The Right Stuff
Bryan Ferry Lyrics
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And the devil in your eye
Who is that woman with the crooked smile?
You got to go with what you feel
A little loving is a dangerous thing
Black is the ocean a burning sky
It's mountain high river deep the right stuff
Got your pearls on a string
And your skin's so bare
Over your shoulder there's a world out there
You got the nerve you gonna win
Boy you're playing with a dangerous thing
So it goes without saying
She's the queen of the Nile
Lion woman with the crooked smile
You got the nerve who's gonna win?
Boy you're playing with a dangerous thing
Send me the woman on a bended knee
Emerald eyes in desert heat
She's mountain high river deep the right stuff
Send me the woman to fight for me nature's wild hard to beat
She's mountain high river deep the right stuff
In the song "The Right Stuff" by Bryan Ferry, the lyrics describe the exhilaration that comes with taking risks and pursuing a dangerous woman. The opening lines "Got your money on the table, and the devil in your eye" suggest that the singer is gambling with his heart and money, possibly in pursuit of this crooked-smiled woman with an alluring but dangerous nature. Ferry's lyrics suggest a wariness of the dangers of love, but also the allure of the rush and thrill that comes with the pursuit.
The lyrics reference the depths of the sea and the heights of mountains, suggesting the immense and possibly dangerous qualities of his passion. The woman is described as having skin that is "so bare," while also being the "queen of the Nile" and a "lion woman." The singer is aware of the risk involved in pursuing her but is willing to take that chance.
Line by Line Meaning
Got your money on the table
You are feeling confident in your abilities and are willing to bet money.
And the devil in your eye
You have a mischievous and daring look in your eyes.
Who is that woman with the crooked smile?
You are intrigued by a woman with an enigmatic smile.
You got to go with what you feel
It is important to follow your instincts and act on what you truly desire.
A little loving is a dangerous thing
Romantic attraction can be powerful and even hazardous.
Black is the ocean a burning sky
The world can be full of contrasting and intense emotions.
Her nature's wild hard to beat the right stuff
This woman has an untamed charisma that is hard to resist.
It's mountain high river deep the right stuff
She has depth and passion that is extraordinary.
Got your pearls on a string
You are flaunting your wealth and status with your attire.
And your skin's so bare
You are revealing your vulnerability and sensuality.
Over your shoulder there's a world out there
There is a whole world to discover and explore beyond your current situation.
You got the nerve you gonna win
You are confident in your abilities and believe you can succeed.
Boy you're playing with a dangerous thing
Your actions are risky and have the potential for negative consequences.
So it goes without saying
This is an obvious fact that does not need to be explained.
She's the queen of the Nile
This woman is a powerful and regal presence.
Lion woman with the crooked smile
This woman exudes both strength and mystery.
Send me the woman on a bended knee
I am willing to submit and offer myself to this woman.
Emerald eyes in desert heat
This woman's striking eyes are accentuated by her surroundings.
She's mountain high river deep the right stuff
Her physical and emotional depths are unmatched.
Send me the woman to fight for me nature's wild hard to beat
I am entranced by this woman's strength and beauty, and would do anything to have her by my side.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: MICHAEL ROSE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Patrick Demmers
One of Bryan Ferry’s most underrated songs.......Johnny Marr on guitar and Bryan on vocals is musical perfection!
Dr Sq
It's a Smiths track with lyrics added
QUIET STORM
@Dr Sq So bitter
Dr Sq
@QUIET STORM if you think that, my dear boy, you have Van Gogh's ear for music.
QUIET STORM
@Dr Sq The feeling is mutual
Dr Sq
@QUIET STORM How could you not know the Smiths track in question? But thanks for continuing to embarrass yourself.
FlyingFox1987
He is like the Dracula of music... charming, smooth, but haunting and hypnotising at the same time..
Arcangelo Böckle
Completely agree.
Silvia Bruni
So true..... ❤️
Mick D
I could not defined him better 😊