Kimiko Itoh (伊藤君子 Itō Kimiko, born July 11, 1946) is a Japanese singer. Sh… Read Full Bio ↴Kimiko Itoh (伊藤君子 Itō Kimiko, born July 11, 1946) is a Japanese singer. She was born on the island of Shōdoshima in Kagawa Prefecture, Japan.

After graduating from Musashino Art University with a degree in oil painting, she studied under Yasushi Sawada.[2]

In 1982 she made her debut with her first jazz album, "Birdland". In 1989, she released the album "FOLLOW ME" simultaneously in Japan and the United States. It ranked 16th in the Radio & Records Contemporary Jazz charts. Swing Journal voted Kimiko Number 1 female vocalist in 1988–1996.

Sophisticated Lady
Kimiko Itoh 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 to Kimiko Itoh's song "Sophisticated Lady" address a woman who is caught up in her social status and material possessions. The persona of the song acknowledges the woman's education and position of power, but points out the fact that she is not using her own intellect to think for herself. The song offers a solution, suggesting that the woman put on her blue jeans and become more down-to-earth, open-minded and free-thinking.

The repeated phrase "pretty lady, get back" throughout the song serves as a reminder to the titular "sophisticated lady" that she can be anyone she wants to be, as long as she takes off the restrictive layers of social status and high-class behavior that are holding her back. The melody and instrumentation of the song convey a gentle, yet powerful message of hope and encouragement.

The song appeals for the woman to embrace her authentic self, strip away the expectations of society, and embrace a simple and honest way of living. By doing this, she will attract positivity and find herself in a brighter and more fulfilling life.

Line by Line Meaning

Sophisticated lady tryin' to change my ways
You, a sophisticated woman, are trying to change who I am

Just because you're caught in your social maze
You are trapped in the complicated world of social norms and expectations

I think it's 'bout time that you realize
You need to come to the realization

Your money and your power's got you mesmerized
Your wealth and influence have captivated you

Educated lady with your college degree
You are a learned woman with a degree

Amazes me why you just can't see
I am surprised that you cannot comprehend

Learned everything from your books on the shelf
You have acquired knowledge solely from books

But no one ever taught you how to think for yourself
However, you were never taught to think independently

Sophisticated lady take a lesson from me
Take a lesson from me, oh sophisticated woman

I can help you be what you want to be
I am capable of assisting you to achieve your goals

Together we'll see many brighter days
Together we will experience many more pleasant days

If it takes forever, gonna change your ways
Even if it takes a long time, I will bring about a change in you

Sophisticated lady put your blue jeans on
You, a sophisticated woman, should wear something comfortable like jeans

You're anybody's baby when your mama's gone
You become vulnerable in your mother's absence

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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