She and her husband lived on a wine farm in the Cape. She made a few albums.
She wrote her own lyrics and music.
Sophistication
Lesley Rae Dowling Lyrics
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That's the name of the game
Now that you attained a certain class
You gotta have the same
Sophistication
It's a brave new world out there
Learn to pull the right strings at the right time
Feel those inhibitions slowly clinging toward you
Feel secure on the knowledge of all the gold that's gonna come to you
Sophistication
An extra pocket for your credit card
You gotta look sharp and cool
And play so hard
Sophistication
Learn to use your energy
Smile while you stare
And enough with their monopoly
The lady in the foreground must feel right until you stop
To take her home and love her and lose her in a while
Sophistication
Knowing wines and reading fashion news
Some nonchalant maneuvers
L'amour est en la rue
Sophistication
Diamonds are a girl's best friend
Feed them to her uncertain boy
You'll have her in the end
New clothes and all its trappings, make of you a stronger man
Knowing that when you arrive, the lesser people ran
Free from hibernation fear, free from mortgages and bonds
Free from all the retirement bother, what is right and wrongs
Sophistication
Sophistication
That's the name of the game
Now that you've attained a certain class
You gotta act the same
Sophistication
It's a brave new world out there
Learn to pull the right strings at the right time
You'll never have a care
Sophistication
An extra pocket for your credit card
You gotta look sharp and cool
And play so hard
The song "Sophistication" by Lesley Rae Dowling speaks about the pressure to conform to society's standards of sophistication and class. The singer describes the need to act a certain way, know the right people, wear the right clothes, and even drink the right wines in order to fit in and be considered sophisticated. The lyrics suggest that attaining this level of sophistication is the ultimate goal, and that once achieved, a person is free from the worries and stresses that plague the less sophisticated.
The chorus of the song emphasizes the importance of sophistication, repeating the phrase "Sophistication, that's the name of the game, now that you attained a certain class you gotta have the same." The use of the word "game" suggests that the pursuit of sophistication is a competition, where only those who make it to the top are considered winners. The repeated imagery of "pulling the right strings" suggests that sophistication is not just about appearance, but also about knowing the right people and taking advantage of certain situations.
The verse "Knowing wines and reading fashion news, some nonchalant maneuvers, L'amour est en la rue" is a clear nod to French culture, which is often associated with sophistication. The reference to "L'amour est en la rue" (love is on the streets) suggests that even in sophisticated settings, one must not forget the art of seduction. Meanwhile, the line "Diamonds are a girl's best friend, feed them to her uncertain boy, you'll have her in the end" highlights the societal expectation that diamonds are a symbol of sophistication and that women should desire them. The implication that men can use diamonds to manipulate women is also interesting, suggesting that sophistication also involves a certain level of power dynamics.
Line by Line Meaning
Sophistication
Being sophisticated and refined is the key to success.
That's the name of the game
Being sophisticated is the goal.
Now that you attained a certain class
Now that you have achieved a certain level of success.
You gotta have the same
You have to maintain that level of sophistication.
It's a brave new world out there
The world is changing rapidly.
Learn to pull the right strings at the right time
You need to be strategic in your actions.
You'll never have a care
If you are sophisticated, you won't have any worries.
Feel those inhibitions slowly clinging toward you
You may feel nervous or hesitant.
Feel secure on the knowledge of all the gold that's gonna come to you
Be confident that success will bring you wealth and security.
An extra pocket for your credit card
Always be prepared with your finances.
You gotta look sharp and cool
You need to be stylish and fashionable.
And play so hard
You must work hard to achieve success.
Learn to use your energy
Utilize your resources and abilities.
Smile while you stare
Be confident and charming in your interactions.
And enough with their monopoly
Don't let others control your success.
The lady in the foreground must feel right until you stop
Make sure your choices align with your desires and goals.
To take her home and love her and lose her in a while
In the pursuit of success, personal relationships may suffer.
Knowing wines and reading fashion news
Being knowledgeable about culture and trends is important.
Some nonchalant maneuvers
Use casual, effortless actions to show sophistication.
L'amour est en la rue
Romance and love are a part of sophisticated life.
Diamonds are a girl's best friend
Gifts and material things can help win affection.
Feed them to her uncertain boy
Give gifts to win over someone who may be hesitant.
You'll have her in the end
Gifts and material things will help you succeed in romance.
New clothes and all its trappings, make of you a stronger man
Being dressed well and having nice things can boost confidence.
Knowing that when you arrive, the lesser people ran
Being sophisticated makes others feel inferior.
Free from hibernation fear, free from mortgages and bonds
Sophisticated people are free from the concerns of everyday life.
Free from all the retirement bother, what is right and wrongs
Sophisticated people are free from worrying about right or wrong.
Sophistication
Being sophisticated and refined is the key to success.
You gotta act the same
You have to maintain that level of sophistication.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Lesley Rae Dowling
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind