About the song
“Oh, Pretty Woman,” a classic hit recorded by Roy Orbison, remains a shining example of mid-20th-century pop music. Released in August 1964 on Monument Records, the song quickly captured the public’s imagination, climbing to number one on the Billboard Hot 100 and holding the spot for three weeks starting September 26 of that year. This success marked Orbison’s second and final number one single in the United States, following his earlier hit “Running Scared.” The song also topped the UK Singles Chart for three weeks, adding to Orbison’s impressive list of achievements.
The song’s success was not only reflected in its chart performance but also in its commercial reach. It sold seven million copies and was certified gold by the RIAA in October 1964. By the end of that year, Billboard ranked “Oh, Pretty Woman” as the number four song of 1964, cementing its place in music history.
The inspiration for “Oh, Pretty Woman” came from a simple moment in Orbison’s life. His wife, Claudette, had interrupted a conversation to announce she was going out, prompting Orbison to ask if she had enough money. Co-writer Bill Dees humorously replied, “A pretty woman never needs any money,” which sparked the creation of the song.
The recording session, held on August 1, 1964, featured a team of talented musicians. Orbison himself played guitar alongside Billy Sanford, Jerry Kennedy, and Wayne Moss. Notable session players included Floyd Cramer on piano, Henry Strzelecki on upright bass, and Boots Randolph and Charlie McCoy on saxophones. The session was produced by Fred Foster and engineered by Bill Porter. Dees provided harmony vocals, contributing to the song’s rich sound.
Critics praised the song for its catchy beat and engaging arrangement. Billboard described it as having a “great dance beat,” while Cash Box called it a “catchy, quick-beat salute” with memorable rock elements.
The impact of “Oh, Pretty Woman” extended beyond its initial success. It inspired the title of the 1990 film “Pretty Woman” and its 2018 Broadway adaptation. A legal case involving a parody of the song by 2 Live Crew even led to a significant Supreme Court ruling on fair use. Posthumously, Orbison received a Grammy Award for Best Male Pop Vocal Performance in 1991 and the song was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 1999. It also holds a place in the Library of Congress’s National Recording Registry.
Overall, “Oh, Pretty Woman” is celebrated not only for its chart-topping success but also for its enduring influence on music and popular culture.
Video
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