About the song
Looking Glass, a rock band formed in the early 1970s, burst onto the music scene with their infectious blend of folk rock and pop. One of their most enduring and beloved songs, “Brandy (You’re A Fine Girl),” became a chart-topping hit in 1972, captivating audiences with its heartfelt lyrics and catchy melody.
The song tells the poignant tale of a young sailor who is torn between his love for a woman named Brandy and his desire for adventure. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of the sailor’s longing for his beloved, as he sails the seas, dreaming of returning to her.
The opening lines, “Brandy, you’re a fine girl, it’s a shame your daddy’s so mean,” immediately set the tone for the song’s emotional narrative. The sailor’s admiration for Brandy is evident, but the mention of her father’s disapproval hints at the challenges he faces in their relationship.
The song’s chorus, “Brandy, you’re a fine girl, I wish you were mine,” is both hopeful and bittersweet, expressing the sailor’s deep affection for Brandy and his longing for a future with her. The melody is both uplifting and melancholic, perfectly capturing the song’s emotional complexity.
The bridge of the song features a spoken-word section, where the sailor addresses Brandy directly, sharing his thoughts and feelings about their relationship. This intimate moment adds depth and authenticity to the song, making it even more relatable to listeners.
“Brandy (You’re A Fine Girl)” has stood the test of time, becoming a classic of the rock and pop genres. Its timeless appeal lies in its ability to evoke strong emotions and connect with listeners on a personal level. The song’s enduring popularity is a testament to Looking Glass’s songwriting talent and the universal themes of love, loss, and longing that it explores.
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Lyrics
There’s a port on a western bay
And it serves a hundred ships a day
Lonely sailors pass the time away
And talk about their homes
And there’s a girl in this harbor town
And she works layin’ whiskey down
They say, Brandy, fetch another round
She serves them whiskey and wine
The sailors say, “Brandy, you’re a fine girl” (you’re a fine girl)
“What a good wife you would be” (such a fine girl)
“Yeah, your eyes could steal a sailor from the sea”
Brandy wears a braided chain
Made of finest silver from the North of Spain
A locket that bears the name
Of the man that Brandy loved
He came on a summer’s day
Bringin’ gifts from far away
But he made it clear he couldn’t stay
No harbor was his home
The sailors say, “Brandy, you’re a fine girl” (you’re a fine girl)
“What a good wife you would be” (such a fine girl)
“But my life, my lover, my lady is the sea”
Yeah, Brandy used to watch his eyes
When he told his sailor stories
She could feel the ocean fall and rise
She saw its ragin’ glory
But he had always told the truth, Lord, he was an honest man
And Brandy does her best to understand
At night when the bars close down
Brandy walks through a silent town
And loves a man who’s not around
She still can hear him say
She hears him say, “Brandy, you’re a fine girl” (you’re a fine girl)
“What a good wife you would be” (such a fine girl)
“But my life, my lover, my lady is the sea”
It is, yes it is
He said, “Brandy, you’re a fine girl” (you’re a fine girl)
“What a good wife you would be” (such a fine girl)
“But my life, my lover, my lady is the sea”