"Lady Godiva" is a 1966 single recorded by Peter and Gordon. The song is a … Read Full Bio ↴"Lady Godiva" is a 1966 single recorded by Peter and Gordon. The song is a music-hall style number which frivolously references the legend of Lady Godiva, reimagining the legend in the modern day: a director from Hollywood witnesses her legendary ride and recruits the lady to star in his films, but he turns out to be a director of pornographic films.

Lady Godiva
Peter & Gordon Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Seventeen, a beauty queen
She made a ride that caused a scene
In the town
Her long blonde hair
Hangin' down around her knees
All the cats who dig striptease
Prayin' for a little breeze

Her long blonde hair
Falling down across her arms
Hiding all the lady's charms
Lady Godiva

She found fame and made her name
A Hollywood director came into town
And said to her
"How'd you like to be a star?"
"You're a girl that could go far"
"Specially dressed the way you are"

She smiled at him
Gave her pretty head a shake
That was Lady G's mistake
A-hey-hey-hey
Lady Godiva

He directs certificate 'X'
And people now are craning their necks to see her
'Cause she's a star
One that everybody knows
Finished with the striptease shows
Now she can't afford her clothes
Her long blonde hair
Lyin' on the barber's floor

Doesn't need it long anymore
Lady Godiva

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Peter and Gordon's Lady Godiva narrate the tale of a young beauty queen who rides a horse through her town, causing quite the scandal, as her long blonde hair flows down past her knees. The lyrics describe how this act entices and arouses all the men who appreciate the striptease, praying for a little breeze that would reveal more of her body. Then, a Hollywood director comes to town and sees her, quickly plucking her from relative anonymity for the chance to become a star. He offers her a role, but Lady Godiva shakes her head and declines, causing her fame and pride to plummet. Eventually, she abandons her modesty, dons the garb of a stripper, and becomes quite successful. Yet, when her stripping career comes to an end, she cannot afford new clothes, and her long blonde hair is chopped off in a haircut, representing the loss of her fame, beauty, and glory.

The song Lady Godiva was first written and released in 1966 by Peter and Gordon in the United Kingdom, with a hit in both the UK and the United States. Peter Asher of Peter and Gordon wrote the lyrics for the song, with music composed by Mike Leander. The song actually tells the story of the famous historical Lady Godiva of the 11th century - a noblewoman who supposedly rode naked through the streets of Coventry, England, to protest her husband's taxation of his tenants. Unfortunately, the lyrics are not entirely historically accurate - in reality, Lady Godiva was not a professional stripper, nor did she ever lose her long blonde locks. Peter and Gordon's Lady Godiva, therefore, presents a fictionalized and sexualized interpretation of the tale of Lady Godiva. Overall, the song is catchy, upbeat, and a charming addition to anyone's vintage collection of classic rock.

Line by Line Meaning

Seventeen, a beauty queen
Referring to a young and attractive girl who was crowned as a beauty queen

She made a ride that caused a scene
She took a ride on a horse through the town which attracted a lot of attention

In the town
She rode her horse in the public area of the town

Her long blonde hair
Her hair was long and blonde

Hangin' down around her knees
Her hair was long enough to reach her knees and was hanging down

All the cats who dig striptease
All the people who are fond of striptease were attracted towards her

Prayin' for a little breeze
The people were hoping for a little wind to blow and reveal more of her body

Falling down across her arms
Her hair was falling down and covering her arms

Hiding all the lady's charms
Her hair was hiding her female attributes

She found fame and made her name
She became famous and established herself

A Hollywood director came into town
A director from Hollywood visited the town

And said to her
He approached her and spoke to her

"How'd you like to be a star?"
He offered her a chance to become a Hollywood star

"You're a girl that could go far"
He believed that she had the potential to succeed as a Hollywood actress

"Specially dressed the way you are"
He liked the way she was dressed and felt that it suited her potential image as an actress

She smiled at him
She responded to him by smiling

Gave her pretty head a shake
She declined his offer by shaking her head

That was Lady G's mistake
Her decision to decline the offer turned out to be a mistake

A-hey-hey-hey
A sound that mimics a laugh or chuckle

He directs certificate 'X'
The director made a movie that was rated X for mature audiences

And people now are craning their necks to see her
People are now trying to catch a glimpse of her

'Cause she's a star
Because she is a famous actress

One that everybody knows
She is someone who is recognized by everyone

Finished with the striptease shows
She is no longer performing striptease shows

Now she can't afford her clothes
She is unable to pay for her clothes

Her long blonde hair
Her hair was long and blonde

Lyin' on the barber's floor
Her hair is now cut and lying on the floor of a barber shop

Doesn't need it long anymore
She doesn't need to keep her hair long anymore

Lady Godiva
Title of the song and refers to the famous legend of Lady Godiva who rode a horse through a town naked

Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Michael Farr, Chas Mills

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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Most interesting comment from YouTube:

Febo Werneck

4y↑24

Seventeen, a beauty queen
She made a ride that caused a scene
In the town
Her long blonde hair
Hangin' down around her knees
All the cats who dig striptease
Prayin' for a little breeze
Her long blonde hair
Falling down across her arms
Hiding all the lady's charms
Lady Godiva

She found fame and made her name
A hollywood director came into town
And said to her
"How'd you like to be a star?"
"You're a girl that could go far"
"'specially dressed the way you are"
She smiled at him
Gave her pretty head a shake
That was Lady G's mistake
A-hey-hey-hey
Lady Godiva
He directs certificate 'X'
And people now are craning their necks
To see her
'cause she's a star
One that everybody knows
Finished with the striptease shows
Now she can't afford her clothes

Her long blonde hair
Lyin' on the barber's floor
Doesn't need it long anymore
Lady Godiva

All comments from YouTube:

Jorge Mario Rodas

1y↑10

I had about 30 years of not hearing this song, and it is good to hear it again. One of my favorites in the past, now I've found it here I shall listen to it frequently.

Matt Reese

12y↑14

This novelty number allowed P&G to extend their brief career for a few more months. It was a throwback to an earlier musichall style, which caught on suprisingly well with the record-buying public, probably due to the racy nature of the subject. These guys followed it up with the similar sounding "Knight in Rusty Armour," which also did surprisingly well, refuting the adage that you can't do the same novelty song twice. Nice to hear "Godiva" again.

Jose Moreno

5y↑46

I loved this song when i was young. Now that i'm older, I still love it more.

TONY ALLEN

48w↑1

Hey your not alone 👍

Tom Hoehler

12y↑15

Very nice clean stereo! Cool ballad, they don't make them like this anymore. Pity. Thanks for posting.

zoedeexx

12y↑11

I love this song! My dad used to play it when I was a baby and I used to dance to do it, I know not exactly an appropriate childrens song, haha. I was super happy when Alex Day covered it, it brought back so many happy memories :D

Emily SilverSkinned

12y↑12

I love this song. I love the harmony of the guys' voices, and the sort of old school feel to it. I need to get it on my iPod :D

emily b

12y↑5

Quite honestly, both the original and Alex's version are brilliant! I cannot choose which I prefer, each has a different beat, but both make it work. Honestly I think Alex kept the essence of the original while giving it his own original touch.

James Cressey

9y↑15

Another great classic from such a great era of music this classic scored itself a million seller! God bless!

jmeadows821

9y↑2

+lenspaulding I think those women might have been called groupies.

lenspaulding

9y↑2

+jmeadows821 yes I married one .....she made a great Wife and we are still going strong!

lenspaulding

8y↑1

+stephen dwyer ...Kim Kardashian is not my cup of tea Sir!!

DealReal12

+stephen dwyer NO! NO! NO!

3 More Replies...

MrMjp58

2y↑2

A bit like The Monkees. A brilliant pop record. I loved their harmonies. Peter's slight vocal quiver is tantalising.

sunkentree

4y↑10

Absolutely love the piano and banjo going at it, brass in the distance

TONY ALLEN

48w

Yes👍👍👍👍👍😀

Kirke182

11y↑13

I remember this from around 2nd grade. I'd hear it in the morning on my older sister's radio because my mom worked so my sister had to get me and my brother ready for school. It brings back old memories.

patrick ryan

5y↑12

Clever and catchy; easily remembered -- all signs of a great recording. 10/2019

Febo Werneck

4y↑24

Raddmann

I found the lyrics to be pretty clever not to mention amusing.

Lindsey Lee

5y↑14

I’m 14 years old. I first heard this song on the bus home from school and I looked it up. Now it’s on my playlist.

Donna Savage

2y↑1

Well now that your 3 years older do you still appreciate it! Very cool that you had it on ur playlist!!

Lindsey Lee

2y↑1

@Donna Savage I do still love it

GingerTheBreadSheep

12y↑1

I have listened to both songs and personally I think they are both equally amazing!

Sheepishe

12y↑2

To those of you who are upset with Alex (because he didn't make it clear that it was a cover), but enjoys this version: take a moment to thank him, at least. If it weren't for him, you would probably never discover this little musical gem.

yamihoole

12y↑1

It was so awesome to be able to hear this one done live! My fav P& G song

moviefan1955

14y↑7

Music is so evocative I have always loved this song thank you for posting !

craig1974

12y↑4

This version will never get old compared to Alex Day's version hands down!

