Did You Know?
“Oh, Pretty Woman” is a classic rock and roll song written by Roy Orbison and Bill Dees. It was released as a single in 1964 and became one of Orbison’s most successful and iconic songs. The song was produced by Fred Foster and recorded at the Monument Records studio in Nashville, Tennessee.
Here are some details about the song:
Artist: Roy Orbison
Writers: Roy Orbison, Bill Dees
Release Date: August 29, 1964
Genre: Rock and roll, pop
Label: Monument Records
B-side: “Yo Te Amo Maria” (in Spanish-speaking markets)
Chart Performance:
- The song reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States.
- It also topped the charts in several other countries, including the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and Ireland.
Notable Features:
- “Oh, Pretty Woman” is known for its distinctive guitar riff, played by Orbison’s friend, James Burton.
- The lyrics tell the story of a man who sees a beautiful woman while walking down the street and is captivated by her, only to find out she is already taken.
Legacy:
- The song has been covered by numerous artists over the years, including Van Halen, Al Green, and John Mellencamp.
- It was prominently featured in the 1990 romantic comedy film “Pretty Woman,” starring Julia Roberts and Richard Gere. The film’s title was inspired by the song, and the use of the track in the film contributed to a resurgence of interest in Orbison’s music.
Awards:
- “Oh, Pretty Woman” was nominated for two Grammy Awards in 1965, including Best Contemporary (R&R) Vocal Performance – Male and Best Performance by a Pop Single Artist.
Impact:
- The song is considered one of the greatest rock and roll classics and has endured as a symbol of 1960s pop culture.
- Roy Orbison’s powerful and emotive vocals, combined with the catchy melody and memorable lyrics, contribute to the song’s timeless appeal.
“Oh, Pretty Woman” remains a beloved and influential piece of music, contributing to Roy Orbison’s legacy as one of the most distinctive voices in rock and roll history.
Video
Lyrics
“Oh, Pretty Woman”
Pretty woman, walking down the street
Pretty woman, the kind I like to meet
Pretty woman
I don’t believe you, you’re not the truth
No one could look as good as youMercyPretty 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?Pretty woman, stop a while
Pretty woman, talk a while
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…
OK
If that’s the way it must be, OK
I guess I’ll go on home, it’s late
There’ll be tomorrow night, but wait
What do I see?
Is she walking back to me?
Yeah, she’s walking back to me
Oh, oh, pretty woman