That Kind of Woman

Song Meaning

Gary Moore's "That Kind of Woman" isn't just a bluesy love song; it’s an ode to a specific archetype of feminine mystique—a woman who embodies a captivating blend of nonchalance, enigma, and raw, untamed energy. The song's core revolves around the singer's fascination with a woman who defies easy categorization, a figure shrouded in an alluring ambiguity. Her feelings are concealed ("Her eyes won't tell, her lips are sealed"), yet her presence is undeniable. This isn't about conventional beauty; it's about an attitude, a certain je ne sais quoi that elevates her above the ordinary. The repeated phrase "I like her like that" underscores a conscious embrace of her complexities, suggesting a rejection of simpler, more predictable relationships. She is not someone to be easily figured out, and that's precisely the point. The lyrics hint at a woman who is both carefree and intensely magnetic. The image of her standing in the doorway, "with the sunlight in her hair," evokes a sense of effortless beauty and freedom. Yet, there's also an edge to her, described as "kind of crazy" with the "wickedest smile." This duality is central to her appeal. She's not just a pretty face; she possesses a captivating intensity that can leave the singer feeling overwhelmed ("One look from hell knocks me on the floor"). This power dynamic is a key element of the song's meaning. It speaks to a desire for a partner who can challenge and captivate, rather than simply fulfill expectations. The lyrics further suggest a willingness to be emotionally vulnerable, even self-destructive, for a glimpse of her attention ("I'd crash my heart on the side of the street / That she once stood on"). Ultimately, "That Kind of Woman" is about the intoxicating allure of the unattainable. She's a figure who exists somewhere between reality and fantasy, a "lady that you meet in a dream of dreams." This dreamlike quality further emphasizes the idealized nature of the singer's infatuation. The song doesn't delve into the specifics of their relationship, instead focusing on the abstract qualities that make her so compelling. The constant repetition of "That kind of woman" becomes almost hypnotic, reinforcing the idea that this is not just any woman, but a rare and extraordinary being who embodies a particular type of feminine power and independence. The song meaning therefore resides not just in the expression of love, but in the celebration of a specific kind of feminine power.