Sophisticated Lady
R. Clooney & D. Ellington 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

In the song "Sophisticated Lady," the singer is addressing a woman who is caught up in the trappings of high society. He suggests that she is too focused on money and power, and hasn't learned how to think for herself. He encourages her to put on her blue jeans and be "anybody's baby" when her mother is not around. Essentially, he is suggesting that she let go of her social status and embrace a simpler, more authentic way of living.

The song's lyrics can be interpreted in different ways, but one possible meaning is that the singer is urging the woman to break free of societal expectations and be true to herself. He suggests that her education and privilege have not taught her everything she needs to know about the world. By putting on her blue jeans, she is shedding the trappings of her privileged life and becoming more approachable and down-to-earth.

Overall, the song is a commentary on the way that wealth and status can create barriers between people, and the importance of breaking down those barriers to connect with others on a more human level.

Line by Line Meaning

Sophisticated lady tryin' to change my ways
She's trying to change me by her sophistication

Just because you're caught in your social maze
Your social status has you lost

I think it's 'bout time that you realize
You need to come to terms with your situation

Your money and your power's got you mesmerized
You're too obsessed with your wealth and influence

Educated lady with your college degree
You have a degree, but it does not define you

Amazes me why you just can't see
I'm shocked you lack the insight to understand

Learned everything from your books on the shelf
You have book knowledge but lack common sense

But no one ever taught you how to think for yourself
You don't know how to form your own opinions

Sophisticated lady take a lesson from me
Let me teach you something

I can help you be what you want to be
I can assist you in achieving your goals

Together we'll see many brighter days
We will have better times together