Since then, Schuur has become a legend herself. She has been nominated for five and received two GRAMMY® Awards for "Best Jazz Vocalist," as well as headlined many of the world's most prestigious music venues, including Carnegie Hall. Schuur has toured the world and has performed with such greats as Stan Getz, B.B. King, Maynard Ferguson, Ray Charles, Stevie Wonder, and Quincy Jones. She has performed countless times on The Tonight Show, has performed at The GRAMMY’s and at the White House.
Sophisticated Lady
Diane Schuur 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 lyrics of Diane Schuur's song "Sophisticated Lady" speak to the idea of a woman who is caught up in the trappings of her social status and wealth, but is ultimately unfulfilled. The singer urges her to break free of this mold and be true to herself, even if it means letting go of her sophistication and returning to more humble roots. In the first verse, the singer points out that the sophisticated lady is trying to change the singer's ways, but it is really the sophisticated lady who needs to change. She is so entranced by her money and power that she has lost touch with her true self. The singer urges her to "realize" this fact and see that she is not truly happy in her sophisticated world.
The second verse speaks to the irony of the sophisticated lady's education. While she has a college degree and has learned many things, she has never learned how to think for herself. The singer points out that she has "learned everything from [her] books on the shelf," but that this kind of knowledge is not enough. The sophisticated lady needs to be able to think critically and make her own decisions, rather than simply following the expectations of her social circle.
Overall, the song encourages the sophisticated lady to shed her sophisticated facade and be true to herself. The singer offers to help her in this endeavor and assures her that if she takes this path, she will see "many brighter days." Ultimately, the song suggests that true happiness comes not from wealth and sophistication, but from being true to oneself and living an authentic life.
Line by Line Meaning
Sophisticated lady tryin' to change my ways
The singer is addressing a woman who is attempting to change him. She is referred to as a "sophisticated lady," which suggests that she may be acting superior or entitled.
Just because you're caught in your social maze
The woman may be caught up in the expectations and norms of her social stratum, and therefore unable to see the error in her ways.
I think it's 'bout time that you realize
The singer believes that the woman needs to acknowledge her own flaws and limitations.
Your money and your power's got you mesmerized
The woman is too focused on her status and wealth to see the negative impact of her behavior on others.
Sophisticated lady put your blue jeans on
The artist is encouraging the woman to become more casual and approachable by wearing blue jeans. This could symbolize a willingness to let go of pretenses and connect with others on a more genuine level.
You're anybody's baby when your mama's gone
The woman is still a vulnerable and impressionable person, even if she tries to present herself as sophisticated and independent.
Educated lady with your college degree
The next verse suggests that the woman is educated, but may lack critical thinking skills or self awareness.
Amazes me why you just can't see
The artist is surprised that someone with the woman's level of education can still lack insight.
Learned everything from your books on the shelf
The woman's education may have been more focused on rote learning than practical life skills or empathy.
But no one ever taught you how to think for yourself
The woman may be too reliant on external sources of authority or approval, rather than trusting her own instincts and judgment.
Sophisticated lady take a lesson from me
The singer offers to help the woman become a better person, but acknowledges that this may be a difficult process.
Together we'll see many brighter days
By working together, the artist and the woman can overcome their respective limitations and enjoy more fulfilling lives.
If it takes forever, gonna change your ways
The singer is committed to helping the woman change, regardless of how long it may take.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Edward Kennedy Ellington, Irving Mills, Mitchell Parish
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind