Just listening for the 784,654th time....and it's just perfect in every way. Just incredible. The only reason it was remade was to scoop up a boatload of money from a more modern and accepting audience. But it is a completely different song than the other one that sounds slapped together in a few takes without a thought for the meaning.
This song captivates me still, after 50+ years. Takes me to the deep South and the poverty of some who lived thru truly hard times. And the powerful spirit of a poor young girl being abandoned to her future with only a red dress and her wits to keep her alive.
She not only stayed alive, she turned her hard beginnings around, became self sufficient, successful and someone with respect for herself. She didn't let the naysayers and judgers stop her. She's the one sitting in the drivers seat at the end.
So, not a song about a poor girl, but a song of hope and how you can rise up no matter how far down you started.
There is a huge difference between a singer who simply belts out a song that is on a page in front of them, and someone who can convey an entire experience with their voice. Telling not just a story with words, but taking you inside it and making you feel like you are there, with their interpretation.
Hey, you got a face like a Labrador
I don't mind, that's what I'm here for
The angel Gabriel sent me
To give you a little bit of sympathy
I'm gonna take you down to Harley Street
Such a shame you had that crash
That will teach you to drive flash
And a lorry hit you at full power
Your blood gushing like a shower
Plastic surgery, it's so plastic
Plastic surgery, fantastic
(And you better take me away)
Well, you might have to sell your car
And your parent's brand new house
You lie awake and lose your sleep
Baby, miracles do not come cheap
Well, you can have a brand new nose
Light blue eyes or even hazel
A little ear will be much better
When you are a real go getter
Don't go sitting in the sun
Your new face might start to run
Just forget your makeup scheme
Clean your face with Mr. Sheen
I don't mind, that's what I'm here for
The angel Gabriel sent me
To give you a little bit of sympathy
I'm gonna take you down to Harley Street
Such a shame you had that crash
That will teach you to drive flash
And a lorry hit you at full power
Your blood gushing like a shower
Plastic surgery, it's so plastic
Plastic surgery, fantastic
(And you better take me away)
Well, you might have to sell your car
And your parent's brand new house
You lie awake and lose your sleep
Baby, miracles do not come cheap
Well, you can have a brand new nose
Light blue eyes or even hazel
A little ear will be much better
When you are a real go getter
Don't go sitting in the sun
Your new face might start to run
Just forget your makeup scheme
Clean your face with Mr. Sheen
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