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’ 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
