“Any Man of Mine” by Shania Twain is a spirited anthem that helped define the sound and attitude of 1990s country music. Released in April 1995 as the second single from her breakthrough album The Woman in Me, this song not only topped the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart but also played a crucial role in establishing Twain as one of the most iconic figures in country music.
Co-written by Twain and her then-husband and producer Robert John “Mutt” Lange, “Any Man of Mine” is a bold declaration of a woman’s expectations in a relationship. The song blends traditional country elements with pop and rock influences, a combination that became Twain’s signature style and set her apart from her peers. With its upbeat tempo, fiddle-driven melody, and infectious energy, the track was a refreshing departure from the more somber and reserved tones typical of country music at the time.
Lyrically, “Any Man of Mine” is unapologetically assertive, as Twain lays out exactly what she expects from a partner. The song opens with the lines, “This is what a woman wants,” immediately setting the tone for a track that is both empowering and playful. Twain sings about wanting a man who can make her laugh, who accepts her for who she is, and who doesn’t mind when she’s “late for a date, just a little bit late.” The chorus, with its catchy hook, “Any man of mine better walk the line / Better show me a teasin’, squeezin’, pleasin’ kind of time,” became an anthem for women who were unafraid to demand respect and appreciation in their relationships.
Shania Twain’s vocal performance on this track is both confident and engaging. She effortlessly switches between a playful, almost teasing tone in the verses and a more commanding presence in the chorus. Her voice, coupled with the song’s upbeat and danceable rhythm, made “Any Man of Mine” a favorite not just on country radio, but also in honky-tonks and dance halls across the country.
The production by Mutt Lange is another standout aspect of the song. Lange, known for his work with rock bands like Def Leppard, brought a polished, radio-friendly sound to the track, which helped it cross over to pop audiences without sacrificing its country roots. The combination of steel guitar, fiddle, and a driving beat created a sound that was both modern and rooted in traditional country music, appealing to a broad spectrum of listeners.
The music video for “Any Man of Mine”, directed by John Derek and Bo Derek, further cemented Twain’s image as a new kind of country star. The video features Twain in a series of glamorous, yet approachable, outfits, confidently strutting and dancing in a rural setting. Her playful interaction with the camera and the choreography, which included line dancing, made the video a hit on CMT and helped the song gain even more popularity.
“Any Man of Mine” was a turning point in Shania Twain‘s career. The song’s success on the charts was a clear indication that she was not just another country singer but a trailblazer who was redefining the genre. The track reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart and also crossed over to the Billboard Hot 100, where it peaked at No. 31, showcasing its wide appeal.
In the years since its release, “Any Man of Mine” has remained one of Twain’s most beloved songs and a staple of her live performances. It’s a song that resonates with many for its message of self-respect and the demand for mutual respect in relationships. Its catchy, sing-along quality ensures that it continues to be a favorite at country music festivals, karaoke nights, and anywhere people want to have a good time.
“Any Man of Mine” is not just a song; it’s an empowering statement. It’s a reminder that a woman’s happiness in a relationship is non-negotiable and that she has every right to set her own standards. With its infectious energy, bold lyrics, and Shania Twain’s unmistakable charm, the song remains a defining moment in country music and a testament to Twain’s enduring influence on the genre.
🎵 Let’s sing along with the lyrics! 🎤
This is what a woman wants
Any man of mine better be proud of me
Even when I’m ugly, he still better love me
And I can be late for a date that’s fine
But he better be on time
Any man of mine’ll say it fits just right
When last year’s dress is just a little too tight
And anything I do or say better be okay
When I have a bad hair day
And if I change my mind
A million times
I want to hear him say
Yeah (yeah), yeah (yeah), yeah, I like it that way
Any man of mine better walk the line
Better show me a teasin’ squeezin’ pleasin’ kinda time
I need a man who knows, how the story goes
He’s gotta be a heartbeatin’ fine treatin’
Breathtakin’ earthquakin’ kind
Any man of mine
Well any man of mine better disagree
When I say another woman’s lookin’ better than me
And when I cook him dinner and I burn it black
He better say, mm, I like it like that, yeah
And if I change my mind
A million times
I want to hear him say
Yeah (yeah), yeah (yeah), yeah I like it that way
Any man of mine better walk the line
Better show me a teasin’ squeezin’ pleasin’ kinda time
I need a man who knows, how the story goes
He’s gotta be a heartbeatin’ fine treatin’
Breathtakin’ earthquakin’ kind
Any man of mine, woo
Let me hear you say yeah (yeah), yeah (yeah)
Yeah, I like it that way
any man of mine better walk the line
Better show me a teasin’ squeezin’ pleasin’ kinda time
I need a man who knows, how the story goes
He’s gotta be a heartbeatin’ fine treatin’
Breathtakin’ earthquakin’ kind
Any man of mine
Ooh, ah
Woo
Ooh, ah
You gotta shimmy shake
Make the earth quake
Kick, turn, stomp, stomp, then you jump
Heel to toe, do si do
‘Til your boots want to break
‘Til your feet and your back ache
Keep it movin’ ’til you just can’t take anymore
Come on everybody on the floor
One two, a-three four
Hup, two, hup, woo
Mmhmm
If you want to be a man of mine, that’s right, woo
This is what a woman wants