About the song
“Oh, Pretty Woman” stands as a collaborative effort between two legends of American music, Roy Orbison and Johnny Cash. Co-written by Orbison and Bill Dees, this iconic song was released in August 1964 on Monument Records, swiftly becoming a chart-topping hit. It spent three weeks at number one on the Billboard Hot 100, solidifying its place as one of Orbison’s most memorable recordings and marking a significant achievement in his career.
The song’s infectious guitar riff, played by Billy Sanford, immediately grabs the listener’s attention, setting the stage for Orbison’s distinctive vocals and Cash’s complementary presence. Orbison’s hauntingly beautiful voice, known for its operatic range and emotional depth, perfectly captured the longing and admiration expressed in the lyrics. Meanwhile, Cash’s deep, resonant tones provided a perfect counterpoint, adding a layer of richness and authenticity to the song’s narrative.
“Oh, Pretty Woman” was not only a commercial success but also a cultural phenomenon. It inspired numerous covers and adaptations, including a parody by 2 Live Crew, which sparked a landmark legal case on the fair use of copyrighted material in parody songs.
Beyond its chart-topping success, “Oh, Pretty Woman” became a fixture in popular culture. It inspired the title of the 1990 romantic comedy film “Pretty Woman,” starring Julia Roberts and Richard Gere, and its subsequent Broadway adaptation. The song’s enduring popularity was further underscored by its induction into the Grammy Hall of Fame and recognition by the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as one of the “500 Songs that Shaped Rock and Roll.”
The collaboration between Roy Orbison and Johnny Cash on “Oh, Pretty Woman” remains a standout moment in music history. Their combined talents and distinctive styles elevated the song to iconic status, ensuring its place as a timeless classic that continues to captivate audiences worldwide. As a testament to their enduring influence, Orbison and Cash’s rendition of “Oh, Pretty Woman” remains a beloved piece of Americana, celebrated for its creativity, innovation, and lasting impact on the world of music.
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Lyrics
Pretty woman walkin’ down the street
Pretty woman, the kind I’d like to meet
Pretty woman, I don’t believe you, you’re not the truth
No one could look as good as you
Mercy
Pretty 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?
Grrrow
Pretty woman, stop awhile
Pretty woman, talk awhile
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
Okay
If that’s the way it must be, okay
I guess I’ll go on home, it’s late
There’ll be tomorrow night, but wait
What do I see?
Is she walkin’ back to me?
Yeah, she’s walkin’ back to me
Oh, oh, pretty woman