Robert Thacher

Agreed!

BecomingAdrian

12y↑2

You could argue that Alex did a service to people by brining the public's attention to this little gem.

gaackman

12y

Knowing that Alex didn't write it originally explains how enthusiastic and eccentric he is in the music video. I don't think that he would act that would act that way about a song that he'd written.

LOKISlog7

12y

I had no idea who or what an Alex Day was until reading some of the comments. I took a look for about 2 seconds; QUICKLY hit the THUMBS DOWN button and returned to this AWESOME version!!!!!!!!!! This is the BEST version of the song. Always was; always will be!!!! Thank you Peter n Gordon. C'mon YT give us a special THUMBS UP x a MILLION button- Just for those that deserve it. This truly does.

Rico T

Top 20 in the UK; peaked at No.16 in October 1966 but reached No.7 in the USA in December 1966 for Peter and Gordon. This is a actually quite a clever and witty song.

Angela DeLorenzo

7y↑48

Not saying there is no talent today, but back then, these bands wrote, sang, and had to play an instrument!

Anshul Dinger

6y↑3

(Cough cough) Monkees (cough cough) Elvis

SupremeLeader GNKdroid

4y↑1

Can you boomers for one video not crap on new generation?

Natalie Panaia

4y↑2

@Anshul Dinger The Monkees were a TV show before they were a band, to be fair. And in fact, they did record an album that they all played their own instruments on. It's not that they weren't capable of doing it, it is just the way things were then. In fact, The Beach Boys, The Mamas and Papas, and so many morein the mid to late 60s used the same session musicians. Check out any information regarding The Wrecking Crew.

Natalie Panaia

@SupremeLeader GNKdroid, hello friend. It seems the "new generation" needs a lesson in sentence structure. What are you are trying to communicate here?

SupremeLeader GNKdroid

Natalie Panaia meant to type for. Auto correct turned it into got. That’s not sentence structure. Sentence structure is the correct placement of nouns, verbs, and using commas. Correcting someone on their grammar, spelling mistakes, and sentence structure does not help nor win you an argument. Actually address the original point, which was that boomers feel that they need to crap on new generation for everything. Our Music, shows, movies, fashion, style, etc

2 More Replies...

David T. Smith

8y↑28

Like alot of British novelties from the '60s I had to wait until I was a teen to get the "racy" lyrics but I loved the melody since childhood. Thanks for stirring up the memories.

Rose Minenna

Just sent this to 2 ladys in their 80s. Will have it in my head all day.

Katie Greenough

12y

I enjoy both versions, but the best part about them is that we are listening to a great song and being exposed to things we would not normally seek.

schlesmail

6y↑27

When Lady Godiva rode side-saddle through town, half the crowd shouted, "Hooray for our side!"

formwiz

3y↑4

Actually, both sides.

Arthur F. Scaltrito

3y↑3

And thew pies At Peeping Tom

ginny white

lol

Marie Wilkins

And again, duh. It took me a bit to get it!

orangesasquatch1

12y

To me, Alex's voice sounds very similar to the singer of the original. Pretty darn cool. =)

All Good

Classic song.. TIMELESS 👍🎵

Laurie Smith

OMG, I FINALLY FOUND IT! I heard this on the radio as a child, and all I've had to go on for YEARS when searching for this song was "Laaaydee Guh-deyevah" (how I always interpreted it hearing it as a child) and the 'corny' melody (I always thought it sounded funny).

astronemi

12y↑1

Love this original but then I love Alex Day's cover! Both amazing songs.

astronemi

@black bob was this meant for me?

1 More Replies...

scott olinger

14y↑1

Love this song. I used to play my sisters 45 over & over & let my mind wonder (a 7 year old boy). I haven't heard this song since the 70's!!!!

Leo King

11y

I heard Alex's version first, and I love it to pieces, but I like this too :). This has a real charm to it I wasn't expecting to find.

stuffbymolly

12y

He may have written that in the description, but hardly anyone expands the descriptions and reads all of it. Most people just watch the videos, and he has never once said in a video: "This isn't my song." Which causes most people to believe he wrote it, giving him more credit than he deserves.

gary faught

Saw these guys at the Winter Dance Party "50 Winters Later" in Clear Lake in 2009. Of course they, among many others, covered Buddy Holly's "True Love Ways" back in 1965.

Persona Non-Grata

38w

I was a preteen when this song hit the charts. I couldn't believe it. It's probably what's wrong with me today. 😏

paint4splatter

12y

i think both versions are great. i like that this one has the high note hit (sorry alex) but i like the tempo and cleanness of alex's

Ryan P

12y

I don't know, I really like the sound that modern pop gives this song...It just increases the cheese level, which I love :D

blf49

Double entendre for the youth in the sixties. And I loved it.

