About the song
“Oh, Pretty Woman,” also known simply as “Pretty Woman,” stands as one of Roy Orbison’s most iconic songs, capturing the essence of 1960s rock and roll with its infectious melody and Orbison’s distinctive vocals. Released in August 1964 on Monument Records, this track swiftly ascended to the top of the Billboard Hot 100, where it remained for three consecutive weeks starting September 26, 1964. It marked Orbison’s second single to achieve this feat in the United States, following “Running Scared.”
Written by Orbison himself alongside Bill Dees, the song’s lyrics were slightly altered between its mono single version and the stereo LP version, adjusting from “come with me baby” to “come to me baby” due to perceived risque connotations. Despite this modification, “Oh, Pretty Woman” resonated deeply with audiences, ultimately selling an impressive seven million copies worldwide. Its immense popularity solidified Orbison’s career at its zenith, and the single was certified gold by the RIAA in October 1964. Billboard ranked it as the fourth biggest song of the year, underscoring its cultural impact and enduring appeal.
The inspiration for the song’s title reportedly came from a casual remark by Orbison’s wife, Claudette, highlighting the spontaneous creativity that shaped its creation. Produced by Fred Foster and engineered by Bill Porter, the recording session on August 1, 1964, brought together notable musicians such as Billy Sanford, Jerry Kennedy, and Wayne Moss on guitars, Floyd Cramer on piano, and Buddy Harman on drums, among others, contributing to its rich musical texture.
“Oh, Pretty Woman” transcended its initial success, becoming a cornerstone of Orbison’s legacy and earning numerous accolades over the decades. Posthumously, Orbison won the Grammy Award for Best Male Pop Vocal Performance in 1991 for his rendition during the HBO special “Roy Orbison and Friends: A Black and White Night.” In 1999, it was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame and listed among the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame’s “500 Songs that Shaped Rock and Roll.” Rolling Stone magazine ranked it at number 224 on their “500 Greatest Songs of All Time” list in 2004. Its enduring significance was further recognized when it was selected for preservation in the National Recording Registry by the Library of Congress in 2008.
Beyond its musical accolades, “Oh, Pretty Woman” also made an indelible mark in legal history. A parody of the song by 2 Live Crew in 1989 sparked a significant copyright lawsuit, resulting in a landmark Supreme Court decision affirming parody as a valid form of fair use under copyright law, thereby expanding protections for creative expression.
The song’s legacy continues to thrive, resonating with successive generations through covers, adaptations, and its timeless presence in popular culture. “Oh, Pretty Woman” remains not just a chart-topping hit but a symbol of Orbison’s unparalleled artistry and enduring influence in the world of rock 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