Wasn't That a Woman

Background

"Wasn't That a Woman" is a track on Eye of the Zombie, the fourth solo album of John Fogerty. Like all songs on the LP, "Wasn't That a Woman" was recorded at The Lighthouse in North Hollywood, California, and engineered by Jeffrey Norman. The album came out in September 1986 and reached #26 in the USA. 

Between Centerfield and Eye of the Zombie, Fogerty moved from Bay Area to Los Angeles. His office at Warner Brothers was downstairs in the basement, where he wrote in the evening and nights. He also wanted to be more current and increase the use of drum machines and synths on the album. Fogerty had a guitar and a couple of synthesizers in his office (John Fogerty, Fortunate Son, 2015). 

Together with "Knockin' on Your Door", "Wasn't That a Woman" belongs to Eye of the Zombie songs which represents a modern incarnation of the Stax/Memphis sound. Lyrically, the repetitive funk may be regarded as one of the few non-sarcastic numbers on the LP.  

Personnel

Lead guitar, vocals, keyboards: John Fogerty

Drums: John Robinson

Bass: Neil Stubenhaus

Background vocals: Bobby King, Willie Green Jr. and John Fogerty

Eye of the Zombie was the first album during his solo career when Fogerty didn't play everything by himself. 

Live versions

John Fogerty played "Wasn't That a Woman" live on Rockin' All Over the World Tour in autumn 1986 in the USA and Canada. The world premiere took place in Memphis, Tennessee, on August 27th, 1986. Like all numbers off Eye of the Zombie, except "Change in the Weather",  "Wasn't That a Woman" disappeared from the programming of John Fogerty for good after the tour was over.  

Critical reception

"I don't particularly like the repeating of the title between every line, and the music break is dull, in my opinion, but the rest of the song is great. Another habit-forming melody, and Fogerty's voice excels. Oh yeah, I got it badly!" -Matt Loewen.

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