Pretty Women
Johnny Depp Alan Rickman Lyrics

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Mr. Todd?
At your service
An honor to receive your patronage, m′lord!
You know me, sir?

Who in this wide world does not know the great Judge Turpin?
What may I do for you today, sir?
A stylish... Trimming of the hair? A soothing skin massage?

Sit, sir, sit!

You see, sir, a man infatuate with love
Her ardent and eager slave
So fetch the pomade and pumice stone
And lend me a more seductive tone
A sprinkling, perhaps, of French cologne
But first, sir, I think... A shave!
The closest I ever gave

You're in a merry mood today, Mr. Todd
′Tis your delight, sir
Catching fire
From one man to the next!

'Tis true, sir, love can still inspire
The blood to pound, the heart leap higher!
What more
What more can man require
What more can man require?

Than love, sir?
More than love, sir!
What, sir?
Women!
Ah, yes, women
Pretty women!

Now, then, my friend
Now, to your purpose
Patience, enjoy it
Revenge can't be taken in... Haste

Make haste, and if we wed you′ll be commended, sir!
My lord!

And who may it be said is your intended, sir?
My ward!

A pretty little rosebud!
Pretty as her mother?
What? What was that?
Nothing, sir! Nothing!

Pretty women
Fascinating
Sipping coffee
Or dancing
Pretty women
Are a wonder
Pretty women

Sitting in the window or standing on the stair
Something in them cheers the air
Pretty women
Silhouetted
Stay within you

Glancing
Stay forever
Breathing lightly
Pretty women
Pretty women

Blowing out their candles or
Combing out their hair
Even when they leave
They still
Are there (with you)
They′re there... (there, with you)

Pretty women at their mirrors
In their gardens
Letter-writing
Flower-picking
Weather-watching
How they make a man sing!
Proof of heaven, as you're living!

Pretty women, sir!
Pretty women, yes!
Pretty women, oh!

Pretty women!
Pretty women!

Overall Meaning

The above lyrics are a dialogue between Sweeney Todd and Judge Turpin in the song “Pretty Women”. Judge Turpin visits Sweeney's barber shop to get a trim, but Sweeney realizes that he is the man who ruined his life years ago. In a subtle yet menacing manner, Sweeney offers him grooming services and suggests that love is not enough for a man but pretty women are. He then comes to know that Judge Turpin is planning to marry his ward, who he later reveals to be his own daughter Johanna. The song ends with an eerie yet beautiful note, showcasing the obsession with women held by the men in the song.

The lyrics are full of hidden meanings and layered lines, and the interpretation varies as per a listener’s perspective. Sweeney’s sudden change in behavior from anger to flirtatiousness suggests his cunning nature, which hides his real emotions. The reference to “women” throughout the song is not only a description of physical beauty but also the beauty of power and control that men can have over them. The lyrics show how men can hold their power over women, obsessing over them and using them for revenge or satisfaction.

Line by Line Meaning

Mr. Todd?
Hello there, may I be of service?

At your service
I am ready and willing to assist you

An honor to receive your patronage, m'lord!
I am grateful to have you as my customer, my honored lord

You know me, sir?
Do you recognize me, sir?

Who in this wide world does not know the great Judge Turpin?
Everyone knows the famous Judge Turpin, without a doubt

What may I do for you today, sir?
How may I assist you today, sir?

A stylish... Trimming of the hair? A soothing skin massage?
Would you like me to provide you with a fashionable haircut or a relaxing skin massage?

Sit, sir, sit!
Please take a seat, sir

You see, sir, a man infatuate with love
You see, sir, I am deeply in love

Her ardent and eager slave
I am her devoted and passionate servant

So fetch the pomade and pumice stone
Please bring me some hair-styling gel and a scrubbing stone

And lend me a more seductive tone
And help me sound more alluring

A sprinkling, perhaps, of French cologne
Maybe a delicate mist of French perfume

But first, sir, I think... A shave!
But before that, sir, I should shave your face!

The closest I ever gave
I will give you the closest shave I could possibly offer

You're in a merry mood today, Mr. Todd
You seem to be in a cheerful disposition today, Mr. Todd

'Tis your delight, sir
You must be enjoying yourself, sir

Catching fire
Becoming more enthusiastic

From one man to the next!
Spreading from one person to another!

'Tis true, sir, love can still inspire
Indeed, sir, love has the power to motivate

The blood to pound, the heart leap higher!
To make our pulse quicken and our hearts race with excitement!

What more
What else

What more can man require
What else do men need?

Than love, sir?
Isn't love enough?

More than love, sir!
Yes, there is something more important than love!

What, sir?
What is it, sir?

Women!
Women are!

Ah, yes, women
Oh yes, women indeed

Pretty women!
Attractive women!

Now, then, my friend
So, my friend

Now, to your purpose
Let's focus on why you came here

Patience, enjoy it
Take your time and savor the moment

Revenge can't be taken in... Haste
We must not rush revenge

Make haste, and if we wed you'll be commended, sir!
Hurry up, and if you marry my ward, you will be praised, sir!

My lord!
My esteemed lord!

And who may it be said is your intended, sir?
May I ask who the lucky lady is, sir?

My ward!
My foster child!

A pretty little rosebud!
A beautiful and innocent girl!

Pretty as her mother?
Is she as beautiful as her mother?

What? What was that?
What did you say?

Nothing, sir! Nothing!
Oh, it was nothing, my lord!