"Four Women" is a song written by jazz singer, composer, pianist and arranger Nina Simone, released on the 1966 album Wild Is the Wind. It tells the story of four African American women. Each of the four characters represents an African-American stereotype in society. Thulani Davis of The Village Voice called the song "an instantly accessible analysis of the damning legacy of slavery, that made iconographic the real women we knew and would become."

African-American female archetypes

Style

Musically speaking the song is based on a simple groove based melody with piano, flute, electric guitar, and bass guitar accompaniment. The song gradually builds in intensity as it progresses, and reaches a climax during the fourth and final section. Simone's vocal becomes more impassioned, cracking with emotion and her steady piano playing becomes frenzied and at times dissonant, possibly to reflect the angst of the character. The song ends with Simone wailing, with ear splitting conviction, the name "Peaches".

Misinterpretation

Much to Simone's dismay, and despite her intention to highlight the injustice in society and the suffering of African American people, some listeners interpreted the song as racist. They believed it drew on Black stereotypes, and it was subsequently banned on several major radio stations.

Legacy

In 2022, American Songwriter ranked the song number seven on their list of the 10 greatest Nina Simone songs, and in 2023, The Guardian ranked the song number six on their list of the 20 greatest Nina Simone songs.

Cover versions and uses in popular culture