit my rock bottom I'm aware of how far I've sunk And the dog is the first to feel it There's a shimmer of hope in your eyes You can't believe it But you're close to tears Oh God! I'm sorry for the wasted years (Not the one I could have been) You're not the man you should have been (I let you down) I let you down somehow (Not the one I could have been) I'm not the woman I could have been (I can be that woman) But I can be that woman now
Song Analysis: A Raw Portrait of Regret and Redemption
Honest Reflections on a Troubled Relationship
“I Can Be That Woman” by ABBA is a deeply emotional ballad that lays bare the pain, regret, and hope at the heart of a troubled relationship. The song opens with a tender yet tense scene: the narrator observes her partner sleeping on the couch with their dog, Tammy, whose reactions mirror the household’s emotional turbulence. The lyrics capture the aftermath of conflict, with both partners weighed down by disappointment and guilt. The singer’s apology and admission of love cut through the bitterness, revealing a longing for reconciliation.
Hope Amidst Brokenness
As the song progresses, the narrator acknowledges her own shortcomings and the couple’s wasted years. Yet, amidst the sorrow, there is a glimmer of hope—a belief that change is possible. The repeated line, “I can be that woman now,” signals a turning point, suggesting that self-awareness and honesty may pave the way for healing. ABBA’s storytelling shines through, offering a poignant meditation on forgiveness and the possibility of becoming better for those we love.
Song Credits
- Songwriters: Benny Andersson, Björn Ulvaeus
- Release Year: 2021
- Label: Polar Music International