About The Song
Background
“Fancy” is a song recorded by American country music artist Reba McEntire. It was released in 1990 as the third single from her twenty-fourth studio album, “Rumor Has It.” The song was written by Bobbie Gentry and produced by Tony Brown. “Fancy” tells the story of a poor young woman named Fancy who transforms her life through unconventional means, ultimately becoming a successful and confident woman. The song’s empowering narrative and McEntire’s emotive performance struck a chord with audiences, propelling it to commercial success and cementing its status as one of McEntire’s signature songs.Musical Style
Musically, “Fancy” is a blend of traditional country elements with a touch of contemporary flair. The song features prominent instrumentation, including acoustic guitar, fiddle, and steel guitar, which are hallmarks of classic country music. However, the arrangement also incorporates elements of pop and rock, giving the song a dynamic and engaging sound. Reba McEntire’s powerful vocals serve as the focal point, delivering the song’s poignant lyrics with conviction and emotion. The production, overseen by Tony Brown, is polished yet retains a raw authenticity that resonates with listeners.Lyrics
The lyrics of “Fancy” tell the compelling story of a young girl named Fancy who grows up in poverty but dreams of a better life. Despite her humble beginnings, Fancy is determined to escape her circumstances and make something of herself. She ultimately decides to become a prostitute, viewing it as a means to achieve financial independence and social status. The chorus of the song captures Fancy’s defiant spirit as she declares: “Here’s your one chance, Fancy, don’t let me down.” Throughout the song, Fancy’s journey is depicted with vivid imagery and poignant storytelling, culminating in her triumphant transformation into a sophisticated and successful woman. The lyrics explore themes of resilience, ambition, and empowerment, resonating with audiences who admire Fancy’s courage and determination to overcome adversity.Cultural Impact
“Fancy” has had a significant cultural impact since its release, earning widespread acclaim for its empowering message and memorable storytelling. The song has become a feminist anthem, celebrated for its portrayal of a strong and independent woman who defies societal expectations to forge her own path. Reba McEntire’s performance of “Fancy” has become legendary, earning her critical praise and solidifying her status as one of country music’s most iconic artists. In addition to its cultural significance, “Fancy” has also achieved commercial success, reaching the top ten on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart and earning McEntire numerous awards and accolades. The song’s enduring popularity has led to its inclusion in various media and cultural references, further cementing its legacy as a timeless classic.Conclusion
In conclusion, “Fancy” is a powerful and timeless song that showcases Reba McEntire’s exceptional talent as both a vocalist and storyteller. With its compelling narrative, dynamic musical arrangement, and empowering message, “Fancy” has resonated with audiences for decades, earning its place as one of the most iconic songs in country music history. From its humble beginnings to its enduring legacy, “Fancy” continues to inspire listeners with its themes of resilience, ambition, and empowerment, solidifying its status as a true classic.Video
Lyrics
🎵 Let’s sing along with the lyrics! 🎤
I remember it all very well lookin’ back
It was the summer I turned eighteen We lived in a one-room, run-down shack On the outskirts of New Orleans We didn’t have money for food or rent To say the least we were hard-pressed Then mama spent every last penny we had To buy me a dancin’ dressMama washed and combed and curled my hair
And she painted my eyes and lips Then I stepped into a satin dancin’ dress That had a split on the side clean up to my hips It was red velvet trim and it fit me good Standin’ back from the lookin’ glass There stood a woman where a half-grown kid had stoodShe said, “Here’s your one chance, Fancy, don’t let me down
Here’s your one chance, Fancy, don’t let me down”Mama dabbed a little bit of perfume on my neck, then she kissed my cheek
And then I saw the tears wellin’ up in her troubled eyes when she started to speak She looked at her pitiful shack And then she looked at me and took a ragged breath She said, “Your pa’s runned off, I’m real sick And the baby’s gonna starve to death”She handed me a heart-shaped locket that said
“To thine own self be true.” And I shivered as I watched a roach crawl across The toe of my high-heeled shoe It sounded like somebody else that was talkin’ Askin’, “Mama, what do I do?” She said, “Just be nice to the gentlemen, Fancy And they’ll be nice to you.”She said, “Here’s your one chance, Fancy, don’t let me down
Here’s your one chance, Fancy, don’t let me down Lord, forgive me for what I do But if you want out, well, it’s up to you Now don’t let me down Now your mama’s gonna move you uptown”Well, that was the last time I saw my ma
The night I left that rickety shack The welfare people came and took the baby Mama died and I ain’t been backBut the wheels of fate had started to turn
And for me there was no way out It wasn’t very long ’til I knew exactly What my mama’d been talkin’ aboutI knew what I had to do and I made myself this solemn vow
That I’s gonna be a lady someday Though I didn’t know when or how But I couldn’t see spending the rest of my life With my head hung down in shame You know I might have been born just plain white trash But Fancy was my nameShe said, “Here’s your one chance, Fancy, don’t let me down”
She said, “Here’s your one chance, Fancy, don’t let me down”It wasn’t long after that benevolent man took me in off the street
And one week later I was pourin’ his tea in a five-room hotel suite (yes, she was) I charmed a king, a congressman and an occasional aristocrat And then I got me a Georgia mansion and an elegant New York townhouse flat And I ain’t done bad (she ain’t been bad)Now in this world, there’s a lot of self-righteous hypocrites
That would call me bad They criticize my mama for turning me out No matter how little we hadBut though I ain’t had to worry ’bout nothin’ for now on fifteen years
Well, I can still hear the desperation in my poor mama’s voice ringin’ in my ears“Here’s your one chance, Fancy, don’t let me down”
She said, “Here’s your one chance, Fancy, don’t let me down Lord, forgive me for what I do But if you want out, well, it’s up to you Now don’t let me down Now your Mama’s gonna move you uptown”Well, I guess she did
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