Paul McCartney was an integral part of the hitmaking machine that was The Beatles. His musical career post-Beatles was just as successful. Sir Paul and his band Wings soared to phenomenal pop music heights in the 70s and 80s. Of their multitude of hits, "Listen to What the Man Said" is one of their effervescent best. From their 1975 Venus and Mars album, this love song about a soldier missing his sweetheart is as refreshing as an ice cold pop on a warm summer day. It evokes the pure joy of being alive.
"Listen to What the Man Said" was a Billboard Hot 100 #1 hit and was written by Paul and Linda McCartney. While the lyrics initially seem pretty evident, some speculate that "the man" mentioned in the lyrics might be Jesus, not the soldier. However you interpret it, this song makes it clear that love makes the world go 'round. The 70s was a golden decade of music, full of songs with easygoing melodies, sanguine lyrics and a lighthearted spirit. "Listen to What the Man Said" is a testament to how sublime the decade was and why it's such a memorable one for music.
You can learn more about Wings here:
About the Curator - Sonya Alexander
After graduating from UCLA, Sonya trained to be a talent agent. After realizing she belonged on the creative end, she started freelance writing, covering film festivals for Los Angeles local papers. She's written about film, video games, global affairs, wildlife conservation and, most recently, music. She specializes in classic rock, classic soul, blues, classic country, classical and world music and is tri-coastal, residing in Los Angeles, New York and New Orleans.
Latest Posts
Hello It’s Me – The Isley Brothers
31 May 2021
The Isley Brothers added smokiness and umbre to it. They’re not just singing the song, they’re living it.
Lovely Day – Bill Withers
3 March 2021
The song is simple in its approach. It has an uncomplicated melody, a catchy refrain and Withers’ dulcet vocals. Songs like this epitomize the 70s, full of happiness and love. Pop culture always defines eras. The movies, television shows and music mirror the times. “Lovely Day” symbolizes the 70s, but it’s eternal in its outlook.
Feel Like Makin’ Love by Roberta Flack
20 November 2020
The 70s had some of the best slow jams. Love songs were actually about love. Roberta Flack’s “Feel Like Makin’ Love,” from the album of the same title, is a worthy entry into the 70s catalog of golden love song hits. The silky tune blazed up the music charts in 1974 and remained at number one for a week on Billboard’s Hot 100 Singles…