The album, The Jazz Age, was released on 26 November 2012 as a 10" vinyl, 12" vinyl, on CD and as a digital download on BMG Rights Management. The album is co-produced by Ferry and Rhett Davies, with arrangements by Colin Good. The artwork for The Jazz Age album consists of illustrations by the renowned French poster artist Paul Colin (1892–1985).
Virginia Plain
The Bryan Ferry Orchestra 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 Bryan Ferry Orchestra's song Virginia Plain is a classic track that showcases the band's experimental rock style mixed with jazzy elements. The lyrics are somewhat nonsensical, with the singer asking for a deal that is "signed and sealed" and planning to take it to Robert E. Lee for approval. The song seems to be about nostalgia for a time when the band was struggling to make it big in the music industry. They reference various locations and experiences, such as roller coasters, airplane rides, and teenage rebellion.
The lyrics then take a surreal turn, with the band talking about "flavors of the mountain steamline" and opening "exclusive doors." It is unclear what these lyrics mean, but they contribute to the dream-like quality of the song. The chorus is perhaps the most memorable part of the song, with the singer singing: "Just like flamingos look the same / So me and you, just we two got to search for something new / Far beyond the pale horizon." This suggests that the singer is not content with the status quo and is looking for something more exciting.
Line by Line Meaning
Make me a deal and make it straight
Negotiate with me fairly, no tricks or deception
All signed and sealed, I'll take it
I'll accept the agreement once we have both committed to it in writing
To Robert E. Lee I'll show it
I'll bring the contract to this historical figure and hope he approves
I hope and pray he don't blow it 'cause
I'm worried he won't approve and that'll ruin everything
We've been around a long time just try try try tryin' to
We've been working hard for a while now attempting to
Make the big time
Achieve significant success
Take me on a roller coaster
Take me on a thrilling ride through ups and downs
Take me for an airplane ride
Take me on a journey through the skies
Take me for a six days wonder but don't you
Show me something amazing, but don't forget
Don't you throw my pride aside besides
Don't disrespect me or make me look foolish
What's real and make believe
What is tangible versus what is imaginary
Baby Jane's in Acapulco We are flyin' down to Rio
We're on an exotic adventure headed towards joyful and exciting moments
Throw me a line I'm sinking fast
Help me out of my sudden troubles
Clutching at straws can't make it
Trying to find a solution, but there isn't one
Havana sound we're trying hard edge the hipster jiving
We're working hard to create an innovative, exciting Havana-style sound
Last picture shows down the drive-in
The final movie showing at an outdoor theater
You're so sheer you're so chic
You look very stylish and trendy
Teenage rebel of the week
A rebellious teenager who stands out in the current week
Flavours of the mountain steamline
The unique, thrilling qualities of a mountain railroad
Midnight blue casino floors
The dark blue floors of a luxurious casino
Dance the cha-cha through till sunrise
Dance all night long until daylight arrives
Open up exclusive doors oh wow!
Experience new, exclusive opportunities with enthusiasm
Just like flamingos look the same
How similarity can be found in seemingly different things
So me and you, just we two got to search for something new
We need to explore new things together, just the two of us
Far beyond the pale horizon
Far away, in remote, unfamiliar places
Some place near the desert strand
A location close to a sandy beach in a dry area
Where my Studebaker takes me
Going to my destination in my Studebaker car
That's where I'll make my stand but wait
There, I'll take a stand and stay, but hold on
Can't you see that Holzer mane?
Don't you notice that Holzer girl's stunning hair?
What's her name Virginia Plain
That girl's name is Virginia Plain
Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc., Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: BRYAN FERRY
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind