There is usually a lull in musical releases between Thanksgiving and Christmas, and I’m resigned to repeatedly review something vaguely Christmassy for a few weeks. Thankfully, nobody told Morgan Johnston that this is how it typically works, because she has dropped a sparse, emotionally-charged, feminist atom bomb with “A Woman”. In this piano-driven waltz, Morgan explores the complex journey of self-realization and empowerment, offering a stirring reflection on what it means to truly become a woman. The lyrics are poignantly relevant, especially in a world that often imposes rigid societal timelines and definitions of womanhood. Lines like “it’s when she finds her voice and learns how to say ‘no’” and “it’s loving who she is when nobody’s looking, that’s when a girl turns into a woman” hit with remarkable clarity and insight. These words touch on the quiet, yet transformative moments of self-empowerment that define true growth, transcending external expectations and embracing internal acceptance. The spare piano and the gentle waltz rhythm perfectly underscore the song’s message, creating a sense of quiet introspection. It compels you to focus on the gravity of the lyrics and just how well Morgan’s vocal range conveys the sense of both girlish timidity and assertive womanhood in all of the right thematic places. This is not just an anthem for women by a woman; this is a song for anyone seeking to understand and appreciate the nuanced process of feminine self-discovery. Morgan really put her whole heart on display with “A Woman”, and we should all be grateful for that this festive season.
