The song "Woman Sawed In Half" by John Hiatt tells the story of a woman who is portrayed as being sawed in half by a bad magician. The lyrics depict her physical and emotional struggle as she tries to cope with being split into two separate parts. The opening lines describe her as a woman sawed in half, highlighting the magician's illusion. Despite the unusual circumstance, she finds humor in her situation and maintains a positive outlook. The song suggests that she is aware of the illusion and can appreciate the perspective it provides. The lyrics go on to describe how her legs and head are separated, and she contemplates leaving the scene. However, something (possibly her emotions or attachment) keeps her from walking away. This could imply that she was in a difficult relationship or situation, and her heart got in the way of making a clean break. The chorus emphasizes her status as a woman sawed in half, using it as an analogy for a tense or complicated situation in love. The love affair is portrayed as a show, with the magician sweating bullets and walking on glass, indicating the difficulty and danger involved. The lines about the evening news and tomorrow's headline suggest the constant drama and attention their relationship attracts. Throughout the song, it becomes clear that the woman has to make her own decisions and take charge of her life. The metaphor of being sawed in half implies that she has been split into multiple roles or identities. She ultimately realizes that she has the power to determine her own fate and must make her own choices. The latter part of the song introduces additional elements, such as her legs walking away to Tijuana and her head becoming a trapeze artist in a circus in Bombay. These further illustrate her ability to adapt and explore different paths in life. Overall, the song "Woman Sawed In Half" showcases the strength and resilience of a woman navigating a challenging relationship or situation. It emphasizes the empowerment of making independent choices and finding one's own path, even in the face of adversity.
