About the song
“Oh, Pretty Woman” by Roy Orbison is a timeless classic that has captured the hearts of listeners since its release. Debuting on August 24, 1964, the song was featured on Orbison’s album “More of Roy Orbison’s Greatest Hits”. This track stands out not only for its unforgettable melody but also for its significant impact on both the music industry and popular culture.
The song’s lyrics revolve around a man’s admiration for a beautiful woman he sees walking down the street. With its iconic opening line, “Pretty woman, walking down the street,” the song describes the narrator’s awe and longing for the mysterious woman, blending admiration with a sense of romantic yearning. The simplicity and sincerity of the lyrics, combined with Orbison’s emotive delivery, create a powerful and relatable narrative that resonates with audiences.
Musically, “Oh, Pretty Woman” is characterized by its upbeat tempo and catchy guitar riff, which are complemented by Orbison’s rich, operatic voice. The song’s arrangement features a blend of rock and roll with a touch of pop, making it accessible and appealing to a wide range of listeners. This combination of lyrical charm and musical appeal helped the song achieve massive commercial success, topping the Billboard Hot 100 for three weeks and becoming one of Orbison’s most celebrated hits.
The impact of “Oh, Pretty Woman” extends far beyond its initial release. The song’s influence can be seen in its continued popularity over the decades, as it has been covered by numerous artists and featured in various films and television shows. Most notably, it was famously used in the 1990 film “Pretty Woman” starring Julia Roberts and Richard Gere, further cementing the song’s place in pop culture and introducing it to a new generation of fans.
In addition to its cultural footprint, “Oh, Pretty Woman” played a significant role in shaping the rock and roll genre. The track’s success demonstrated Roy Orbison’s ability to blend heartfelt emotion with catchy, memorable music, setting a high standard for future rock and pop artists. Orbison’s unique vocal style and the song’s infectious melody have made it an enduring classic that continues to be celebrated for its musical brilliance and emotional resonance.
In summary, “Oh, Pretty Woman” by Roy Orbison remains a quintessential piece of American music history. Its catchy tune, heartfelt lyrics, and Orbison’s distinctive voice have ensured its place as an iconic hit that continues to captivate and inspire listeners worldwide.
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Lyrics
Pretty woman walkin’ down the streetPretty woman, the kind I’d like to meetPretty woman, I don’t believe you, you’re not the truthNo one could look as good as youMercyPretty woman, won’t you pardon me?Pretty woman, I couldn’t help but seePretty woman, that you look lovely as can beAre you lonely just like me?GrrrowPretty woman, stop awhilePretty woman, talk awhilePretty woman, give your smile to mePretty woman, yeah, yeah, yeahPretty woman, look my wayPretty woman, say you’ll stay with me‘Cause I need you, I’ll treat you rightCome with me, baby, be mine tonightPretty woman, don’t walk on byPretty woman, don’t make me cryPretty woman, don’t walk away, heyOkayIf that’s the way it must be, okayI guess I’ll go on home, it’s lateThere’ll be tomorrow night, but waitWhat do I see?Is she walkin’ back to me?Yeah, she’s walkin’ back to meOh, oh, pretty woman