Woman Sawed In Half
John Hiatt · Little Head [1997]
It was done by a bad magician
There was a point at which she just had to laugh
You could appreciate her position
Her legs in one way, and her head another
She just kept thinking about walking away
They tried to put her back together underneath the cover
But her heart kept getting in, getting in the way
She was a woman sawed in half
Lets cut to the chase, love, this was showtime
And he was sweating bullets, and walking on glass
Somewhere between the evening news and tomorrow's headline
(Buzz awhile..)
She was a woman sawed in half
It was done by a bad magician
Yeah, it was a clear cut thing, no, you didn't have to ask
She was gonna have to make her own decisions
Her legs got up and walked away, and her head came rolling
Oh, the room was painted black night, and turning dayglow
She wound up in two places at once, her heart was swollen
He played his musical saw in the streets of San Diego
Ya, ya, ya, ya, ya
Ya, ya, ya, ya, ya
Ya, ya, ya, ya, ya
Ya, ya, ya, ya, ya
She was a woman sawed in half, her legs in Tijuana
She was a bodyless head and trapeze artist in a circus in Bombay
Now a woman's gonna do exactly what a woman's gonna
Yeah, some bad magicians wouldn't have it any other way
She holds on to that trapeze by the skin of her teeth, or so they say
REPEAT VERSE
Woman Sawed In Half
John Hiatt's "Woman Sawed In Half" stands as a compelling song in his 1997 album, Little Head. Known for his sharp, often melancholic songwriting that bridges rock and country traditions, Hiatt delivers a track that reflects his signature blend of emotional depth and rhythmic drive. The recording captures the artist at a mature stage in his career, showcasing the nuanced guitar work and distinctive vocal delivery that have defined his extensive discography. While Hiatt has long been celebrated for his ability to craft narratives about love, loss, and resilience, this song contributes to the rich tapestry of his work from the late nineties. It remains a testament to his enduring influence on American roots music, offering listeners a moment of introspection within a broader collection of critically acclaimed recordings.

