The Meaning Behind The Song: (Oh) Pretty Woman by Roy Orbison
Roy Orbison’s hit song “(Oh) Pretty Woman” has been one of the most recognizable and iconic pieces of music in rock and roll history. While the song is remembered for its catchy melody and irresistible beat, it is the lyrics that make it a timeless classic.
Released in 1964, “(Oh) Pretty Woman” captured the hearts of millions of people worldwide. The song earned Orbison his first number-one hit on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and cemented his status as a legendary musician.
The Inspiration For The Song
According to Orbison himself, the inspiration for “(Oh) Pretty Woman” came from a chance encounter with a pretty woman. Orbison said that he saw a beautiful woman walking down the street wearing a pink dress, and he couldn’t help but write a song about her.
“I saw this pretty woman walking down the street, and I thought, ‘Wow, she’s pretty – that’s an idea, pretty woman,'” Orbison said in an interview.
However, Orbison’s co-writer Bill Dees has a slightly different version of events. Dees said that he and Orbison were sitting in their car at a stoplight when they saw a woman walking by, and Orbison remarked that she was a “pretty woman.” Dees claims that he immediately started singing the melody and the lyrics fell into place.
Regardless of which story is true, it’s clear that Orbison and Dees were struck by the beauty of a woman and used that experience as the inspiration for their song.
The Lyrics
One of the things that make “(Oh) Pretty Woman” such a beloved song is its playful and catchy lyrics. The song is about a man who sees a beautiful woman and is immediately smitten with her. He tries to get her attention with his singing, but she repeatedly rebuffs him. However, in the end, she gives in to his charms, and they end up together.
The lyrics are simple, but they capture the excitement and thrill of falling in love.
The Music
The music for “(Oh) Pretty Woman” is just as memorable as the lyrics. The opening guitar riff is one of the most recognizable in rock and roll history, and the rest of the song is filled with catchy hooks and a driving beat.
The song incorporates a number of different musical elements, including rock, pop, and R&B, which helped it appeal to a wide range of audiences.
The Significance
“(Oh) Pretty Woman” was a groundbreaking song for a number of reasons. It was one of the first rock and roll songs to incorporate string instruments, which helped give it a fuller, richer sound. It also helped establish Orbison as one of the most important musicians of his time.
But perhaps most importantly, “(Oh) Pretty Woman” was significant because of the way it broke down cultural barriers. At the time the song was released, the United States was in the midst of a civil rights movement that was trying to end segregation and promote equality for all people. “(Oh) Pretty Woman” was one of the first rock and roll songs to be embraced by both white and black audiences, which helped bridge some of the racial divides that existed at the time.
The Legacy
More than fifty years after its release, “(Oh) Pretty Woman” still resonates with listeners around the world. The song has been covered by countless artists, including Van Halen, Al Green, and Bruce Springsteen.
In addition to its enduring popularity, “(Oh) Pretty Woman” has also had a significant impact on pop culture. The song was the inspiration for the 1990 film “Pretty Woman,” which starred Julia Roberts and Richard Gere and went on to become one of the highest-grossing romantic comedies of all time.
The Conclusion
“(Oh) Pretty Woman” is a timeless classic that continues to inspire and delight listeners around the globe. From its catchy melody to its unforgettable lyrics, the song captures the joy and excitement of falling in love. And with its ability to break down cultural barriers and appeal to people of all backgrounds, “(Oh) Pretty Woman” will undoubtedly continue to hold a special place in the hearts of music lovers for generations to come.
