About the song
“**Oh, Pretty Woman**” is one of those timeless classics that continue to resonate with listeners across generations. Sung by the legendary **Roy Orbison**, this song was released in August 1964 and quickly became a major hit. The track is an iconic piece of music history, known for its catchy melody, memorable guitar riff, and Orbison’s powerful, emotive voice.
The song was co-written by Roy Orbison and Bill Dees. Orbison, often referred to as “The Caruso of Rock,” was known for his distinctive, operatic voice and emotional depth, which he brought to every performance. “Oh, Pretty Woman” stands out in his discography, not just for its commercial success, but for its lasting impact on pop and rock music.
When it was released, “Oh, Pretty Woman” achieved remarkable success, topping the charts in several countries. It reached the number one spot on the Billboard Hot 100 in the United States, and also claimed the top position in the UK Singles Chart. This success was mirrored in various international markets, cementing Orbison’s status as a global superstar.
The song was part of the album “Orbisongs,” a compilation of Orbison’s hits, released in 1965. “Oh, Pretty Woman” remains one of the standout tracks from the album and has been featured in numerous compilations and greatest hits collections since.
Beyond its commercial achievements, “Oh, Pretty Woman” has enjoyed a rich legacy in popular culture. It has been covered by numerous artists and featured in several movies and television shows, most notably the 1990 film “Pretty Woman” starring Richard Gere and Julia Roberts, which brought the song to a new generation of fans.
The song’s enduring appeal lies in its simple yet compelling narrative—a man captivated by a beautiful woman he sees on the street, hoping she will notice him too. This universal theme, combined with Orbison’s heartfelt delivery, makes “Oh, Pretty Woman” a song that continues to charm and delight listeners, young and old alike.
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