Introduction
More Than a Woman: A Saturday Night Classic
“More Than a Woman” by the Bee Gees isn’t just a disco anthem; it’s a song with a fascinating journey intertwined with the iconic soundtrack of “Saturday Night Fever.”
Born in 1977, the song emerged during the Bee Gees’ recording sessions at Chateau d’Heuroville in France. Barry Gibb and producer Albhy Galuten meticulously crafted the drum part, a sound that would also find its way into another “Saturday Night Fever” megahit, “Night Fever.”
The song’s path took a surprising turn when the Bee Gees initially offered “More Than a Woman” to the R&B/funk group Tavares. However, fate intervened, and the Bee Gees decided to reclaim the song for themselves.
Recording continued in Miami, but with another twist. “More Than a Woman” was again put on hold, this time in favor of “If I Can’t Have You,” which ultimately landed in the hands of Yvonne Elliman for the “Saturday Night Fever” soundtrack.
Despite these detours, “More Than a Woman” persevered. The Bee Gees completed the song in Los Angeles, and it found its rightful place on the “Saturday Night Fever” soundtrack.
The song’s lyrics offer a unique perspective on love. It’s a love song that blossoms later in life, a realization that someone you’ve known for a long time is truly extraordinary. The narrator grapples with insecurities while expressing a deep desire for a future with this special woman.
“More Than a Woman” became a staple of the Bee Gees’ live performances from 1977 until Maurice Gibb’s passing in 2003. Often paired with “Night Fever,” the song continues to be a beloved disco classic, a testament to the Bee Gees’ enduring legacy.