Lady
菅原信介 Lyrics

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Hey sister, go sister, soul sister, go sister
Hey sister, go sister, soul sister, go sister

He met marmalade down in old new orleans
Struttin' her stuff on the street
She said "hello,
Hey joe, you wanna give it a go?" mmm, mmm

Itchi gitchi ya ya da da
Itchi gitchi ya ya here
Mocha-choca-lata ya ya
Creole lady marmalade

Voulez-vous coucher avec moi ce soir?
Voulez-vous coucher avec moi?

He sat in her boudoir while she freshened up
The boy drank all her magnolia-wine
On the black satin sheets oh I swear he started to freak

Itchi gitchi ya ya da da
Itchi gitchi ya ya here
Mocha-choca-lata ya ya
Creole lady marmalade

Voulez-vous coucher avec moi ce soir?
Voulez-vous coucher avec moi?

Hey, hey, hey
Touching her skin feelin' silky smooth
The colour of cafe au lait
Made the savage beast inside
Roar until it cried, more, more, more

Now he's back home doing nine to five
Living his grey flannel life
But when he turns off to sleep
Old memories creep, more, more, more

Itchi gitchi ya ya da da da
Itchi gitchi ya ya here
Mocha-choco-lata ya ya
Creole lady marmalade

Voulez-vous coucher avec moi ce soir?
Voulez-vous coucher avec moi?
Voulez-vous couchez avec moi ce soir?
Creole lady marmalade

Voulez-vous coucher avec moi ce soir?
Voulez-vous coucher avec moi?
Voulez-vous couchez avec moi ce soir?
Voulez-vous coucher avec moi?
Voulez-vous couchez avec moi ce soir?
Voulez-vous coucher avec moi?
Voulez-vous couchez avec moi ce soir?
Voulez-vous coucher avec moi?

Itchi gitchi ya ya da da
Itchi gitchi ya ya here

Mocha-choco-lata ya ya
Itchi gitchi ya ya here

Overall Meaning

The song "Lady Marmalade" was originally written and recorded by Bob Crewe and Kenny Nolan in 1974, but it was made famous by the version recorded by Labelle in the same year. The song, later covered by Christina Aguilera, Lil' Kim, Mya, and Pink for the soundtrack of the 2001 film "Moulin Rouge!", features the vocals of four women who represent different styles of music and come together in the spirit of unity and celebration.

The lyrics of the song tell the story of a man named Joe who meets a woman named Marmalade in New Orleans. Marmalade is a Creole woman who is confident and sensual, tempting Joe to join her in her boudoir. The chorus of the song, "Voulez-vous coucher avec moi ce soir?" translates to "Do you want to sleep with me tonight?" in French. The song also showcases the women's voices in French and Creole, further emphasizing the multicultural theme of the song.

One interpretation of the song's lyrics is that they celebrate female sexual agency in a time when women's sexual liberation was becoming more visible. The lyrics suggest that Marmalade is not passive or submissive, but rather in control of her desires and capable of enticing a man. Additionally, the song's inclusion of French and Creole languages may suggest a celebration of non-white cultures and sexualities.

Overall, "Lady Marmalade" is a fun and catchy song that celebrates women's sexuality and multiculturalism. It has become a cultural touchstone and has been covered by numerous artists throughout the years.

Line by Line Meaning

Hey sister, go sister, soul sister, go sister
Encouraging sisterhood and a sense of camaraderie among women.

He met marmalade down in old new orleans Struttin' her stuff on the street She said "hello, Hey joe, you wanna give it a go?" mmm, mmm
He encountered a confident, sassy woman named Marmalade in the streets of New Orleans who asked for his attention.

Itchi gitchi ya ya da da Itchi gitchi ya ya here Mocha-choca-lata ya ya Creole lady marmalade
A chant-like repetition of phrases that evoke the exotic and sensual characteristics of a Creole lady named Marmalade.

Voulez-vous coucher avec moi ce soir? Voulez-vous coucher avec moi?
Do you want to sleep with me tonight? This seductive French phrase represents a desire for intimacy.

He sat in her boudoir while she freshened up The boy drank all her magnolia-wine On the black satin sheets oh I swear he started to freak
He waited for her in her private room, drank her wine, and felt excited on her black satin sheets.

Hey, hey, hey Touching her skin feelin' silky smooth The colour of cafe au lait Made the savage beast inside Roar until it cried, more, more, more
He physically touches her, impressed by her smooth skin and the color of her café au lait complexion. He desires more of her.

Now he's back home doing nine to five Living his grey flannel life But when he turns off to sleep Old memories creep, more, more, more
He returns to his mundane life, but memories of his steamy encounter with Marmalade replay in his mind.

Itchi gitchi ya ya da da da Itchi gitchi ya ya here Mocha-choco-lata ya ya Creole lady marmalade
A reiteration of the earlier chant emphasizing the vivid imagery and alluring qualities of Marmalade.

Voulez-vous coucher avec moi ce soir? Voulez-vous coucher avec moi? Voulez-vous couchez avec moi ce soir? Creole lady marmalade
A final plea for intimacy with Marmalade, reinforced by the earlier emphasis of her irresistible and captivating nature.

Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Kenny Nolan, Robert Crewe

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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