: The song has been covered by numerous artists, most notably by Etta James on her 1978 album Deep in the Night . Deepening the Understanding
: To avoid protests from feminist groups and to secure radio airplay, the single was often shortened to "Only Women" by Atlantic Records.
"Only Women Bleed" is a 1975 power ballad by Alice Cooper, co-written with guitarist Dick Wagner for the album Welcome to My Nightmare . While often misunderstood upon its release, the song is a poignant commentary on the emotional and physical toll of and the subservient role of women in society at the time . Key Facts About the Song Only Women Bleed
: The album version is significantly longer (5:49) than the radio single and features more elaborate orchestral arrangements.
: It is now widely regarded as a liberating anthem that brought awareness to social issues rarely discussed in rock music during the mid-70s. : The song has been covered by numerous
: Despite the controversy, it became a major hit, reaching #1 in Canada and #12 on the US Billboard Hot 100 .
: Contrary to common misconceptions that it refers to menstruation, Alice Cooper and Dick Wagner have explicitly stated it is about domestic violence and emotional "bleeding" from the heart and soul. While often misunderstood upon its release, the song
: Cooper included the ballad in his Welcome to My Nightmare stage show as a "soft, romantic, and touching moment" to contrast with his more macabre theatrical themes.