John Jarou

11y↑3

yes,this is the original and by FAR the best version. period!

Sunny Foreman

13y

I had long blonde hair and was in early teen years; this was the MOST embarassing song!! And I cut my hair VERY short over this silly song! It seemed SO important back then! Happy 60s to all. War is bad for flowers, children and other living things. Peace, Sunny

Themanwhocameback2

6y↑1

I haven't heard this song in 50 years! My older brother bought the 45. I don't remember my parents complaining (we used to play it onthe living room stereo). Now I see it was influenced by a bigger hit earlier that same year- Winchester Cathedral. I think Herb alpert did an instrumental of this. Let me see if I can find that ...

BecauseJustBecause

12y↑1

As much as I love Alex's version, this is awesome. :P

rosie beattie

8y↑26

Oh my word, such wonderful memories. Fabulous song.
"He directs, certificate X".
I remember that line from a child, but it did not mean anything to me then.

city zen

7y↑1

In America, it would be a movie rating stronger than R.

Doug Montgomery

7y↑1

It doesn't mean anything to ME NOW.

gellexi

7y↑1

I loved Peter and Gordon. I bought the single, but my mom disapproved of this song. She thought it was too racy for me.
I was 10 or 11 years old at the time.

jennifur sun

6y↑2

it means ADULT in the highest sense of the word, VERY ADULT

Ruby Nibs

@city zen In the US, it would have been an X-rated movie.

3 More Replies...

T

12y

I like both versions, thank you Alex for bringing me here. I feel more cultured or something now.

Bob Roberts

44w

Great song by P and G.Been around along time!

Samuel Griffin

Back then they used to play this on the radio stations especially when they had ridiculous hits in New York City

Mark Johnson

8y↑86

Ah yes, back in the day when pop music had subtlety, wit, and class.

katie lynn Burdick

6y↑7

Mark Johnson I am 27, but I love this music!

Murve

6y↑1

The album covers on the other hand...

ShaddyCrunchum

5y↑5

This isn't subtle at all the duck are you on about

Robby Midgett

5y↑9

Yes. A classy song about a stripper.

Hollywood

4y↑1

An adult film star.

2 More Replies...

Samuel Griffin

The sixties music still keeps me going

Eriberto Nunez

13y

EVERLY BROTHERS WAS THE TOP DUO OF THE 60S ---THEY WERE TOP BY HALL AND OATES AS THE BEST SELLING DUO OF ALL TIME

John Stevens

Great memories of listening to this classic novelty song in Phoenix, AZ on AM 55 KOY radio. Thanks for posting it.

Cat Hughes

12y

"Written by the late great Mike Leander and Charles Mills - this is my interpretation of their wonderful original song." From the description of Alex's official music video of the song.

James Taylor

51w

Found a new song to add to my collection Thanks.

Harry Bonnett

8y↑3

you put me. straight. back into. the. fabulous. sixties. thanks. for. these. memories. from two. great. performers

Murray Wood

5y↑1

Ahh Such witty songs that made us giggle & sing along with . Great days with great music . Life was great, such a super time to grow up in. Really people singing real songs with real instruments & real talent Much better than the Mumbo Jumbo that is wheeled out today as 'Music'

bonnie benini

i was a kid when this came out...always liked it...

Joan Morris

5y↑1

I loved this song.👗👗👗👗👗

Jocelin Chan

12y

Guys, it's a brilliant song original and cover. This one's sixtiesness is seriously cute, though.

meloyellowduck

14y

I never understood this song. Now that I'm older, I understand what they meant much better!!!!!

John Tapp

It means a beautiful lady fell in with a smut producer and peddler, that’s all.

MrVampiredog

14y

Best duo in the 60s

Callista Banks

12y↑1

i was so sad when i found out alex's was only a cover!! :( i love his way more than this!!! alex is amazing and alex's video just makes me laugh so much!!!

Aussie

41w

Musical genius

Joshua Lonsako

12y

I'll admit, alex may have made it alot more of aa modern day pop-song. But he might have done it to do the video, which clearly fits his personality.

Mythagoras

12y

I wish alex day had kept the same bpm. Other than that, both versions are great

TrishBell1

8y↑8

LOVED this as a tween.

A Florida Son

And I'm still lovin it as a sene.

John Jarou

11y↑1

brings back some good memories. fun song.

Hollywood

4y↑4

This sounds like a theme to a 60's western-comedy.

Manon D

11y

Oh my God I had no idea Alex's version was a cover :O Bit disappointed to be honest. But both versions are awesome ! (they kinda have the same voice :P)

eatapapercut

12y

TO EVERYONE WHO IS WHINING THAT ALEX WRITE THIS SONG! He told us he didn't write it but what he did do is reinvent the song and take a song he loves and made it his own and made a version that people these days will enjoy

NamJock

7y↑8

"You're a girl who could go far;
especially dressed the way you are."
Are you kidding me - Peter & Gordon - one of the forgotten 60's acts that shouldn't have been (forgotten, that is!).

Rahid Amaji

12y↑1

Love alex as I do I must say I think this setting works a lot better. The tune doesnt really work with Alex's pop setting it was meant to be played by these instruments. There's charm when these guys do it, it's a bit weird when Alex does it

Georgia Leanne

11y

I prefer Alex's version, but not because it's Alex, because i think he has more life in his voice when he sings it. A good song either way.

RLD

Love it!

Benjamin Tirone Nunes

12y

I actually like alex' version more, but that doesn't mean I dislike this one, it's actually awesome too. But I heard from the start it was a cover. Just because others didn't listen, doesn't mean a thing.

ArcBurn 33

5y↑3

I like Peter and Gordon. Remember “ the knight in rusty armor” by them? It also had an R rated ending. Funny little song.

charles brown

6y↑19

A very pleasant little ditty from Peter and Gordon.

Erin Day

12y

Yeah, I agree! I had no idea it was a cover until Micheal Aranda mentioned it.

Marcio Ivam de Brito Teixeira

10y

Great song !

Rebekah Holt

12y

I love this!

Katie Bug

12y↑1

I like this one more then I like Alex's, and I listened to his version first.

Cassandra Collins

12y

Soooo much better than Alex Day's. Without even trying.

marty3888

6y↑5

I've been listening to these songs from the 60s since 3 0 clock. I said I would stop at about 4. OK, 4:30. It's now 5 and I can't stop.

veryfancydoily

12y

Did they make a music video to this? I love Alex's :)

LOKISlog7

14y

Love It

TOKAMEEL

14y

AHH ! The good old days. Thanks

Ella James

12y

I like Alexs version, But this Is amazing.

LukeVsLife

12y

Agreed, all he really did was change the instruments in the song, which could have took him less than an hour

robert thacher

48w

From November of 1966. I was just a freshman in HS. Well done, Remember it well!

Alexandre

12y

Actually, if you read the description of Alex Days Lady Godiva he very clearly states that his is an adaptation of a song written by Mike Leander and Charles Mills.

LOKISlog7

12y↑1

Thank you for your reply. I made it to the 1:00 mark the second time around; then turned it off. In my humble opinion; Peter and Gordons version is the superior one. PnG initially didn't want to do this song because they thought it would become a Bubble-gum novelty song. Thank God they did; and it didn't. Alex Days interpretation and video reduce this classic song to a novelty song. To each his own.... RIP Gordon Waller; Thank You so much for this Gem

JustThePretender

11y↑2

The original *and* the best - case closed, at least for me. Thank you so very much for the upload! Like!

Ony Xerxes

7y↑62

I don't think l've ever commented something like this but ... it makes me sad that this has 40 dislikes. Wtf is wrong with people man lol

Kaz Leslie

5y↑9

Totally agree

Marvin Thiessen

5y↑10

Now it has 70 dislikes, must be too benign for the kids, one can actually comprehend the lyrics!

Mar Glee

4y↑5

@Marvin Thiessen Well, this is not my type of song I would admit, but I enjoyed listening to it. I don't know why anyone should dislike it.

kathy guinto

3y↑2

Maybey they're all addicted to hip hop,go figure,but this here's the kind of stuff what gets me going,rapp? screw that garbage!.John Guinto

Michele Walburn

Maybe it's bots. Most dislikes are. Many are people fat thumbing the like button too.

1 More Replies...

fab60s

6y↑2

soooo Good these guys were !!!! just great

Crystal Márquez

12y

I love Alex Day's version, it's more techno and modern.

Peter Saletti

11y

I've played both. They're identical except for different keys and instruments.

TheHarlequinLady

12y

I like this version, it's different from Alex's. His is a bit more "pop" but I prefer it to this one.

Robert Thacher

Love me some Lady G from age 13 and Peter and Gordon in 1966!

stuffbymolly

12y

Hmm... let's take a look back at Sons of Admirals. That's a perfect example of when they said: "Hey, there's this old song which we liked, we covered it, it'd be nice if you'd buy it." Up front in interviews and video where everyone would hear about it, they credited the original artist.