As the son of a vicar, he had his first singing experiences in a church choir. He attended Ripon College, where he also sang non-professionally with a group called the Indigos, and graduated in 1962. He went on to earn a master's degree in Vocational Rehabilitation from the University of Iowa, and worked as a rehabilitation counselor in San Francisco before joining a small jazz club trio headed by George Duke and deciding that he would make professional singing his life in 1968
He appeared in such Los Angeles hot spots as Dino's, the Troubador and Bitter End West. Television exposure came from Mike Douglas, Merv Griffin and David Frost, while he expanded his nightclub appearances to include performing at the Improv between the acts of such rising-star comics as Bette Midler, Jimmie Walker, and John Belushi, among others.
He was spotted by Warner Bros. in 1975 and soon thereafter released his critically acclaimed debut album, We Got By, which catapulted him into international fame and garnered him a German Grammy Award. A second German Grammy would follow with the release of his second album, Glow.
One of Jarreau's most commercially and artistically successful albums is Breakin' Away (1981), which includes the hit song "We're in This Love Together." He wrote and performed the Grammy-nominated theme to the 1980s American television show Moonlighting. Among other things, he is well-known for his scat singing and the ability to perfectly imitate conventional guitar, bass and percussive instrumentation. He was also a featured vocalist on USA for Africa's "We are the World" and sang the line, "...and so we all must lend a helping hand."
He has toured and performed with such greats as Joe Sample, Kathleen Battle, Miles Davis, David Sanborn and Rick Braun. He also performed the role of the Teen Angel in a 1996 Broadway production of Grease. On March 6, 2001 he received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. His star is located at 7083 Hollywood Boulevard on the corner of Hollywood Boulevard and La Brea Avenue.
Sophisticated Lady
Al Jarreau Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Just because you're caught in your social maze
I think it's 'bout time that you realize
Your money and your power's got you mesmerized
Pretty lady, get back
Pretty lady, yea
Sophisticated lady put your blue jeans on
Educated lady with your college degree
Amazes me why you just can't see
Learned everything from your books on the shelf
But no one ever taught you how to think for yourself
Pretty lady, get back
Pretty lady, yea, sweet thing
Sophisticated lady put your blue jeans on
You're anybody's baby when your mama's gone
Sophisticated lady take a lesson from me
I can help you be what you want to be
Together we'll see many brighter days
If it takes forever, gonna change your ways
Pretty lady, get back
Pretty lady, yea, sweet thing
Sophisticated lady put your blue jeans on
You're anybody's baby when your mama's gone
Sophisticated lady put your blue jeans on
You're anybody's baby when your mama's gone
Sophisticated lady put your blue jeans on
You're anybody's baby when your mama's gone
In Al Jarreau's "Sophisticated Lady", he sings about a woman who is trying to change him, but he believes it might be time for her to realize that her money and power have her mesmerized. He encourages her to put on her blue jeans and be anybody's baby when her mother is gone. He also mentions that even though she has a college degree, she has not been taught to think for herself. Jarreau believes that he can help her be what she wants to be and together, they can see brighter days. He sings the chorus repeatedly, urging her to shed her sophisticated facade and embrace her vulnerability.
The song can be interpreted in different ways, but it most likely addresses the societal expectations placed on women to be sophisticated and successful, which can sometimes result in them losing touch with their true selves and becoming trapped in a social maze. Jarreau encourages the woman to let go of her artificial sophistication and embrace her true self, which includes being vulnerable and unapologetically herself.
Line by Line Meaning
Sophisticated lady tryin' to change my ways
A woman who thinks she is more cultured is trying to influence me to change who I am
Just because you're caught in your social maze
You're trapped in your own social status and are unable to see beyond your own circle
I think it's 'bout time that you realize
It's time for you to grasp the concept of reality
Your money and your power's got you mesmerized
You're too preoccupied with your wealth and authority that it's controlling you
Sophisticated lady put your blue jeans on
You can be anyone's equal and relatable by abandoning your exclusive luxurious lifestyle
You're anybody's baby when your mama's gone
Without your privileged background, you're just like anyone else who has their own struggles and adversities
Educated lady with your college degree
You're an intelligent woman who has completed academic studies
Amazes me why you just can't see
It's surprising to me that you lack understanding despite your intelligence and education
Learned everything from your books on the shelf
You have knowledge from literature but it's not enough to make practical decisions and experiences
But no one ever taught you how to think for yourself
You lack the ability to make independent choices and solve problems without relying on others
Sophisticated lady take a lesson from me
Listen to me and I'll give you valuable advice
I can help you be what you want to be
I can assist you in becoming the person you aspire to be
Together we'll see many brighter days
We'll have a positive outlook and experience pleasant moments when we unite
If it takes forever, gonna change your ways
I'll have the persistence and eagerness to make you alter your behavior no matter how long it takes
Pretty lady, get back
Woman, step away from your elitist attitude
Pretty lady, yea, sweet thing
Beautiful woman, you should consider modifying your demeanor
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Edward Kennedy Ellington, Irving Mills, Mitchell Parish
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Leigh Finner
There will never be another Al Jarreau. Will miss you forever.
Monkeygroover
Still my fav All Jareau record!
Steve Martin
@Monkeygroover Thanks heaps!
Monkeygroover
@Steve Martin
Bass – Gary Allen
Drums – Joe Abodeely
Piano – Cal Bezemer
Steve Martin
Gotta say I agree, so raw & with a piano that sounds like it was last tuned 20 yrs before the recording. I'd love to know who the musicians were?
riefka riefani
This version is so underrated. I LOVE THIS SO MUCH❤️
Keith Tarrant
I love this song it's just so relaxing
Angeli Alvares
Al Jarreau's incredible range and dynamics does great justice to this lovely song. I also love Blossom Dearie's soft version of this song. It's on Utube.check it out!
franguccio1
Great version of this Billy Strayhorn classic......
Ludmila G
Improvisation leader .. immortal performer 💕