Roxy Music became a successful act in Europe and Australia during the 1970s. This success began with their self-titled debut studio album in 1972. The band pioneered more musically sophisticated elements of glam rock while significantly influencing early English punk music, and provided a model for many new wave acts while innovating elements of electronic composition. The group also conveyed their distinctive brand of visual and musical sophistication with their focus on glamorous fashions. Ferry and co-founding member Eno have had influential solo careers. Eno became one of the most significant British record producers of the late 20th century. Rolling Stone originally ranked Roxy Music No. 98 on their greatest artists list ("The Immortals – The 100 Greatest Artists of All Time"), but dropped the group from the list when they updated it in 2011.
Roxy Music's final studio album was Avalon (1982), which was certified Platinum in the United States. In 2005, the band began recording what would have become their ninth studio album—and their first album with Eno since 1973 (he wrote two songs for it and also played keyboards). However, Ferry eventually announced that the material from these sessions would instead be released as a Ferry solo studio album, with Eno playing on "a couple of tracks", and that he believed the group would never again produce a record as Roxy Music. The album was released in 2010 as the Ferry solo studio album Olympia. It featured contributions from Eno, Manzanera, and Mackay (amongst many other session players).
In 2011, Roxy Music played a series of 40th-anniversary shows, but went inactive as a performing entity following the concerts. In 2019, Roxy Music were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
In 2022, Roxy Music reformed for a tour to mark the 50th anniversary of their debut studio album.
Full Wikipedia article: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roxy_Music
Studio albums
Roxy Music (1972)
For Your Pleasure (1973)
Stranded (1973)
Country Life (1974)
Siren (1975)
Manifesto (1979)
Flesh and Blood (1980)
Avalon (1982)
She Sells
Roxy Music Lyrics
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Up to the minute and free
Stop press, hold the front page
Up as a mirror
Are you reading me?
Watch you walking in waltz time
A jigsaw puzzle in tune
Or are you faking a straight line
Rather nouveau than never
Contemporary ideal
Some natural kind of poet might slow it
But she sells more my speed
She sells country and modern
Ancient western song
Of oriental confusion
You so right, me so wrong
Now you're fixing to fly me
Auto-erotic, please,
On the break that you're gliding.
Your lingerie's a gift-wrap
Slip it to me
Nine till five
The daily grind
Made-up lies
Make up my mind
Same machine consuming you
Consuming you
Oh why
She sells
I need
Oh why love why
She sells
I need.
The lyrics to Roxy Music's song "She Sells" touches on the concept of modernity and commercialism. The song's protagonist is fascinated by the woman in question, who he finds to be fashionable and contemporary. He admires her and tries to keep up with her pace, however, he questions if her lifestyle is real or if she's faking to fit the ideal. The lyrics suggest that the woman is a natural poet, but her love for modernity overshadows her artistry. The singer also acknowledges that he finds her attractive, but their relationship is based on superficiality, as she sells a lifestyle and not genuine feelings.
Musically, the song is filled with jazzy instrumentation, characterized by saxophone solos, and a strong bassline. The lyrics are poetic and ambiguous, leaving room for interpretation. It's a commentary on modern society's obsession with commercialism and image, and how it affects our relationship with art and ourselves.
Line by Line Meaning
Now you're talking in headlines
You're speaking in a way that is attention-grabbing and dramatic.
Up to the minute and free
You're up-to-date and not restricted.
Stop press, hold the front page
Important news has just come in that needs to be shared immediately.
Up as a mirror
Reflecting or portraying what is currently happening in society.
Are you reading me?
Do you understand what I'm trying to say?
Watch you walking in waltz time
I'm observing you moving gracefully as if dancing a waltz.
A jigsaw puzzle in tune
Pieces of you fit together beautifully and create a sense of harmony.
Or are you faking a straight line
Perhaps you're pretending to be someone you're not.
To suit yourself too soon
You might be changing for yourself without considering the long-term effects of those changes.
Rather nouveau than never
Better to be new and fresh rather than outdated and irrelevant.
Contemporary ideal
An up-to-date standard or expectation.
Some natural kind of poet might slow it
A naturally gifted writer might take more time to craft their work.
But she sells more my speed
I prefer works that are more commercial and easy to consume.
She sells country and modern
This artist creates a blend of traditional and contemporary styles.
Ancient western song
A musical piece that has roots in western culture history.
Of oriental confusion
Perhaps incorporating elements of foreign traditions or cultures that are unfamiliar to me.
You so right, me so wrong
You know what's best, and I must be mistaken.
Now you're fixing to fly me
It seems like we're about to embark on a new journey or adventure.
Auto-erotic, please, on the break that you're gliding.
Perhaps a play on words, with an aviation metaphor mixed in.
Your lingerie's a gift-wrap
Your underclothing is wrapped in such a way that it reminds me of a gift box.
Slip it to me
Pass it over to me discreetly.
Nine till five
The standard work day for many people.
The daily grind
The routine of daily life that often feels monotonous or tedious.
Made-up lies
Falsehoods or untruths that have been created.
Make up my mind
I must decide what to believe.
Same machine consuming you
We're both caught up in the same societal machine that's consuming us.
Oh why
Why is this happening?
She sells
The artist's work is successful commercially and/or critically.
I need
I require this artist's work as part of my life.
Oh why love why
Why is love so complicated?
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: BRYAN FERRY, EDWIN JOBSON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind