Arthur Fiedler (December 17, 1894 – July 10, 1979) was the long-time conduc… Read Full Bio ↴Arthur Fiedler (December 17, 1894 – July 10, 1979) was the long-time conductor of the Boston Pops Orchestra, a symphony orchestra that specializes in popular and light classical music. With a combination of musicianship and showmanship, he made the Pops one of the best-known orchestras in the country. Some criticized him for watering down music, particularly when adapting popular songs or edited portions of the classical repertoire, but Fiedler deliberately kept performances informal, light, and often self-mocking to attract more listeners.

Sophisticated Lady
Arthur Fiedler Lyrics

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Sophisticated lady tryin' to change my ways
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

You're anybody's baby when your mama's gone

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

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Arthur Fiedler's song "Sophisticated Lady" explore the theme of class and societal expectations. The song seems to be addressed to a woman who considers herself sophisticated and educated, but who is also trapped by her social status and unable to think for herself. By urging her to put on her blue jeans and forget about her wealth and position, the singer suggests that real freedom and authenticity can only be found by rejecting the constraints of society and embracing a more down-to-earth, humble identity.

The song's lyrics critique the notion that social status and education alone can make a person wise or fulfilled. It suggests that the pursuit of wealth and status can be a kind of prison, limiting one's choices and inhibiting true personal growth. The singer seems to be urging the sophisticated lady to break free from these constraints, to put aside the societal expectations that have been placed on her, and to embrace a more authentic and spontaneous way of living.

Overall, "Sophisticated Lady" is a beautifully written and thought-provoking song that challenges listeners to consider the true meaning of wisdom and personal fulfillment. It suggests that being truly free and authentic means rejecting the expectations of society and embracing a more authentic identity, one that is less concerned with status and more focused on personal growth and fulfillment.

Line by Line Meaning

Sophisticated lady tryin' to change my ways
A woman who thinks she is high class is attempting to change who I am

Just because you're caught in your social maze
You are blinded by the restrictions and expectations society has placed on you

I think it's 'bout time that you realize
It is time for you to understand

Your money and your power's got you mesmerized
You are so consumed by your wealth and influence that you cannot see anything else

Sophisticated lady put your blue jeans on
Stop acting like you are better than everyone and just be yourself

You're anybody's baby when your mama's gone
You are vulnerable and in need of guidance when no one else is around

Educated lady with your college degree
You have received a formal education and hold a degree

Amazes me why you just can't see
It is surprising to me that you cannot understand

Learned everything from your books on the shelf
You have acquired knowledge from your textbooks

But no one ever taught you how to think for yourself
You have not learned how to form your own opinions and think critically

Sophisticated lady take a lesson from me
Listen to what I have to say, woman who thinks she is high class

I can help you be what you want to be
I can assist you in achieving your goals

Together we'll see many brighter days
If we work together, we will experience more happiness and positivity

If it takes forever, gonna change your ways
I am determined to help you change, no matter how long it takes

Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Edward Kennedy Ellington, Irving Mills, Mitchell Parish

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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