About the song
There’s something undeniably romantic and nostalgic about the sound of Roy Orbison’s voice. His deep, rich baritone has captivated audiences for generations, and his signature vibrato adds an emotional depth that is hard to match. One of his most iconic songs, “Oh, Pretty Woman,” is a perfect example of his ability to convey heartfelt emotions through music.
Released in 1964, “Oh, Pretty Woman” quickly became a worldwide hit. The song’s simple yet effective lyrics, combined with Orbison’s powerful vocals and a memorable melody, created a timeless classic. The song tells the story of a man who is instantly smitten with a beautiful woman he sees walking down the street. His admiration for her is so overwhelming that he must muster up the courage to approach her.
The song’s lyrics are filled with vivid imagery and poetic language. Lines like “Pretty woman, walking down the street/Pretty woman, the kind I’d like to meet” create a picture in the listener’s mind of a stunning woman who catches the eye of the narrator. The repetition of the phrase “pretty woman” throughout the song emphasizes the narrator’s infatuation and reinforces the song’s central theme.
One of the most striking aspects of “Oh, Pretty Woman” is its simplicity. The song’s structure is straightforward, with a verse-chorus-verse-chorus-bridge-chorus form. However, the simplicity of the arrangement allows Orbison’s vocals and the song’s melody to take center stage. The backing instrumentation, featuring a prominent guitar riff and a driving rhythm section, provides a solid foundation for Orbison’s performance.
The song’s enduring popularity can be attributed to several factors. First, the universal theme of love at first sight is something that resonates with people of all ages and backgrounds. Second, Orbison’s passionate and heartfelt delivery makes the song feel both timeless and personal. Finally, the song’s catchy melody and memorable chorus have made it a staple of popular culture, appearing in countless films, television shows, and commercials.
“Oh, Pretty Woman” is more than just a love song; it’s a cultural touchstone that has stood the test of time. Orbison’s ability to capture the essence of romantic longing in such a simple yet powerful way is a testament to his songwriting genius. Whether you’re a longtime fan of Roy Orbison or you’re just discovering his music for the first time, “Oh, Pretty Woman” is a song that is sure to leave a lasting impression.”
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Lyrics
Pretty woman walkin’ down the street
Pretty woman, the kind I’d like to meet
Pretty woman, I don’t believe you, you’re not the truth
No one could look as good as you
Mercy
Pretty woman, won’t you pardon me?
Pretty woman, I couldn’t help but see
Pretty woman, that you look lovely as can be
Are you lonely just like me?
Grrrow
Pretty woman, stop awhile
Pretty woman, talk awhile
Pretty woman, give your smile to me
Pretty woman, yeah, yeah, yeah
Pretty woman, look my way
Pretty woman, say you’ll stay with me
‘Cause I need you, I’ll treat you right
Come with me, baby, be mine tonight
Pretty woman, don’t walk on by
Pretty woman, don’t make me cry
Pretty woman, don’t walk away, hey
Okay
If that’s the way it must be, okay
I guess I’ll go on home, it’s late
There’ll be tomorrow night, but wait
What do I see?
Is she walkin’ back to me?
Yeah, she’s walkin’ back to me
Oh, oh, pretty woman
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