In Honor of International Women’s Day, Enjoy Five Versions of “Man Smart, Woman Smarter”

Raffaela Kenny-Cincotta on March 8, 2020
In Honor of International Women’s Day, Enjoy Five Versions of “Man Smart, Woman Smarter”


March 8th marks International Women’ s Day, and what better way to celebrate than with music?

As Deadheads know very well—from the lyrics penned by Harry Belafonte—oftentimes women are smarter than men.

International Women’s Day gives all of us a chance to acknowledge the women in our own lives as well as those who have triumphed over adversity, succeeded in their chosen field, or work toward causes of equality and justice.

To brighten your day, check out five versions of “Man Smart, Woman Smarter” below, including work by Joan Baez, The Grateful Dead and more.

1957: Ricky, Lucy, Ethel and Fred Perform “Man Smart, Woman Smarter” on I Love Lucy 

1958: 17-year-old Joan Baez puts a folk spin on “Man Smart, Woman Smarter”

1963: Chubby Checker performs “Man Smart, Woman Smarter” on Australian television

1979: Rosanne Cash records”Man Smart, Woman Smarter” for her 1980 record Right or Wrong

1983: The Grateful Dead perform the late-era live staple “Man Smart, Woman Smarter,” at the San Francisco Civic Auditorium (later named the Bill Graham Civic Auditorium)