Louis Armstrong (1901 - 1971) was a trumpet player, singer, and bandleader, and is widely regarded as one of the most influential artists in the history of jazz.
Sophisticated Lady
Ella Fitzgerald & Louis Armstrong Lyrics
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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
In Ella Fitzgerald's song Sophisticated Lady, the singer addresses a woman who is trying to change the singer's ways. She refers to this woman as a "sophisticated lady" who is caught up in her social status and money, and urges her to realize that these things have got her "mesmerized." The singer encourages the woman to put on her blue jeans and shed her sophisticated image, asserting that she is "anybody's baby" when her mama is gone. Next, the singer addresses the woman's college education, and expresses confusion over why the woman can't think for herself despite having learned so much from her books. Finally, the singer offers to help the woman be what she wants to be, promising that together they can see brighter days and change her ways if it takes forever.
Line by Line Meaning
Sophisticated lady tryin' to change my ways
You, a wealthy and powerful woman, are attempting to alter who I am.
Just because you're caught in your social maze
Your position in society has trapped you into a metaphorical maze.
I think it's 'bout time that you realize
You need to recognize the reality of your situation.
Your money and your power's got you mesmerized
Your wealth and influence have hypnotized you and made you blind to the truth.
Sophisticated lady put your blue jeans on
Cast off your luxurious lifestyle and be down-to-earth.
You're anybody's baby when your mama's gone
You are vulnerable and at the mercy of others when you are alone.
Educated lady with your college degree
You have received advanced education and earned a degree.
Amazes me why you just can't see
I am astounded that you are unable to comprehend.
Learned everything from your books on the shelf
Your knowledge comes solely from reading books.
But no one ever taught you how to think for yourself
You lack the ability to think critically and independently.
Sophisticated lady take a lesson from me
Listen to me, and I will teach you something.
I can help you be what you want to be
I can assist you in achieving your goals and aspirations.
Together we'll see many brighter days
We will have a positive and optimistic future if we work together.
If it takes forever, gonna change your ways
I am committed to helping you change, even if it takes a long time.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Edward Kennedy Ellington, Irving Mills, Mitchell Parish
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind