Virginia Plain
Roxy Music (Bryan Ferry) 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 days wonder 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
Flavours of the mountain steamline
Midnight blue casino floors
Dance the cha-cha through till sunrise
Open 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 of Virginia Plain by Roxy Music (Bryan Ferry) offer a playful and enigmatic exploration of pop culture and fantasy. The song's opening line, "Make me a deal and make it straight, all signed and sealed, I'll take it," suggests a sense of business negotiation and assertiveness, perhaps hinting at the band's ambitions in the music industry. The reference to Robert E. Lee, a Confederate general during the American Civil War, may playfully evoke the idea of rebellion and resistance in the face of authority.
The song's chorus invites the listener on a series of captivating and exotic adventures, referencing roller coasters, airplane rides, and trips to far-off places like Acapulco and Rio. The lines "What's real and make believe, Baby Jane's in Acapulco we are flyin' down to Rio" suggest a blurred line between fiction and reality, where the band and its audience indulge in grandiose fantasies and delight in the performative aspects of pop culture.
The song's bridge introduces a new element of surrealism, with references to "flamingos," "Holzer mane," and the titular "Virginia Plain." These phrases are open to interpretation, but they suggest a sense of mystery, exoticism, and perhaps even a hint of danger.
Overall, the lyrics of Virginia Plain offer a whimsical and playful commentary on pop culture, ambition, and the thrill of adventure.
Line by Line Meaning
Make me a deal and make it straight
Negotiate with me honestly and clearly
All signed and sealed, I'll take it
Once we reach an agreement, I'll accept it and commit to it
To Robert E. Lee I'll show it
I'll present the deal to someone of great authority or significance
I hope and pray he don't blow it 'cause
I hope that person doesn't ruin the deal or fail to see its value
We've been around a long time just try try try tryin' to
We've put in a lot of effort and time trying to achieve success
Make the big time
Achieve great success or fame
Take me on a roller coaster
Take me on a wild and exciting ride
Take me for an airplane ride
Take me on a thrilling and adventurous journey
Take me for a six days wonder but don't you
Take me on a trip full of wonder and excitement but don't forget
Don't you throw my pride aside besides
Don't disregard my self-respect and dignity
What's real and make believe
Distinguishing between reality and fantasy
Baby Jane's in Acapulco We are flyin' down to Rio
Referencing a glamorous and exciting lifestyle
Throw me a line I'm sinking fast
I'm struggling and need help
Clutching at straws can't make it
Desperately grasping for a solution or answer
Havana sound we're trying hard edge the hipster jiving
Describing a lively, upbeat atmosphere
Last picture shows down the drive-in
The final movies playing at a drive-in theater
You're so sheer you're so chic
You are so stylish and fashionable
Teenage rebel of the week
A teenager who is rebellious and stands out among their peers
Flavours of the mountain steamline
Mingling of different cultures and experiences
Midnight blue casino floors
A luxurious and glamorous setting
Dance the cha-cha through till sunrise
Dancing late into the night
Open up exclusive doors oh wow!
Accessing exclusive opportunities and experiences
Just like flamingos look the same
People can appear alike or similar
So me and you, just we two got to search for something new
We need to look for something fresh and exciting together
Far beyond the pale horizon
Farther than we've ever gone before
Some place near the desert strand
A location near the sandy coast
Where my Studebaker takes me
The car I'm driving will bring me there
That's where I'll make my stand but wait
I will establish myself there with determination, but hold on
Can't you see that Holzer mane?
Asking someone to recognize and identify a person named Virginia Plain
Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc., Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: BRYAN FERRY
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@stephenrigby7650
I'd like to dedicate this song to my best mate Brendan who died this morning; he was a prince among men and we both loved Roxy from the very beginning in 1972. He bought tickets for a bunch of us to see RM in Manchester this October for the 50th anniversary tour, he won't be there but we'll raise a glass to him; gone but never forgotten.
@andymatthews7617
CONDOLENCES, HE AND YOU ALL HAD GREAT MUSICAL TASTE.
@chrisverby3047
So sorry to hear that. I will say a prayer for your mate. Then raise a glass to him
@Sandy-zr5hs
That’s so sad 😢, just like you, they were the music of my youth, we go tomorrow night in Glasgow, I know when you hear the old songs play in Manchester your pal will be right there with you 🕊
@steven8984
Just seen this Steve, sorry to hear about Brendan passing! Dennis and l are at the Arena tomorrow night. We'll raise a glass or two to Brendan and of course Ding, another big RM fan. Hope you enjoy the show! Ste Nulty
@andrewjohnstone963
I raise a glass to a fellow i dont even know to honour your love for your friend! Have a blast in his memory
Roxy just played Glasgow the other night 🌙 great night 🌙 hope yours is too 😊 ✌️🕊💃🧜♀️🕺👸
@josjanssen6733
Hahaha the leopard skin of Paul Thompson kills me. But seriously: what a song, what a performance. Breathtaking
@TK-mf5in
There will never be another Roxy Music.
@DianneClewes
Remember this well, Mr Ferry still looking cool in his glam-rock outfit.
@neilmurphy4859
The sheer eccentricity and brilliance of British music