About The Song
Background
“Fancy” is a song recorded by American country music artist Reba McEntire. It was released in 1990 as the third single from her twenty-fourth studio album, “Rumor Has It.” The song was written by Bobbie Gentry and produced by Tony Brown. “Fancy” tells the story of a poor young woman named Fancy who transforms her life through unconventional means, ultimately becoming a successful and confident woman. The song’s empowering narrative and McEntire’s emotive performance struck a chord with audiences, propelling it to commercial success and cementing its status as one of McEntire’s signature songs.Musical Style
Musically, “Fancy” is a blend of traditional country elements with a touch of contemporary flair. The song features prominent instrumentation, including acoustic guitar, fiddle, and steel guitar, which are hallmarks of classic country music. However, the arrangement also incorporates elements of pop and rock, giving the song a dynamic and engaging sound. Reba McEntire’s powerful vocals serve as the focal point, delivering the song’s poignant lyrics with conviction and emotion. The production, overseen by Tony Brown, is polished yet retains a raw authenticity that resonates with listeners.Lyrics
The lyrics of “Fancy” tell the compelling story of a young girl named Fancy who grows up in poverty but dreams of a better life. Despite her humble beginnings, Fancy is determined to escape her circumstances and make something of herself. She ultimately decides to become a prostitute, viewing it as a means to achieve financial independence and social status. The chorus of the song captures Fancy’s defiant spirit as she declares: “Here’s your one chance, Fancy, don’t let me down.” Throughout the song, Fancy’s journey is depicted with vivid imagery and poignant storytelling, culminating in her triumphant transformation into a sophisticated and successful woman. The lyrics explore themes of resilience, ambition, and empowerment, resonating with audiences who admire Fancy’s courage and determination to overcome adversity.Cultural Impact
“Fancy” has had a significant cultural impact since its release, earning widespread acclaim for its empowering message and memorable storytelling. The song has become a feminist anthem, celebrated for its portrayal of a strong and independent woman who defies societal expectations to forge her own path. Reba McEntire’s performance of “Fancy” has become legendary, earning her critical praise and solidifying her status as one of country music’s most iconic artists. In addition to its cultural significance, “Fancy” has also achieved commercial success, reaching the top ten on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart and earning McEntire numerous awards and accolades. The song’s enduring popularity has led to its inclusion in various media and cultural references, further cementing its legacy as a timeless classic.Conclusion
In conclusion, “Fancy” is a powerful and timeless song that showcases Reba McEntire’s exceptional talent as both a vocalist and storyteller. With its compelling narrative, dynamic musical arrangement, and empowering message, “Fancy” has resonated with audiences for decades, earning its place as one of the most iconic songs in country music history. From its humble beginnings to its enduring legacy, “Fancy” continues to inspire listeners with its themes of resilience, ambition, and empowerment, solidifying its status as a true classic.Video
Lyrics
🎵 Let’s sing along with the lyrics! 🎤
I remember it all very well lookin’ backIt was the summer I turned eighteenWe lived in a one-room, run-down shackOn the outskirts of New OrleansWe didn’t have money for food or rentTo say the least we were hard-pressedThen mama spent every last penny we hadTo buy me a dancin’ dress
Mama washed and combed and curled my hairAnd she painted my eyes and lipsThen I stepped into a satin dancin’ dressThat had a split on the side clean up to my hipsIt was red velvet trim and it fit me goodStandin’ back from the lookin’ glassThere stood a woman where a half-grown kid had stood
She said, “Here’s your one chance, Fancy, don’t let me downHere’s your one chance, Fancy, don’t let me down”
Mama dabbed a little bit of perfume on my neck, then she kissed my cheekAnd then I saw the tears wellin’ up in her troubled eyes when she started to speakShe looked at her pitiful shackAnd then she looked at me and took a ragged breathShe said, “Your pa’s runned off, I’m real sickAnd 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 acrossThe toe of my high-heeled shoeIt sounded like somebody else that was talkin’Askin’, “Mama, what do I do?”She said, “Just be nice to the gentlemen, FancyAnd they’ll be nice to you.”
She said, “Here’s your one chance, Fancy, don’t let me downHere’s your one chance, Fancy, don’t let me downLord, forgive me for what I doBut if you want out, well, it’s up to youNow don’t let me downNow your mama’s gonna move you uptown”
Well, that was the last time I saw my maThe night I left that rickety shackThe welfare people came and took the babyMama died and I ain’t been back
But the wheels of fate had started to turnAnd for me there was no way outIt wasn’t very long ’til I knew exactlyWhat my mama’d been talkin’ about
I knew what I had to do and I made myself this solemn vowThat I’s gonna be a lady somedayThough I didn’t know when or howBut I couldn’t see spending the rest of my lifeWith my head hung down in shameYou know I might have been born just plain white trashBut 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 streetAnd 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 aristocratAnd then I got me a Georgia mansion and an elegant New York townhouse flatAnd I ain’t done bad (she ain’t been bad)
Now in this world, there’s a lot of self-righteous hypocritesThat would call me badThey criticize my mama for turning me outNo matter how little we had
But though I ain’t had to worry ’bout nothin’ for now on fifteen yearsWell, 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 downLord, forgive me for what I doBut if you want out, well, it’s up to youNow don’t let me downNow your Mama’s gonna move you uptown”
Well, I guess she did