Barefoot And Pregnant

Album: To The Limit (1978)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • "Barefoot And Pregnant" is a popular phrase from the '70s and '80s that represented a hateful view of feminism - the idea that women should be in the home, raising children. Armatrading didn't consider herself a feminist and wasn't looking to take up the cause. "I wrote it because I could see those sorts of situations where the guy just gives the woman anything she wants as long as she can just be under his thumb," she told Musician magazine in 1985.
  • Many of Armatrading's songs deal with the complexities of love. In this one, the man feels that by giving her gifts and getting her pregnant, his woman will remain subservient and content. She has other ideas, and decided to step out on the town.

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Who's Johnny, And Why Does He Show Up In So Many Songs

Who's Johnny, And Why Does He Show Up In So Many SongsSong Writing

For songwriters, Johnny represents the American man. He has been angry, cool, magic, a rebel and, of course, marching home.

Producer Ron Nevison

Producer Ron NevisonSong Writing

Ron Nevison explains in very clear terms the Quadrophenia concept and how Heart staged their resurgence after being dropped by their record company.

Rosanne Cash

Rosanne CashSongwriter Interviews

Rosanne talks about the journey that inspired her songs on her album The River & the Thread, including a stop at the Tallahatchie Bridge.

James Bond Theme Songs

James Bond Theme SongsMusic Quiz

How well do you know the 007 theme songs?

Loreena McKennitt

Loreena McKennittSongwriter Interviews

The Celtic music maker Loreena McKennitt on finding musical inspiration, the "New Age" label, and working on the movie Tinker Bell.

Amy Lee of Evanescence

Amy Lee of EvanescenceSongwriter Interviews

The Evanescence frontwoman on the songs that have shifted meaning and her foray into kids' music.