About the song
Reba McEntire singing “Fancy.” Now, there’s a story in a song, isn’t there? When Reba takes on a narrative like this, you know you’re in for something special. “Fancy” isn’t just a tune; it’s a carefully crafted **country storytelling masterpiece**, a vivid and poignant tale brought to life by Reba’s exceptional vocal delivery and her innate ability to connect with the heart of a song.
The song itself, penned by the talented **Bobbie Gentry**, was originally released by her in 1969. Gentry’s version was a hit, establishing the narrative of a young girl named Fancy who is strategically groomed by her mother for a life that might offer her opportunities beyond their humble beginnings. It’s a story of sacrifice, ambition, and the complex relationship between a mother and daughter navigating difficult circumstances.
When Reba McEntire revisited “Fancy” in 1990, she didn’t just cover it; she embraced it and made it her own. Reba, by this point in her illustrious career, had already proven herself as a formidable force in country music, known for her powerful voice, her emotive performances, and her knack for choosing songs with substance. Her rendition of “Fancy” became one of her signature hits, arguably even eclipsing the original in terms of mainstream recognition and enduring popularity.
Reba’s interpretation brought a new layer of depth and emotion to the story. Her vocal performance is nothing short of captivating. She embodies the character of Fancy with such conviction, taking the listener on a journey through the different stages of her life. You can hear the innocence of childhood, the confusion of adolescence, and the eventual understanding and resilience of adulthood all within her nuanced delivery.
The production of Reba’s version often features a more polished and contemporary country sound compared to the original, but it never loses the raw emotional core of the narrative. The instrumentation supports her vocals beautifully, allowing the story to unfold with clarity and impact. The strings, the subtle guitar work, and the steady rhythm section all contribute to the overall dramatic effect.
What makes Reba’s “Fancy” so compelling is her ability to convey the complexities of the mother’s decision and Fancy’s subsequent journey without judgment. She portrays both characters with empathy, allowing the listener to understand the motivations behind their actions. It’s not a simple tale of right or wrong; it’s a nuanced exploration of survival, sacrifice, and the enduring bond between family, even in the face of difficult choices.
The song’s narrative structure is also key to its appeal. It unfolds like a short story, with vivid details and a clear progression of events. Reba’s delivery enhances this storytelling aspect, making you feel as though you’re right there with Fancy, experiencing her triumphs and tribulations. The final lines of the song, where Fancy reflects on her past and acknowledges the sacrifices her mother made, are particularly powerful and resonate with a sense of understanding and acceptance.
“Fancy” in Reba McEntire’s hands became more than just a hit song; it became a cultural touchstone. It’s a song that sparks conversation, evokes empathy, and showcases the power of country music to tell compelling and relatable stories. Reba’s masterful performance cemented “Fancy” as one of the most iconic and enduring story-songs in the country music canon, a testament to her artistry and the timeless appeal of a well-crafted narrative brought to life by a truly exceptional vocalist. It remains a highlight of her extensive catalog and a beloved classic for fans of all ages.
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
