About the song
**Reba McEntire** and **Fancy** – a true cornerstone of country music storytelling! When this song hit the airwaves, it wasn’t just another track; it was a narrative event, a captivating tale spun with such vivid detail and emotional resonance that it etched itself into the hearts of listeners. **Reba McEntire**, with her powerful voice and undeniable charisma, didn’t just sing **Fancy**; she embodied her, delivering a performance that was both theatrical and deeply heartfelt.
**Fancy** is more than just a song; it’s a masterclass in character development and dramatic arc, all within the confines of a few verses and a chorus. The brilliance lies in the lyrics, co-written by Bobbie Gentry, who originally sang the song. **McEntire’s** rendition, however, brought a new level of theatricality and emotional depth to the already compelling narrative. The story unfolds from the perspective of a young woman named Fancy, whose mother makes a difficult, perhaps even morally ambiguous, decision to give her daughter a chance at a better life.
The central theme of **Fancy** revolves around sacrifice, ambition, and the complex relationship between a mother and daughter. The mother’s words, “Here’s your chance, Fancy, don’t let me down,” become a poignant refrain, echoing the weight of her decision and the hopes she pins on her child. As the song progresses, we witness Fancy’s journey, guided by her mother’s instructions and the elegant clothes that become her armor in a world that might otherwise have offered her little opportunity.
**Reba McEntire’s** interpretation of **Fancy** is imbued with a sense of both vulnerability and strength. Her voice carries the weight of Fancy’s experiences, from the initial shock and confusion to the eventual understanding and perhaps even a degree of triumph. The listener is drawn into Fancy’s world, feeling the sting of her circumstances and the determination that propels her forward. **McEntire’s** delivery is masterful, knowing when to be tender and when to unleash the full power of her vocal instrument, perfectly mirroring the emotional nuances of the story.
The musical arrangement of **Fancy** is classic country, providing a solid foundation for the narrative to unfold. The instrumentation, while traditional, never feels dated, and it serves to underscore the emotional core of the song. It’s the kind of arrangement that allows the lyrics and the singer’s voice to shine, without unnecessary embellishment.
What makes **Fancy** such an enduring piece is its ability to evoke empathy and spark discussion. It raises questions about the lengths a parent will go to for their child, the societal pressures that can shape a person’s destiny, and the complex nature of love and sacrifice. **Reba McEntire’s** powerful performance ensures that these themes resonate with audiences across generations.
In a career filled with memorable hits, **Fancy** remains one of **Reba McEntire’s** signature songs, a testament to her ability to connect with a story on a profound level and deliver it with unparalleled conviction. It’s a song that stays with you long after the final note, prompting reflection on the choices we make and the legacies we inherit. For those who appreciate country music with substance, narrative depth, and a powerhouse vocal performance, **Reba McEntire’s Fancy** is an absolute must-listen, a timeless classic that continues to captivate and move audiences.
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
