About the song
“Oh, Pretty Woman,” immortalized by the legendary Roy Orbison, remains a cornerstone of rock and roll history, celebrated for its infectious melody and Orbison’s distinctive vocal prowess. Released in August 1964 on Monument Records, this iconic song swiftly ascended to the top of the charts, clinching the number one spot on the Billboard Hot 100 for three consecutive weeks. It marked a pinnacle in Orbison’s career, becoming his second single after “Running Scared” to achieve chart-topping success in the United States and his third to top the UK Singles Chart.
The song’s enduring popularity can be attributed not only to its catchy rhythm and memorable lyrics but also to its cultural impact. Selling over seven million copies worldwide, “Oh, Pretty Woman” solidified Orbison’s status as a musical virtuoso and remains a timeless anthem of the 1960s era. Its success was further underscored by accolades such as a gold certification from the RIAA in October 1964 and its recognition as Billboard’s fourth top song of the year.
Beyond its initial release, “Oh, Pretty Woman” continued to resonate across different mediums and generations. Its title inspired the blockbuster 1990 film “Pretty Woman,” starring Julia Roberts and Richard Gere, as well as a 2018 Broadway musical adaptation, ensuring its legacy transcended music into popular culture.
The song’s significance extends beyond commercial success, influencing legal precedent in music. Acuff-Rose Music’s legal dispute over a parody by 2 Live Crew led to a landmark Supreme Court ruling affirming parody as a valid form of fair use under copyright law, cementing “Oh, Pretty Woman’s” impact on intellectual property jurisprudence.
Recognized with numerous accolades over the years, including a Grammy Hall of Fame induction and placement on Rolling Stone’s list of the “500 Greatest Songs of All Time,” “Oh, Pretty Woman” remains a testament to Orbison’s enduring talent and the enduring appeal of his music. Its inclusion in the National Recording Registry by the Library of Congress further solidifies its cultural significance, ensuring that generations to come will continue to appreciate its timeless charm and musical brilliance.
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