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)
Virginia Plain
Roxy Music Lyrics
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All signed and sealed, I'll take it
To Robert E Lee I'll show it
I hope and pray he don't blow it 'cause
We've been around a long time just try try try tryin' to
Make the big time
Take me on a roller coaster
Take me for a six day wander but don't you
Don't you throw my pride aside besides
What's real and make believe
Baby Jane's in Acapulco we are flyin' down to Rio
Throw me a line I'm sinking fast
Clutching at straws can't make it
Havana sound we're trying
Hard edge the hipster jiving
Last picture shows down the drive-in
You're so sheer, you're so chic
Teenage rebel of the week
Flavors of the mountain streamlines
Midnight blue casino floors
Dance the cha-cha through till sunrise
Opens up exclusive doors, oh wow
Just like flamingos look the same
So me and you, just we two, got to search for something new
Far beyond the pale horizon
Some place near the desert strand
Where my Studebaker takes me
That's where I'll make my stand but wait
Can't you see that Holzer mane?
What's her name, Virginia Plain?
The lyrics to Roxy Music’s “Virginia Plain” are a surreal and enigmatic mixture of references to American history, pop culture, and exotic travel destinations. The song’s opening lines refer to the signing of a contract, which will be taken to Robert E. Lee, a Confederate general in the American Civil War. The lyrics express hope that Lee won't "blow it," indicating that whatever deal is being made is crucially important. This opening verse contrasts with the following lines, which involve flights of fancy, such as riding on a rollercoaster, taking a six-day wander (presumably a meandering vacation), and visiting Rio and Acapulco. These vivid travel images allude to the opulence and glamour of the jet-set era, underscored by the mention of a “Havana sound” and a “casino floor.”
The second verse continues the surreal, disjointed imagery, with the singer pleading for help as he sinks, clutching at straws. Meanwhile, a “hard-edged” person is “hipster jiving.” The lyrics describe teenaged rebel Baby Jane and introduce even more exotic references, such as “flavors of the mountain streamlines” and “Studebaker.” The song’s chorus talks about searching for something new “far beyond the pale horizon,” and ends with a mysterious question about the identity of “Virginia Plain.”
Line by Line Meaning
Make me a deal and make it straight
Negotiate with me honestly and straightforwardly to reach an agreement
All signed and sealed, I'll take it
I agree to the deal once all documents are signed and confirmed
To Robert E Lee I'll show it
I'll bring the finalized agreement to a trusted confidant (named Robert E. Lee) for review
I hope and pray he don't blow it 'cause
I hope he does not destroy the success of our agreement
We've been around a long time just try try try tryin' to Make the big time
We have been working diligently for a long time in hopes of achieving success
Take me on a roller coaster
Take me on a wild ride full of ups and downs
Take me for an airplane ride
Take me on an exciting adventure high in the sky
Take me for a six day wander but don't you Don't you throw my pride aside besides
Take me on a six-day journey, but do not dismiss or belittle my dignity and self-respect
What's real and make believe
Distinguishing between what is factual and what is imaginary
Baby Jane's in Acapulco we are flyin' down to Rio
Referencing popular culture and imagining taking exotic trips with his lover
Throw me a line I'm sinking fast
I am struggling and need help fast
Clutching at straws can't make it
Trying anything and everything with a desperate hope for success
Havana sound we're trying Hard edge the hipster jiving
Influenced by Cuban and jazz music to create something unique and appealing to the alternative crowd
Last picture shows down the drive-in
Influenced by American Pop culture and the experience of going to a drive-in movie theater
You're so sheer, you're so chic
Describing a beautiful and fashionable person
Teenage rebel of the week
Referencing pop culture and imagining the idea of a rebellious teenager being celebrated for a week
Flavors of the mountain streamlines Midnight blue casino floors Dance the cha-cha through till sunrise
Euphorically describing a night of dancing and enjoying life to the fullest
Opens up exclusive doors, oh wow
Life opens up new and exciting possibilities
Just like flamingos look the same
Describing the mundane and unoriginal nature of society
So me and you, just we two, got to search for something new
Together, we need to embrace change and explore something new
Far beyond the pale horizon Some place near the desert strand Where my Studebaker takes me That's where I'll make my stand but wait
Describing a desire for exploration and new horizons
Can't you see that Holzer mane? What's her name, Virginia Plain?
Noticing an attractive woman and playfully naming her 'Virginia Plain'
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: Bryan Ferry
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind