About the song
“Oh, Pretty Woman,” recorded by Roy Orbison, is one of the most enduring and iconic songs in rock and roll history. Released in August 1964, this timeless classic was co-written by Orbison and Bill Dees and became an instant hit, capturing the hearts of audiences worldwide with its catchy melody and compelling lyrics.
The song’s immediate success was remarkable. It soared to the top of the Billboard Hot 100, where it spent three weeks at number one beginning September 26, 1964. This achievement marked Orbison’s second and final number-one hit in the United States, following “Running Scared.” Additionally, “Oh, Pretty Woman” topped the UK Singles Chart for three weeks, further solidifying Orbison’s international acclaim. The single’s success was undeniable, selling over seven million copies and earning a gold certification from the RIAA in October 1964.
The inspiration for “Oh, Pretty Woman” came from a conversation Orbison had with his wife, Claudette. The line “a pretty woman never needs any money” was a spontaneous remark made by co-writer Bill Dees during a discussion about Claudette’s shopping plans. This charming and memorable lyric became a defining element of the song, which is noted for its distinctive guitar riff and Orbison’s emotive vocal delivery.
The recording session for the song was meticulously crafted, featuring Orbison on guitar alongside a talented ensemble of musicians, including Billy Sanford, Floyd Cramer, and Boots Randolph. The song’s arrangement, produced by Fred Foster and engineered by Bill Porter, was praised for its dynamic blend of rock and roll and pop elements. The promotional video, filmed in October 1964, further enhanced the song’s popularity, showcasing Orbison’s performance in a visually captivating setting.
In addition to its commercial success, “Oh, Pretty Woman” has had a significant cultural impact. It was used as the title track for the 1990 film *Pretty Woman* and its subsequent Broadway adaptation in 2018, linking the song to a new generation of fans. The song’s influence extended into legal realms as well, notably through a Supreme Court case involving a parody by 2 Live Crew, which ultimately affirmed the validity of fair use in parody.
The song’s legacy has been solidified through numerous accolades, including its induction into the Grammy Hall of Fame and its ranking on Rolling Stone’s list of the “500 Greatest Songs of All Time.” In 2008, it was selected for preservation in the National Recording Registry by the Library of Congress, ensuring that “Oh, Pretty Woman” will continue to be celebrated for years to come.
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