Sophisticated Lady
Duke Ellington Ray Brown 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 Duke Ellington and Ray Brown is an intriguing commentary on societal conventions and the pressure to conform to a certain standard of sophistication and refinement. The titular "sophisticated lady" is someone who has achieved wealth and status but is still trapped in a "social maze" that dictates her behavior and beliefs. The singer is urging her to break out of this mold and embrace a more authentic and genuine way of thinking and living.
Throughout the song, the singer contrasts the image of the sophisticated lady with that of a more down-to-earth, "anybody's baby" type of woman who is not bound by social expectations. He suggests that putting on a pair of blue jeans, a symbol of casual, unpretentious dress, could be a liberating act for the sophisticated lady. He also critiques the lady's education, challenging her to think for herself rather than simply regurgitating information learned from books.
Ultimately, the song is a call to action for the sophisticated lady to break free from the constraints of her societal role and live more authentically. It is a reminder that true sophistication is not defined by one's possessions or status, but rather by one's ability to think and act independently.
Line by Line Meaning
Sophisticated lady tryin' to change my ways
A woman of high status is attempting to influence and alter my behavior.
Just because you're caught in your social maze
You are confined by the intricacies of your societal position.
I think it's 'bout time that you realize
It is important for you to comprehend
Your money and your power's got you mesmerized
Your wealth and status are captivating and enthralling you.
Educated lady with your college degree
A woman of learning with formal higher education.
Amazes me why you just can't see
It is perplexing to me why you are blind to this.
Learned everything from your books on the shelf
You have gained all your knowledge from books you've read.
But no one ever taught you how to think for yourself
However, you have never been taught how to think independently.
Sophisticated lady take a lesson from me
A woman of high status should learn from my wisdom.
I can help you be what you want to be
I am capable of assisting you in achieving your desires.
Together we'll see many brighter days
We will have numerous happier experiences by working together.
If it takes forever, gonna change your ways
I am committed to helping you improve, even if it takes a lifetime.
Sophisticated lady put your blue jeans on
A woman of high status should dress modestly and comfortably.
You're anybody's baby when your mama's gone
You become vulnerable and dependent when you are without your usual support.
Pretty lady, get back
A beautiful woman should refrain from exerting undue influence.
Pretty lady, yea
An attractive woman who is not sophisticated is still desirable.
Sweet thing
A term of endearment for a lovely woman.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: DUKE ELLINGTON, IRVING MILLS, MITCHELL PARISH
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Oz A
As much as I love Ellington's big band sound, I much prefer his solo interpretation of this song and many others. You can really feel the chords and voicings that were uniquely his own and they provide such color to his creations.
And........Ray Brown? 'nuff said, right? Genius, maestro, prodigy bassist!
Wolfgang Thoma
you could easily feel the power of inspiration working in these two brains.. great!
Damon Arvid
all time favorite
Robert Sabin
This recording is great, but so poorly recorded! Couldn't they have tuned the piano?
Damon Arvid
huh? its the blues...
Robert Sabin
@Damon Arvid Seriously?
Damon Arvid
long tradition of out of tune pianos in jazz...