Artists
Ian Anderson – lead vocals, acoustic guitar
Martin Barre – electric guitar
Glenn Cornick – bass guitar
Clive Bunker – drums
John Evan – piano, organ (guest)
Written by Ian Anderson. Produced by Ian Anderson, with Terry Ellis as executive producer, engineered by Robin Black, recorded at Morgan Studios, London. The eighth track (about 4:35) on Benefit (Island/Chrysalis, 24 April 1970).
The title is spelled “Sossity; You’re a Woman” on the album, and the Benefit sessions mark a turning point for the band: it was the first Jethro Tull album to include keyboardist John Evan (initially as a guest) and the last to feature bassist Glenn Cornick, who was fired once touring for the album ended. Ian Anderson has called Benefit a much darker record than Stand Up, owing to the pressures of an extensive US tour, and in concert the song was often paired with “Reasons for Waiting.”
Jethro Tull – Sossity; You’re a Woman Lyrics
Hello you straight-laced lady,
dressed in white but your shoes aren’t clean.
Painted them up with polish
in the hope we can’t see where you’ve been.
The smiling face that you’ve worn
to greet me rising at morning —
sent me out to work for my score.
Please me and say what it’s for.
Give me the straight-laced promise
and not the pathetic lie.
Tie me down with your ribbons
and sulk when I ask you why.
Your Sunday paper voice cries
demanding truths I deny.
The bitter-sweet kiss you pretended
is offered, our affair mended.
Sossity: You’re a woman.
Society: You’re a woman.
All of the tears you’re wasting
are for yourself and not for me.
It’s sad to know you’re aging
Sadder still to admit I’m free.
Your immature physical toy has grown,
too young to enjoy at last your straight-laced agreement:
woman, you were too old for me.
Sossity: You’re a woman.
Society: You’re a woman.
To listen to other songs from the the Teleskop 26 program click here.