“Scroll down to the end of the article to listen to music.”
Introduction
“Fancy” is a song famously performed by Reba McEntire, who released her version in 1990. Originally written and recorded by Bobbie Gentry in 1969, the song has become one of McEntire’s signature hits, showcasing her powerful storytelling ability and vocal prowess. Reba’s rendition of “Fancy” is celebrated for its dramatic narrative and has been a staple in her live performances, often accompanied by elaborate stage productions.
About The Composition
- Title: Fancy
- Composer: Bobbie Gentry
- Premiere Date: 1969
- Album/Opus/Collection: Bobbie Gentry’s album “Fancy”
- Genre: Country
Background
“Fancy” was originally written and recorded by Bobbie Gentry, a trailblazing country artist known for her storytelling through music. Released in 1969, the song tells a compelling rags-to-riches story of a young woman overcoming adversity. Gentry’s original version was well-received and appreciated for its narrative depth and unique perspective. Over two decades later, Reba McEntire covered the song, bringing it back into the spotlight and giving it new life with her dynamic interpretation.
Musical Style
“Fancy” is characterized by its rich storytelling set against a backdrop of country music elements. The song features a strong narrative voice, a blend of traditional country instrumentation, and a pop-influenced arrangement that enhances its dramatic tale. McEntire’s version incorporates her signature vocal intensity and flair, making it a standout track in her repertoire.
Lyrics/Libretto
The lyrics of “Fancy” tell the story of a young girl who rises from poverty to a better life, with her mother’s encouragement to use her charm and wit to escape their dire situation. The narrative is both poignant and empowering, exploring themes of resilience, ambition, and societal judgment.
Performance History
Reba McEntire’s performances of “Fancy” have become iconic, often featuring dramatic stage elements that bring the song’s story to life. Her live renditions are known for their theatrical flair, complete with costume changes and set designs that echo the song’s themes. “Fancy” remains a highlight in McEntire’s concerts, consistently drawing enthusiastic responses from audiences.
Cultural Impact
“Fancy” has left a significant mark on popular culture, both as a song and through its performances. It has been featured in various media, including television and film, often symbolizing empowerment and transformation. McEntire’s version introduced the song to a new generation, solidifying its place in country music history.
Legacy
Today, “Fancy” is regarded as an enduring classic that continues to resonate with audiences. Its themes of perseverance and self-determination remain relevant, and it is frequently cited as an example of powerful storytelling in music. Reba McEntire’s interpretation of “Fancy” has ensured its lasting legacy, influencing countless artists and listeners alike.
Conclusion
“Fancy” by Reba McEntire is a testament to the enduring power of music to tell stories and inspire. Its rich narrative and compelling performance history invite listeners to explore its themes deeply. I encourage you to delve into both Bobbie Gentry’s original and Reba McEntire’s iconic cover to fully appreciate this remarkable song’s impact.
Video
Lyrics
I remember it all very well lookin’ back
It was the summer I turned eighteen
We lived in a one-room, run-down shack
On the outskirts of New Orleans
We didn’t have money for food or rent
To say the least we were hard-pressed
Then mama spent every last penny we had
To buy me a dancin’ dress
Mama washed and combed and curled my hair
And she painted my eyes and lips
Then I stepped into a satin dancin’ dress
That had a split on the side clean up to my hips
It was red velvet trim and it fit me good
Standin’ back from the lookin’ glass
There stood a woman where a half-grown kid had stood
She said, “Here’s your one chance, Fancy, don’t let me down
Here’s your one chance, Fancy, don’t let me down”
Mama dabbed a little bit of perfume on my neck, then she kissed my cheek
And then I saw the tears wellin’ up in her troubled eyes when she started to speak
She looked at her pitiful shack
And then she looked at me and took a ragged breath
She said, “Your pa’s runned off, I’m real sick
And the baby’s gonna starve to death”
She handed me a heart-shaped locket that said
“To thine own self be true.”
And I shivered as I watched a roach crawl across
The toe of my high-heeled shoe
It sounded like somebody else that was talkin’
Askin’, “Mama, what do I do?”
She said, “Just be nice to the gentlemen, Fancy
And they’ll be nice to you.”
She said, “Here’s your one chance, Fancy, don’t let me down
Here’s your one chance, Fancy, don’t let me down
Lord, forgive me for what I do
But if you want out, well, it’s up to you
Now don’t let me down
Now your mama’s gonna move you uptown”
Well, that was the last time I saw my ma
The night I left that rickety shack
The welfare people came and took the baby
Mama died and I ain’t been back
But the wheels of fate had started to turn
And for me there was no way out
It wasn’t very long ’til I knew exactly
What my mama’d been talkin’ about
I knew what I had to do and I made myself this solemn vow
That I’s gonna be a lady someday
Though I didn’t know when or how
But I couldn’t see spending the rest of my life
With my head hung down in shame
You know I might have been born just plain white trash
But Fancy was my name
She said, “Here’s your one chance, Fancy, don’t let me down”
She said, “Here’s your one chance, Fancy, don’t let me down”
It wasn’t long after that benevolent man took me in off the street
And one week later I was pourin’ his tea in a five-room hotel suite (yes, she was)
I charmed a king, a congressman and an occasional aristocrat
And then I got me a Georgia mansion and an elegant New York townhouse flat
And I ain’t done bad (she ain’t been bad)
Now in this world, there’s a lot of self-righteous hypocrites
That would call me bad
They criticize my mama for turning me out
No matter how little we had
But though I ain’t had to worry ’bout nothin’ for now on fifteen years
Well, I can still hear the desperation in my poor mama’s voice ringin’ in my ears
“Here’s your one chance, Fancy, don’t let me down”
She said, “Here’s your one chance, Fancy, don’t let me down
Lord, forgive me for what I do
But if you want out, well, it’s up to you
Now don’t let me down
Now your Mama’s gonna move you uptown”
Well, I guess she did