The band's 1969 single "Train to Nowhere" (with singer Chris Youlden), was viewed by many as the last gasp of the blues scene in Great Britain. Although Savoy Brown never reached much acclaim in their home nation, they developed a loyal core following in the United States, due to songs such as "I'm Tired" (from their album, A Step Further), a driving, melodic song. They were one of the bands that UK Decca (US London/Parrot) stuck with through the lean times until they started selling records (it took 4 or 5 albums until they started to sell in the US). In the late 1960s and 1970s, the band managed to penetrate the Billboard Hot 100. Superstardom perpetually evaded them, perhaps in part because of their frequent lineup changes, but despite that, Hellbound Train was a big album for them in the US.
While the band is still active today, only Kim Simmonds has stayed since the beginning. Guitarist "Lonesome" Dave Peverett, bassist Tony Stevens, and drummer Roger Earl went on to form Foghat. Original member and harmonica player, John O'Leary, is still active on the British blues circuit with The John O'Leary Band. Savoy Brown's first album, Shake Down, featured lead vocalist Bryce Portius. Portius was one of the first black blues musicians to be a part of a British rock band. Another singer, Dave Walker, would later join Fleetwood Mac and Black Sabbath. Their bassists included Andy Pyle, later with The Kinks, and Andy Sylvester, also with Chicken Shack.
Savoy Brown also provided an outlet for the keyboardist and guitarist, Paul Raymond, who later went on to join UFO. Other notable members include Jeff Howell, who went on to play with Foghat and the Outlaws before returning to central New York, where he is considered the best carpet installer in Ithaca.
Savoy Brown contributed the song "A Man Alone" for the soundtrack to the movie Kickboxer 2. "Train To Nowhere" was used in and figured as a clue in the TV series CSI: NY in Season 4, Episode 10 - “The Thing About Heroes”.
Pretty Woman
Savoy Brown Blues Band Lyrics
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Says all your cheap paint and powder ain't gonna help you none
She's a pretty woman right down to the bone
So you just might as well still leave your skin alone
Pretty woman
What's the matter with you
Can't make you love me, no matter what I do
Oh pretty woman what you trying to do
You kept on foolin' around till I got stuck on you
So you just drop that mess and come down off your throne
Stop using my poor heart as a stepping stone
Pretty woman
What's the matter with you
Can't make you love me, no matter what I do
Oh pretty woman that's all right for you
Now you just go on doing what you want to do
But someday when you thing you've got it made
You get in water deep enough so you can't wade
Pretty woman
What's the matter with you
Can't make you love me, no matter what I do
The lyrics to Savoy Brown Blues Band's song Oh! Pretty Woman depict a man who is desperately trying to win over a woman that he can't seem to impress. He describes her as a rising sun, and acknowledges her beauty. However, he knows that no amount of cheap paint or powder will help him win her affection. The woman is beautiful down to the bone, and he knows that his attempts to change her appearance are futile. The man pleads with her, asking what he can do to make her love him, but he knows that there is nothing that he can do to win her heart.
The woman is playing games with him, and he has become stuck in her web of manipulation. He asks her to stop using his heart as a stepping stone, hoping that she will consider his feelings. However, he ultimately realizes that she will never love him, no matter what he does. He warns her that someday she will find herself in a situation where she can't just wade through it, encouraging her to be careful with her actions.
Overall, the lyrics to Oh! Pretty Woman are a powerful expression of unrequited love and the pain that can come from trying to make someone love you. The man knows that the woman he desires is out of his reach, but he can't help but try to win her over. Ultimately, he knows that he needs to move on and find someone who will return his affections.
Line by Line Meaning
Oh pretty woman she's the rising sun
This woman is becoming more and more attractive as time goes on.
Says all your cheap paint and powder ain't gonna help you none
Makeup won't make you prettier if you're already beautiful on the inside.
She's a pretty woman right down to the bone
She's beautiful even when stripped of material possessions and superficial appearance.
So you just might as well still leave your skin alone
Don't try to enhance your appearance with too much makeup, just be yourself.
Oh pretty woman what you trying to do
What are you attempting to accomplish?
You kept on foolin' around till I got stuck on you
You played games with my heart and now I'm enamored with you.
So you just drop that mess and come down off your throne
Stop playing games and stop acting superior to me.
Stop using my poor heart as a stepping stone
Stop using me to get ahead in life.
Oh pretty woman that's all right for you
It's fine for you to do whatever you want.
Now you just go on doing what you want to do
Keep living your life the way you want to.
But someday when you thing you've got it made
One day when you believe you've succeeded in life.
You get in water deep enough so you can't wade
You'll face a situation that will be too difficult for you to handle alone.
Pretty woman
Beautiful lady
What's the matter with you
What's wrong with you
Can't make you love me, no matter what I do
I can't make you love me, regardless of my actions.
Contributed by Chase A. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Stuart Witcher
Last time I saw Brice he was a creditable Jazz guitarist and singer a la George Benson but that was about 30 years ago.
grace cavell
Pretty spunky for an old sheila
Ken Knee
Where is Brice today?