Introduction
“Woman,” a melodic gem by Peter and Gordon, arrived on the scene in 1966. However, its origins hold a surprising twist. The song was actually written by Paul McCartney, though not under his usual moniker.
McCartney, alongside John Lennon, had already penned three successful hits for the British duo – “A World Without Love,” “Nobody I Know,” and “I Don’t Want to See You Again.” This time, he opted for the pseudonym “Bernard Webb” (sometimes credited as “A. Smith”) for “Woman.” The purpose? To see if the song’s merit could shine through without relying solely on the star power of the Lennon-McCartney name.
Some critics saw right through the disguise, with one review cleverly stating, “This Bernard Webb has an amazing talent. Could even be Paul McCartney!” The truth was officially revealed during Peter and Gordon’s appearance on the American TV show “Hullabaloo” in April 1966.
Despite the masked authorship, “Woman” resonated with audiences. Its gentle folk-rock vibe, accentuated by Peter and Gordon’s harmonious vocals, stood out from the harder-edged sounds of other British Invasion bands. The song climbed the charts, reaching #14 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and becoming a Top 20 hit in Canada and New Zealand.
Beyond its chart success, “Woman” holds a special place for Gordon Waller, one half of the duo. He considers it their finest work, praising its versatility – “you can sing it without any music, with one guitar, with a band, or with a bloody orchestra.”
So, as you listen to “Woman,” take a moment to appreciate the playful songwriting experiment by Paul McCartney and the captivating performance by Peter and Gordon. This track serves as a testament to the enduring power of melody, harmony, and a touch of mystery.