The Meaning Behind The Song: Pretty Ballerina by The Left Banke
In 1966, The Left Banke, a band that fused Baroque pop with rock and roll, released their debut single “Walk Away Renee”. The song was a commercial success and reached #5 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. However, their follow-up single “Pretty Ballerina” wasn’t as successful as its predecessor, but it still managed to leave a lasting impression on music lovers. The song tells a story of unrequited love and has remained a favorite for many decades. But what is the meaning behind the song? Let’s take a closer look.
The Inspiration Behind The Song
“Pretty Ballerina” was written by the band’s keyboardist, Michael Brown, who was only 16 years old at the time. He was inspired to write the song after seeing a beautiful ballerina walk by him on the street. In an interview with Rolling Stone, Brown said, “I saw a girl walk by – it wasn’t a very unusual thing – but she just gave me this feeling, so I went home and wrote a song about her.”
The Lyrics of the Song
The lyrics of “Pretty Ballerina” describe a man’s infatuation with a ballerina, whom he watches from afar. The man is mesmerized by the ballerina’s beauty and grace but realizes that he can never have her. In the chorus, the man sings:
“Pretty ballerina, now I’m out of my mind
Pretty ballerina, did you think that you would find
You were dancing with a fool like me”
The lyrics capture the feeling of unrequited love, which is a common theme in many pop songs.
The Music of the Song
The music of “Pretty Ballerina” is heavily influenced by Baroque music, which was popular in the 17th and early 18th centuries. The song features harpsichord, which is an instrument commonly used in Baroque music, and string arrangements that give it a classical feel. The use of these instruments helps to create a dreamy atmosphere that complements the lyrics of the song.
The Song’s Reception
“Pretty Ballerina” wasn’t as successful as The Left Banke’s previous single “Walk Away Renee”. It only reached #15 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. However, the song has stood the test of time and has been covered by various artists over the years, including Alice Cooper, The Four Tops, and The Zombies. The song’s enduring popularity is a testament to its timeless lyrics and captivating music.
The Legacy of The Left Banke
The Left Banke may not be a household name like The Beatles or The Rolling Stones, but they have made a significant contribution to the world of pop music. The band’s fusion of Baroque pop with rock and roll was innovative and influential, and many bands that came after them, such as The Beach Boys and The Zombies, were inspired by their sound. The Left Banke only released two albums during their brief career, but their music has left a lasting impression on generations of music lovers.
FAQs
Who wrote “Pretty Ballerina”?
“Pretty Ballerina” was written by The Left Banke’s keyboardist, Michael Brown.
What inspired Michael Brown to write “Pretty Ballerina”?
Michael Brown was inspired to write “Pretty Ballerina” after seeing a beautiful ballerina walk by him on the street.
What is the song “Pretty Ballerina” about?
“Pretty Ballerina” is about a man’s infatuation with a ballerina, whom he watches from afar. The man is captivated by the ballerina’s beauty and grace but realizes that he can never have her.
What is Baroque pop music?
Baroque pop is a subgenre of pop music that combines elements of Baroque music, which was popular in the 17th and early 18th centuries, with rock and roll.
What instruments are commonly used in Baroque music?
Harpsichord, violins, cellos, and other string instruments are commonly used in Baroque music.
Did “Pretty Ballerina” become a hit?
“Pretty Ballerina” wasn’t as successful as The Left Banke’s previous single “Walk Away Renee”. It only reached #15 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
Has “Pretty Ballerina” been covered by other artists?
Yes, “Pretty Ballerina” has been covered by various artists over the years, including Alice Cooper, The Four Tops, and The Zombies.
How many albums did The Left Banke release?
The Left Banke only released two albums during their brief career.
What was The Left Banke’s contribution to pop music?
The Left Banke’s fusion of Baroque pop with rock and roll was innovative and influential, and many bands that came after them, such as The Beach Boys and The Zombies, were inspired by their sound.
Why has “Pretty Ballerina” endured the test of time?
“Pretty Ballerina” has endured the test of time because its timeless lyrics and captivating music continue to resonate with generations of music lovers.
What was The Left Banke’s legacy?
The Left Banke may not be a household name like The Beatles or The Rolling Stones, but their music has left a lasting impression on generations of music lovers. Their fusion of Baroque pop with rock and roll was innovative and influential, and many bands that came after them were inspired by their sound.
What other songs did The Left Banke release?
Other songs that The Left Banke released include “Walk Away Renee”, “Desiree”, “Ivy Ivy”, and “She May Call You Up Tonight”.
