Sophisticated Lady
The BBC Big Band Orchestra Lyrics
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Just because you're caught in your social maze
I think it's 'bout time that you realize
Your money and your power's got you mesmerized
Pretty lady, get back
Pretty lady, yea
Sophisticated lady put your blue jeans on
Educated lady with your college degree
Amazes me why you just can't see
Learned everything from your books on the shelf
But no one ever taught you how to think for yourself
Pretty lady, get back
Pretty lady, yea, sweet thing
Sophisticated lady put your blue jeans on
You're anybody's baby when your mama's gone
Sophisticated lady take a lesson from me
I can help you be what you want to be
Together we'll see many brighter days
If it takes forever, gonna change your ways
Pretty lady, get back
Pretty lady, yea, sweet thing
Sophisticated lady put your blue jeans on
You're anybody's baby when your mama's gone
Sophisticated lady put your blue jeans on
You're anybody's baby when your mama's gone
Sophisticated lady put your blue jeans on
You're anybody's baby when your mama's gone
The lyrics of "Sophisticated Lady" by The BBC Big Band Orchestra present a critique of societal norms, specifically those surrounding money and status. The singer is a "sophisticated lady" who is "caught in [her] social maze," seemingly driven by material possessions and societal expectations. The singer suggests that this way of living has led her to lose sight of her true self and her ability to think for herself. He urges her to "put [her] blue jeans on," shed the trappings of her status, and rediscover her identity.
The song's repeated refrain of "pretty lady, get back" highlights the singer's frustration with the societal norms that have trapped the sophisticated lady. He is urging her to step away from the pressure to conform and to reclaim her freedom. The repetition of the phrase "anybody's baby when your mama's gone" also suggests the idea of the sophisticated lady being trapped by the societal expectations placed on her and feeling that she has lost her individuality.
Overall, the lyrics of "Sophisticated Lady" offer a powerful commentary on societal expectations and the pressure that those expectations place on individuals. It urges people to be true to themselves and not to be caught up in the money and power-driven lifestyle that can often leave people feeling lost and unfulfilled.
Line by Line Meaning
Sophisticated lady tryin' to change my ways
A highly cultured and educated woman is trying to alter the behavior of the singer.
Just because you're caught in your social maze
The woman is stuck in her own world of high society and doesn't understand the singer's way of life.
I think it's 'bout time that you realize
The singer believes that the woman should come to terms with the fact that her money and influence are making her lose sight of reality.
Your money and your power's got you mesmerized
The woman is completely enchanted by the wealth and status she possesses.
Pretty lady, get back
The singer wants the woman to take a step back and reexamine her behavior.
Sophisticated lady put your blue jeans on
The singer is telling the woman to loosen up and let go of the formalities of high society.
You're anybody's baby when your mama's gone
The singer implies that when the woman is alone and not attached to her social status or wealth, she is just like anyone else.
Educated lady with your college degree
The woman is highly educated and holds a degree from college.
Amazes me why you just can't see
The singer is baffled as to why the woman can't see beyond her own privileged world.
Learned everything from your books on the shelf
The woman's education has come from reading books rather than experiencing the world and learning new perspectives.
But no one ever taught you how to think for yourself
The woman has never been taught to think critically and come to her own conclusions.
Sophisticated lady take a lesson from me
The singer is offering his own life experience to the woman in the hopes of helping her grow and evolve.
I can help you be what you want to be
The singer is guaranteeing that with his assistance, the woman can become whoever she wants to be.
Together we'll see many brighter days
The singer and the woman can look forward to a brighter future if they work together.
If it takes forever, gonna change your ways
The singer is willing to put in the effort necessary to help the woman change her ways and become a better person.
Sweet thing
The singer acknowledges the woman's physical beauty and charm.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Edward Kennedy Ellington, Irving Mills, Mitchell Parish
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind