Bobbie Gentry's song "He Made A Woman Out Of Me" tells the story of a young woman who grew up on a levy near Montgomery. Her mother worked in a wealthy household, while her father worked for the County. The protagonist didn't receive much education until she turned sixteen. Joe Henry, a man from up the river, enters her life and changes everything. Their relationship leads to her transformation into a woman. However, it is implied that it wasn't necessarily a consensual or positive experience. The line "I used to tease Joe Henry, guess it served me right" suggests that her actions might have led to negative consequences. Joe Henry eventually leaves her, leaving her heartbroken and crying in the night. Despite the pain, she realizes that she has grown and become a different person because of him. She reflects on the day he left and acknowledges that although it hurt, it also set her free. The protagonist then encounters other men who come into her life wanting a purely physical connection. These experiences remind her of Joe Henry and the significant impact he had on her. She recognizes that no other man has let her down like he did, and she feels liberated from societal expectations and norms. The song concludes with the repetition of the line "Joe made a woman outta me," emphasizing the lasting impact he had on her life. Overall, "He Made A Woman Out Of Me" explores themes of sexual awakening, power dynamics, and personal growth. It suggests that the protagonist's transformation into a woman was a result of a complex and possibly tumultuous relationship.
