After retiring from active music-making, Ridgeley still remained active in music-writing under various pseudonyms.
Ridgeley began surfing in the early 1990s. While surfing with his brother off the coast of England, both men contracted a waterborne illness from the raw sewage being discharged from a nearby pipe. After recovering from his illness, Ridgeley gave an interview to The Times. He went on to become a prominent environmentalist in the cause of water quality at English surfing beaches and riverways, working with the UK charity, Surfers Against Sewage.
Ridgeley is a partner in an English business that makes surfing equipment. He frequently lends his name and donates money to help pass laws against the discharge of raw sewage in UK offshore waters. Ridgeley's and SAS's efforts enjoyed success in recent years, having influence upon numerous safe sewage laws that have virtually eliminated E. coli illness and deaths in the UK.
He now lives in Cornwall, United Kingdom, in a restored 15th century farm property with his partner Keren Woodward of the pop group Bananarama.
Red Dress
Andrew Ridgeley Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Can you see those hips swinging to the beat
Oh, love, she's all curves and thrust, smooth thighs
Brown eyes, silk and lust
Come a little closer, come on over here
Girl, I gotta hold ya, don't ya disappear
She excites me, she ignites me, and she's hotter than a rocket on the Fourth of July
Come on try me, put it by me, 'cos I gotta make a move to
She wears a red dress, sextress, scarlet lips I wanna kiss
She got some first class long legs, it's a sin and that's my thing
Here she comes, cotton candy treat, gonna rock this hot sticky sugar sweet
Oh love, garter belts and lace sex simmers, sweat shimmers on her face
Girl, you got me jumpin', girl you got me hot
Come on, get it pumpin', give me all you got
She excites me, she ignites me, and she's hotter than a rocket on the Fourth of July
Come on try me, put it by me, 'cos I gotta make a move to
Stop you walking on by
She wears a red dress, sextress, scarlet lips I wanna kiss
She got some first class long legs, it's a sin and that's my thing
She wears a red dress, sextress, scarlet lips I wanna kiss
She got some first class long legs, it's a sin and that's my thing
Sexual favours fantasies
Carnal pleasures ecstasies
Girls, far more than I could please
They don't tempt me
Babe, I love your red dress
She excites me, she ignites me, and she's hotter than a rocket on the Fourth of July
Come on try, put it by me, 'cos I gotta make a move to
Stop you walking on by
She wears a red dress, sextress, scarlet lips I wanna kiss
She got some first class long legs, it's a sin and that's my thing
The song "Red Dress" by Andrew Ridgeley is an ode to the alluring power of a woman in a red dress. The lyrics describe the woman's bodily features in vivid detail, from her curves and smooth thighs to her scarlet lips and garter belts. The singer is captivated by her and wants to make a move to stop her from walking away. He sees her as a carnival treat, and the sexual tension between them is palpable.
While the song can be interpreted as objectifying women, it also acknowledges the complexity of female sexuality. The singer expresses his understanding that no one person can fulfill all of their partner's sexual desires, regardless of gender. He acknowledges the power of female sexual agency and sees himself as being at the mercy of the woman in the red dress.
Ultimately, the song is a celebration of desire and the thrill of sexual attraction. It encapsulates the feeling of being drawn to someone like a moth to a flame and being unable to resist their charms. It may not be the most politically correct song, but it captures a timeless sentiment that still resonates today.
Line by Line Meaning
Here she comes, walking down the street
A woman is approaching while walking
Can you see those hips swinging to the beat
Her hips are moving to the music
Oh, love, she's all curves and thrust, smooth thighs
She has a curvy body and smooth thighs
Brown eyes, silk and lust
She has brown eyes and an alluring presence
Come a little closer, come on over here
The singer wants her to approach him
Girl, I gotta hold ya, don't ya disappear
He wants to hold onto her and not let her go
She excites me, she ignites me, and she's hotter than a rocket on the Fourth of July
She arouses his desire and passion
Come on try me, put it by me, 'cos I gotta make a move to Stop you walking on by
He wants her to give him a chance to make a move on her
She wears a red dress, sextress, scarlet lips I wanna kiss
The singer is attracted to her in her red dress and wants to kiss her lips
She got some first class long legs, it's a sin and that's my thing
He finds her long legs irresistible
Here she comes, cotton candy treat, gonna rock this hot sticky sugar sweet
The woman is like a sweet treat that he wants to savor
Oh love, garter belts and lace sex simmers, sweat shimmers on her face
He is turned on by her sexy lingerie and the sweat on her face
Girl, you got me jumpin', girl you got me hot
She has made him excited and aroused
Come on, get it pumpin', give me all you got
He wants her to give him everything she's got
Sexual favours fantasies
He has sexual fantasies
Carnal pleasures ecstasies
He desires physical pleasures and ecstasy
Girls, far more than I could please They don't tempt me
He is not interested in other girls who cannot satisfy him like she can
Babe, I love your red dress
The singer is expressing his love for her red dress
She excites me, she ignites me, and she's hotter than a rocket on the Fourth of July
She arouses his desire and passion
Come on try, put it by me, 'cos I gotta make a move to Stop you walking on by
He wants her to give him a chance to make a move on her
She wears a red dress, sextress, scarlet lips I wanna kiss
The singer is attracted to her in her red dress and wants to kiss her lips
She got some first class long legs, it's a sin and that's my thing
He finds her long legs irresistible
Contributed by Jason C. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@victoriawashington565
I love this track!!! 💜💜💜💜💜
@lizardog
Wow, I had no idea. This could fit comfortably on an AccaDacca album. Love it!
@pages2
Wireless mics and guitars have been in use since the 1970s.
@lycangold
I LOOOOOOOOOOOOVED this song when it came out. Very sexy
@aprildannette3816
No wonder George did not put his name on this because people would not let Andrew have a chance
@MsPrestige2009
Hot song, love Andrew😎
@symenindraindrasymen8058
this is a killer!
@monicaanderlini6610
26/1 Buon Compleanno dall'Italia...all'altra metà ... dei miei preferiti Wham!...ricordando sempre anche Yog, of course.
@CarelessWhisper727
I am with you. Did you ever notice that Andrew's guitar was never plugged in? In the 80's technology was not what it is today. We did not have wireless equipment of any kind. Also he never had a mic. Hmmm???
@whamster8129
Sheila mcfarlane without Andrew,George wouldn't have of been famous because Andrew gave George the confidence that was needed to make Wham! And to become a solo artist