He began on organ, then switched to clarinet and later added saxophone. The first band he joined in 1918 was Charly Miller's band. In 1922 he attended the New England Conservatory of Music where he gave lessons to Harry Carney. From 1926 till 1931 he joined Charly Johnson 's band. Later on he worked with King Oliver, Fletcher Henderson, Claude Hopkins, and others.( Hot Lips Page ) In these years he made several recordings with King Oliver and Clarence williams. During 1941-1942 he played with the famous Jimmy Lunceford Orchestra. After that he started his own band and played at the "Red Mill" in New York. After NY he stayed for four years in California. From 1952 to 1992 he lived in Paris and in 1996 received the Legion of Honor by the French Ministry of Culture. He is known in part for the longevity of his career. He continued to perform regularly up to his 95th birthday. Waters became blind in 1992 due to cataract.
Sophisticated Lady
Benny Waters 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
The song "Sophisticated Lady" by Benny Waters features lyrics that offer commentary on the struggle between money, power, and individuality. The singer of the song is addressing a woman who is caught up in her own social world surrounded by money and power, and is thus blinded to her own true desires and personal freedom. The chorus emphasizes the idea that the woman should shed her sophistications and embrace simplicity through wearing blue jeans and giving up her concerns for social status.
Throughout the song, the singer offers the woman advice on how to cut through the artificiality of her society to discover a more authentic and fulfilling existence. He encourages her to think for herself and to reject passivity in order to live a more meaningful life. The repetition of the phrase, "pretty lady, get back," underscores the frustration and sense of urgency he feels in trying to help her see the truth of her situation.
Overall, "Sophisticated Lady" is a lament on the perils of losing oneself in the materialistic and social constructs of society. The song speaks to the importance of individuality and self-expression, and encourages the listener to seek out a life that is genuine and fulfilling.
Line by Line Meaning
Sophisticated lady tryin' to change my ways
The singer feels pressure from someone he calls a sophisticated lady to change his ways.
Just because you're caught in your social maze
The pressure comes from this person being caught up in a social structure that relies on particular behavior and status.
I think it's 'bout time that you realize
The singer believes it's time this sophisticated lady understood something important.
Your money and your power's got you mesmerized
The artist believes that the lady is entranced and unable to think clearly due to her wealth and social status.
Pretty lady, get back
The artist is telling the lady to back off, possibly due to feeling overwhelmed.
Sophisticated lady put your blue jeans on
The singer is suggesting that the lady should let go of her sophisticated image and be more casual.
You're anybody's baby when your mama's gone
The singer suggests that the lady is completely different when she is not being judged, suggesting that social pressures keep her from being herself.
Educated lady with your college degree
The artist is addressing the lady's educational achievements.
Amazes me why you just can't see
The artist is expressing disbelief that the lady is not able to see something he believes to be obvious.
Learned everything from your books on the shelf
The artist believes the lady's education only came from studying books, implying that she has not had any practical experiences.
But no one ever taught you how to think for yourself
The singer believes that the lady's education was solely academic and that she hasn't learned how to develop her own thoughts, opinions, or ideas.
Sweet thing
The artist is admiring the lady's physical appearance.
Sophisticated lady take a lesson from me
The singer is addressing the lady directly and offering her advice.
I can help you be what you want to be
The singer suggests that he can help the lady to become the person she wants to be.
Together we'll see many brighter days
The singer is suggesting that he and the lady will have a better future by working together.
If it takes forever, gonna change your ways
The artist is willing to dedicate a significant amount of time and effort to help the lady change her behavior and attitude.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Edward Kennedy Ellington, Irving Mills, Mitchell Parish
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind