You know that feeling when a song starts and the entire room just shifts? That’s the power of the What a Man lyrics. Whether you are hearing the gritty, soulful original by Linda Lyndell from 1968 or the 1993 powerhouse hip-hop reinvention by Salt-N-Pepa and En Vogue, the track is an absolute masterclass in appreciation. It isn't just about a guy being "hot." It’s a literal blueprint for what it looks like when a woman celebrates a partner who actually shows up, stays loyal, and treats her with respect.
Honestly, it’s refreshing. In a world of heartbreak anthems and "who hurt you" ballads, these lyrics stand out because they are unapologetically positive.
The Soulful Roots of a Classic
Before it was a 90s radio staple, "What a Man" was a Stax Records gem. Dave Crawford wrote and produced the track for Linda Lyndell. If you listen to that 1968 version, the vibe is pure Memphis soul. It’s raw. The lyrics back then were simpler but carried a heavy weight of genuine admiration. Lyndell was singing about a man who was "mighty, mighty," a phrase that Salt-N-Pepa would later immortalize via sampling.
But there’s a bit of a sad history there. Lyndell, a white singer with a voice that sounded deeply rooted in the Black gospel and soul tradition, faced immense backlash from white supremacist groups like the KKK. The threats were so severe she actually walked away from the music business for years. It’s wild to think that a song about loving a good man could provoke such hatred, but that was the reality of the American South in the late 60s. When you hear her belt out those lines now, it carries a layer of bravery that most people totally miss.
Salt-N-Pepa’s 90s Transformation
Fast forward to 1993. The landscape of music had changed. Hip-hop was the new language of the youth, and Salt-N-Pepa were the reigning queens of the genre. They took that hook—that iconic "What a man, what a man, what a man, what a mighty good man"—and built a temple around it.
The What a Man lyrics in the 90s version became much more specific. Salt, Pepa, and the ladies of En Vogue weren't just singing about a vague concept of a boyfriend. They were listing receipts. They talked about a man who takes care of his kids. A man who isn't intimidated by a strong woman. A man who stays home instead of hitting the streets.
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It was a radical act of public appreciation.
Breaking Down the Verses: What Makes a "Good Man"?
Let's look at Pepa’s verse. She talks about a guy who is "smooth like a move by a movie star" but then immediately grounds it in character. She mentions how he’s "never disrespectful." That’s the key. The lyrics move away from the superficial "he’s got a nice car" tropes and focus on the emotional intelligence of the partner.
- He’s a family man.
- He knows how to communicate.
- He’s physically attractive (let's be real, the song mentions his "body built like an Adonis").
- He’s loyal.
Salt’s verse takes it even further by highlighting the domestic peace he brings. She mentions how he doesn't mind her success. In the early 90s, that was a huge statement. Female rappers were blowing up, making more money than their male counterparts in many cases, and finding a partner who wasn't threatened by that was—and still is—a big deal.
The En Vogue Factor
You can’t talk about these lyrics without mentioning the harmonies. En Vogue didn't just sing the chorus; they provided the "amen" to Salt-N-Pepa’s "sermon." Their vocal runs on the words "mighty good man" added a layer of gospel-adjacent authority. It made the song feel like a celebration. It wasn't just a pop song; it was a testimonial.
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When you break down the song's structure, it’s actually quite complex. You have the sampled soul hook, the rhythmic rap verses, and the soaring R&B harmonies. It shouldn't work as well as it does, but it does. It’s seamless.
Why the Lyrics Resonate in 2026
You might think a song this old would feel dated. It doesn't. If anything, the What a Man lyrics feel more relevant now in the era of "dating app fatigue." People are tired of ghosting and low-effort relationships. Hearing a song that celebrates a man who "gives me everything that a girl could want and a whole lot more" feels like a goal.
The song also avoids being "preachy." It’s fun. It’s sexy. It’s got that heavy bassline that makes it a wedding reception staple. But beneath the beat, it’s a song about standards. It’s about not settling for the "bare minimum."
Common Misconceptions About the Lyrics
Some people think the song is purely about physical attraction because of the music video (which, let’s be honest, featured some very fit men). But if you actually read the lines, the physical stuff is secondary to the "mighty" part of his character.
Another common mistake? People often attribute the song solely to Salt-N-Pepa. While they made it a global smash, giving credit to Dave Crawford and Linda Lyndell is essential. Without that original 1968 spark, the 90s version wouldn't have that "old soul" DNA that makes it so catchy.
The Impact on Pop Culture
Since the 93 release, we’ve seen these lyrics referenced everywhere. From commercials to movie soundtracks (think The Sapphires or Miss Congeniality 2), the song has become a shorthand for "the perfect guy."
It’s also been covered and sampled by countless other artists. Why? Because the sentiment is universal. Everyone wants to be—or find—that "mighty good man."
How to Use These Insights
If you’re a songwriter, study how this track uses a sample. It doesn't just loop a beat; it builds a conversation between the past (Lyndell) and the present (Salt-N-Pepa).
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If you’re just a fan, take a second to listen to the lyrics again. Notice the details. Notice how they describe the man's "gentle touch" alongside his "strength." It’s a nuanced portrait of masculinity that we don't always get in Top 40 hits.
Actionable Takeaways for Music Lovers
- Listen to the 1968 Original: Go find Linda Lyndell’s version on Spotify or YouTube. Hear the raw soul that inspired the hit. It's shorter, punchier, and has a completely different energy.
- Check Out the Remixes: There are several versions of the Salt-N-Pepa track, including some "Big Beat" remixes that were huge in the club scene.
- Analyze the Lyrics for Character Traits: Next time you’re listening, try to count how many personality traits are mentioned versus physical traits. You’ll be surprised at how the song prioritizes respect and kindness over looks.
- Explore the Stax Records Catalog: If you liked the "soul" feel of the hook, dive into other artists like Otis Redding or Carla Thomas. That’s where the DNA of this song lives.
The legacy of "What a Man" isn't just about a catchy chorus. It’s a reminder that great music often comes from a place of genuine respect and love. It’s about celebrating the people who make life better, and doing it with enough soul to make the whole world dance.