Dick Hyman (born March 8, 1927, New York City) is an American jazz pianist/… Read Full Bio ↴Dick Hyman (born March 8, 1927, New York City) is an American jazz pianist/keyboardist and composer best known for his versatility with jazz piano styles. Over a 50 year career he has functioned as pianist, organist, arranger, music director, and, increasingly, as composer. His versatility in all of these areas has resulted in well over 100 albums recorded under his own name and many more in support of other artists.

He currently resides in Venice, Florida.

Sophisticated Lady
Dick Hyman 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 Dick Hyman's "Sophisticated Lady" is about a woman who is obsessed with money and power, and has lost sight of what truly matters in life. The song stresses that true sophistication is not based on wealth or academic achievements, but is rather about having a balanced perspective on life. The singer encourages the woman to put on her blue jeans and shed her image of sophistication to enjoy life and to not let her wealth control her.

The song is a criticism of the idea that money and power inevitably lead to sophistication. The singer's belief is that true sophistication comes from simplicity and the ability to enjoy life regardless of wealth or power. He urges the "sophisticated lady" to stop being obsessed with her wealth and power and instead, focus on enjoying the experience of life. Her academic achievements are admirable, but they are only part of the picture. The singer suggests that she needs to learn how to think for herself and not rely solely on what she has learned in books.

The song is a call to action for individuals to appreciate life's simple pleasures and to not be controlled by wealth and power. It challenges the idea that money and academic achievements are the only measures of sophistication.

Line by Line Meaning

Sophisticated lady tryin' to change my ways
Addressing a woman who attempts to influence his behavior or decisions, implying that her sophistication and social status do not entitle her to have control over him

Just because you're caught in your social maze
Suggesting that her affluence and social circle may be restricting her freedom and judgment

I think it's 'bout time that you realize
Asserting that she needs to acknowledge the limitations of her privilege and broaden her perspective

Your money and your power's got you mesmerized
Positing that her wealth and influence have dulled her self-awareness and critical thinking abilities

Pretty lady, get back
Reiterating that he is not interested in submitting to her control or expectations

Sophisticated lady put your blue jeans on
Encouraging her to shed her pretenses and embrace a more down-to-earth and authentic persona

You're anybody's baby when your mama's gone
Hinting that her claims to sophistication and superiority are not always applicable or convincing

Educated lady with your college degree
Acknowledging her academic accomplishments and implying respect for her intelligence

Amazes me why you just can't see
Expressing puzzlement and disappointment that despite her education, she hasn't acquired more wisdom or insight

Learned everything from your books on the shelf
Suggesting that her education may be narrowly focused and insufficiently practical or experiential

But no one ever taught you how to think for yourself
Conveying disapproval of her lack of independence and originality, as well as blaming her education system or upbringing for this

Sophisticated lady take a lesson from me
Offering himself as a mentor or role model who can impart valuable insights or skills

I can help you be what you want to be
Asserting his capacity to guide her towards her desired goals or aspirations

Together we'll see many brighter days
Assuring her that collaborating with him will lead to more positive and rewarding outcomes

If it takes forever, gonna change your ways
Emphasizing his determination to influence her behavior or mindset, even if it may require a long-term effort

Sweet thing
A term of endearment or affection towards the woman, indicating that he is not motivated by animosity or resentment

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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