Only Women Bleed - Alice Cooper (1975) 10/27/21

Until 1975, Alice Cooper was known only for his strange over-the-top theatrical rock & roll. But then, he surprised everyone by releasing a ballad that became a "Great Song of the '70s," if for no other reason that it tackled a serious topic.

Of course, since it was "Alice Cooper" who released "Only Women Bleed," most people naturally assumed it was about...well..."female things." For that reason, many radio stations (and record buyers) stayed far, far away from the song--without ever listening to it.

But in reality it was about spousal abuse.

Atlantic records tried to fix the problem by taking the word "Bleed" off the record label, but that didn't work.

Still, even with all the misconceptions and controversy, the song was still able to top the Top 40 in Canada, and reach #12 in the US.

Here's a section of the lyrics:

"Man makes your hair gray, he's your life's mistake All you're really lookin' for is an even break He lies right at you, you know you hate this game He slaps you once in a while and you live and love in pain She cries alone at night too often He smokes and drinks and don't come home at all...

Serious stuff--and in the '70s, rather bold and somewhat ahead of its time...with women's empowerment still in its infancy.

"Only Women Bleed" by Alice Cooper: "The More You Know," the more it stands out as a "Great Song of 1975."