"Red Dress (Radio Edit)" was released in the United Kingdom on 6 March 2006 as the album's third single, and is the first to feature vocals by Amelle Berrabah, following the departure of Mutya Buena in December 2005. The Sugababes performed a cover of the Arctic Monkeys' song "I Bet You Look Good on the Dancefloor" as the single's B-side.
Red Dress
Sugababes Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
'cause I'm cooler
'cause I'm cooler
'cause I'm cooler than the red dress
'cause I'm cooler
'cause I'm cooler
Using subtle diploma
Can't say that it's wrong
No baby
A man's not a boy can't you see
We're pulling the strings
We're taking the lead
And when you're sure
You'll never let him play you again
She'll put on your favorite smile
And plug the cord
And get you in your dirty dance
Her hips will send you into a trance
'cause I'm cooler than the red dress
I'd rather catch a guy on my own
(Give me credit)
'cause what you see the man gets
(Don't forget it)
And if he don't I'm better off here alone
Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh
Don't need candlelight to make you stay over
I'm giving it up now, baby
If that's what I gotta do just to own you
I'm giving it up now maybe
(To you)
I've played the desperate lady
Jumped through all of the hoops boy
Instead of constant craving
I leave the chasing to you
And if you don't respect it
Ill pick up my Jimmy Choos
'cause boy if you don't love me
Then I've got nothing to lose
'cause I've been down this roads before
I should have known that I was to blame
Won't put on your
Favorite smile
Won't plug the cord to get you to your dirty dance
That's not the way I get my demands
'cause I'm cooler than the red dress
I'd rather catch a guy on my own
'cause what you see the man gets
And if he don't I'm better off here alone
(Save your kisses)
'cause I'm cooler than the red dress
(Do you get it)
I'd rather catch a guy on my own
(Give me credit)
'cause what you see the man gets
(Don't forget it)
And if he don't I'm better off here alone
Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh
Don't need candlelight to make you stay over
I'm giving it up now baby
If that's what I gotta do just to own you
I'm giving it up now baby
Don't need candlelight to make you stay over
(Right now)
I'm giving it up now baby
If that's what I gotta do just to own you
(Own you, own you baby)
I'm giving it up now maybe
Said don't call me baby
(Cooler than the red dress)
Said don't call me baby
(Cooler than the red dress)
The lyrics to Sugababes' song "Red Dress" empower women to assert their independence and be "cooler than the red dress" that seems to be a symbol of seduction and power. The song describes a woman who understands the power of using subtle tactics, such as a diploma or a favorite smile, to get what she wants from men. However, she is not subservient and is willing to walk away if the man does not respect her. The chorus emphasizes the idea that the woman is confident and in control, preferring to catch a guy on her own without the need for a red dress or any other artificial means.
Throughout the song, the lyrics suggest that the singer has been in relationships where she has played the "desperate lady," jumping through hoops to please her partner. However, she is now claiming her independence and is challenging her partner to respect her autonomy. She won't "plug the cord" to get him to his "dirty dance" and prefers her independence because she knows that she is "better off here alone" than in a relationship where she is disrespected.
Overall, the lyrics to "Red Dress" encourage women to be independent and to assert their power and control in relationships. The song critiques traditional gender norms that suggest that a man should be in control and that a woman should push her desires and interests aside. The song's upbeat tempo and confident lyrics make it a fun and uplifting anthem for anyone looking to assert their independence and take control in their relationship.
Line by Line Meaning
Cooler than the red dress
I'm confident in myself and don't need flashy clothes to make me feel good.
'cause I'm cooler
I'm more self-assured than anyone or anything else.
Using subtle diploma
I'm intelligent and resourceful, using my knowledge to get what I want in life.
To get what she wants
I'm willing to work hard and manipulate situations to achieve my goals.
Can't say that it's wrong
I may not always play fair, but I make no apologies for doing what it takes to succeed.
No baby
I'm not one to be underestimated or talked down to.
A man's not a boy can't you see
I'm attracted to mature, confident men who can hold their own.
We're pulling the strings
I'm in control of my own life and destiny, not waiting for someone else to make things happen.
We're taking the lead
I'm not afraid to speak my mind and take charge of a situation when necessary.
And when you're sure
When you finally realize that I'm the one you want and need in your life,
You'll never let him play you again
you won't let anyone else ever take advantage of or hurt you again.
She'll put on your favorite smile
I'll do what it takes to make you happy and keep you interested in me.
And plug the cord
I'll turn on the charm and do my best to seduce you.
And get you in your dirty dance
I'll use my sexuality to arouse and entice you.
Her hips will send you into a trance
My body and moves will captivate and mesmerize you.
I'd rather catch a guy on my own
I don't need someone else to find me a man; I'm more than capable of doing it myself.
(Give me credit)
I deserve recognition and respect for my independence and self-reliance.
(Don't forget it)
Don't underestimate or underestimate my abilities or worth.
And if he don't I'm better off here alone
If a man can't appreciate or respect my strengths and independence, then I'm better off single and alone.
Don't need candlelight to make you stay over
I'm not relying on superficial or romantic gestures to keep a man interested in me.
I'm giving it up now, baby
I'm ready and willing to give my all to a relationship, but only if it's mutually respectful and fulfilling.
If that's what I gotta do just to own you
I'm not going to compromise my values or principles just to keep a man around.
(To you)
I'm hoping you'll recognize and appreciate my true worth and love me for who I am.
I've played the desperate lady
I know what it's like to be needy and desperate for love and attention, but I won't go down that road again.
Jumped through all of the hoops, boy
I've gone through a lot of effort and sacrifice to please men in the past, but I'm done with that.
Instead of constant craving
Rather than always wanting or needing something from a man, I'm content with being on my own.
I leave the chasing to you
I'm not going to make all the effort in a relationship; I expect a man to pursue me and show his commitment to me.
And if you don't respect it
If a man can't value or recognize my independence and self-worth, then he's not worth my time or attention.
Ill pick up my Jimmy Choos
I'll walk away and find someone who appreciates me for who I am.
(Do you get it)
Do you really understand and appreciate how amazing I am?
(Save your kisses)
I'm not interested in your empty, meaningless gestures or flattery; I want real love and romance.
Said don't call me baby
I'm not a helpless or fragile woman who needs to be taken care of or patronized by a man.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Songtrust Ave, Peermusic Publishing, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: HEIDI RANGE, BRIAN THOMAS HIGGINS, TIMOTHY MARTIN POWELL, MIRANDA ELEANOR DE FONBRUN COOPER, KEISHA KERREECE FAYEANNE BUCHANAN, MUTYA BUENA, ROBERT EDWARD BRADLEY, NICK COLER, LISA COWLING, SHAWN LEE MAHAN, RHIAN GREEN
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