Evil Woman

About this song

After finishing the album Face The Music, Jeff Lynne felt none of its tracks was a good single, so he wrote this one quickly, taking about 30 minutes and getting the first three chords right away. The song was released as a single from that album in 1975, quickly gained popularity and climbed the charts internationally, and Lynne re-recorded it in 2012 for the compilation Mr. Blue Sky: The Very Best of Electric Light Orchestra.

What it's about

Lynne has said the song was inspired by a real woman whom he would not name, and that it was kept slick and cool, with R&B feel, big piano solos and string arrangement. The lyrics include a nod to the Beatles, referencing their song Fixing A Hole.

Summary written with AI, based on the song's page on Genius.

Fun facts

• Sampled in 7 other songs, like “1975 by The Hood Internet”.
• Covered 5 times, including “Evil Woman by Soul Hooligan (Ft. Diana King)”.
• Written and produced by Jeff Lynne.
• Recorded at Musicland Studios and De Lane Lea Studios.