Song Information
“A Wanderin’ Man” is a country single performed by Jeannie Seely, released in 1969 under Monument Records. The song was written by Hank Cochran, who was not only a prolific songwriter in Nashville but also Seely’s husband at the time. Cochran penned many hits for country artists, and this song was crafted specifically for Seely’s expressive and heartfelt vocal style. The track appeared on Seely’s 1969 album Jeannie Seely, which highlighted her ability to blend vulnerability with strength in her music. The song gained radio play during its release, further establishing Seely as one of the defining female voices of late 1960s country music.
Song Content
The lyrics of “A Wanderin’ Man” tell the story of a woman who has fallen in love with a man whose heart refuses to stay in one place. He is a traveler, both physically and emotionally, never content to settle down. Seely’s voice captures the bittersweet truth of such a relationship—while there is passion and excitement in loving him, there is also deep sadness in knowing that he will always drift away. The woman in the song understands that trying to hold on to a man like him is like trying to catch the wind—impossible and fleeting.
The song resonates with themes of loneliness, longing, and resignation. Rather than anger, the lyrics reflect a quiet acceptance of reality. Seely interprets the words with tenderness, showing the emotional conflict of loving someone whose soul cannot be tied down. The instrumentation—typical of Nashville Sound productions of the late 1960s—features soft strings and gentle steel guitar, enhancing the melancholy atmosphere.
Explanation of the Deeper Theme
At its heart, “A Wanderin’ Man” is not just about one relationship but about the universal struggle between freedom and commitment. The song raises a subtle but profound question: can a person who lives for the open road, constant change, and restless discovery ever truly belong to another? The narrator accepts the truth—that love sometimes is not enough to anchor someone who is determined to remain free.
This theme reflects not only on personal relationships but also on the broader culture of the 1960s, when many people were questioning traditional roles and choosing lifestyles that valued independence over stability. A “wanderin’ man” becomes a metaphor for anyone who refuses to conform, even at the cost of breaking hearts.
Seely’s delivery gives voice to those who have loved someone unattainable—people who come into our lives, leave a mark, but cannot stay. The song reminds listeners of the emotional cost of loving deeply while knowing that permanence is impossible. That tension between love and freedom is what makes the track timeless, resonating with audiences far beyond its original release.
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Lyrics
A woman can’t hold a wanderin’ man
Again the wanderin’ back has bid you
And you’ll soon be on your way
I’m sorry I don’t fit in your plans
But I’m not sorry I’d love you so it had to end its way
A woman can’t hold a wanderin’ man
Your touch was what I needed and your kiss will always burn
I just hope you’ll wander back this way again
‘Cause life was made for living and the mind was made to learn
A woman can’t hold a wanderin’ man
Wanderin’ man, I loved you, I still do
You once loved me a little didn’t you?
God gave you all I have
I understand a woman can’t hold a wanderin’ man
A woman can’t hold a wanderin’ man