About the song
Oh, Pretty Woman is a song written and originally recorded by American singer-songwriter Roy Orbison. It was released in July 1964 as the B-side of Orbison’s single “Working for the Man”. The song was a commercial success, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States and number two on the UK Singles Chart. It has since become one of Orbison’s most famous songs and has been covered by many artists, including The Beatles, Van Halen, and Bonnie Raitt.
The song is a rockabilly ballad with a catchy melody and Orbison’s signature soaring vocals. The lyrics tell the story of a man who is smitten with a beautiful woman. He sees her walking down the street and is immediately struck by her beauty. He follows her and tries to talk to her, but she is initially hesitant. However, he eventually wins her over and they end up together.
The song’s simple yet effective lyrics and Orbison’s passionate performance have made it a timeless classic. It is a song that has been enjoyed by generations of listeners and will continue to be enjoyed for many years to come.
In the context of Orbison’s career, “Oh, Pretty Woman” was a major turning point. The song’s success helped to revive his career after a period of decline. It also helped to establish him as one of the most popular and influential rock and roll singers of his era.
The song’s enduring popularity is a testament to its universal appeal. It is a song that can be enjoyed by people of all ages and from all walks of life. It is a song about love, and love is something that everyone can relate to.
“Oh, Pretty Woman” is a classic song that has stood the test of time. It is a song that will continue to be enjoyed by listeners for many years to come.
Some other interesting facts about the song:
- The song was inspired by Orbison’s wife, Claudette.
- The song was originally written as a slow ballad, but Orbison sped it up at the suggestion of his producer.
- The song’s distinctive guitar riff was played by James Burton.
- The song has been used in many films and television shows, including Pretty Woman (1990), The Big Lebowski (1998), and The Sopranos (1999).
I hope you enjoyed this introduction to Roy Orbison’s “Oh, Pretty Woman”. If you’re not familiar with the song, I encourage you to give it a listen. It is a classic for a reason.