It’s sad. When you google Fancy it will tell that Reba released in 1990 with no mention of Bobbie Gentry. You have ask when Bobbie released but then after you see the info, as you scroll down it will go back to saying Reba. I love Reba but Bonnie deserves credit for it. She wrote it in 1969 and released it in 1970
Yes! My grandmama introduced me to ode to Billie Joe when I was little and pressed on the story of it. Lyrics mean so much to me now. I’m 33 and she’s still thriving💕
I spent the summer of 1999 trying to find her. I was a radio dj for years and was thoroughly convinced this was the perfect song. Perfect I admire her. She hit it all. Made that money...sold the records....and then......just walked right away from it ALL. Walked right out on fame. Who does that???? Her. She is perfection and she worked it and walked.
@@padraicotoole2972 he continued to do shows/concerts up until a couple months before he died. She, however, has not done anything in public in decades and no one even knows where she lives.
I feel the opposite. I think Bobbie is a great storyteller, but I thought Reba brought out way more emotion in this song. I think this version is just too pop-ish for the story.
Bobbie Gentry captured my imagination back in 1967 with Ode to Billie Joe so anything else she did was even better if that is possible. She was a genius.
And in 1967, at 7 years old in Vicksburg Ms...ALL I wanted for Christmas was a Bobby Gentry wig. I had short hair ,had been wearing my mother's half slips on my head for long hair, and when I got that wig from Santa, I was one happy little girl. Mama got her slip back and it's been one of most favorite memories of Christmas. I stayed in front of the mirror with that wig on, along with my hot pink nightie trimmed in feathers and matching slippers.😂
I always think a song belongs to the writer not the singer but I really think Reba interprets better still gentry provided the blueprint and deserves most of the credit
Bobbie’s version was on Mainstream Pop Radio stations. That’s the way it was in the 70’s. Country was really down home twang back then. Some purists think that is better. I like it all. Good songwriting and good music transcends genre.
I mean yeah it was ballsy but technically more real than nowadays back in the 60s and 70s 50s then rural areas young girls would be bought from Farmers or from very poor people to be wives basically
@@deviousedits4737 The original opening lyrics were changed shortly after release changing Fancy's age: I remember it all very well looking back it was the summer I turned fifteen. We lived in a one room, run down shack on the outskirts of New Orleans.
Fantastic to see this crisp vid of Bobby throwing in a little of her go go dancer beginnings. She blew up big but country wasn’t really ready for a women of such down home rawness and independence at that time. She got out quick once the record companies couldn’t sustain her success, but she left with the bag and lived a real happy and successful life outside of show biz, never bothered to update us or do interviews. That’s f...in CLASS.
Know what I love about some of the Bobbie Gentry performances I've seen on UA-cam? She has natural rhythm and can dance so smooth when she moves. Not saying she could get outrageous with it - she probably could - but I would've loved to see her pop up on an episode of 'Soul Train' moving all silky like that. She's a great dancer, in my opinion. 😎
Ken's wife here. Now I know where my mom learned her dance moves. She danced just like Bobby Gentry. My cousin and his sister were awesome dancers too. Very similar moves. Mom was 15 when I was born so as a young child I was around a lot of people that was into 50s and 60s music. Bobby Gentry's first album.
I'm not happy about Reba remaking this song and getting all the credit for it.Most people by that time, had no idea who BG was and had never heard her sing it! Her deep,sultry,southern voice is what made the song! Reba's twangy, country voice did this song no justice! And neither did her band! This song needed little music to send chills down your spine!Don't believe me, just watch her! She sell's herself!She wrote this song! And believe me, she knows how to sing it!
well i think not. these matters are addressed in all art form in all eras in all societies. the reason that it works is that it is self contextualized and the person addressing audience is a character or persona in a well crafted drama.
I knew that Reba didn't write this song but I never knew it was a cover song. After finding out Bobbie Gentry sang it first I understand the meaning behind the emotion of the song. Bobbie Gentry lived among that kind of lifestyle.
This amazing talented singer Bobbie Gentry needs to be recognized for her talent and amazing music and writing she needs to be in the country and rock hall of fame
Throughout her career she designed her own outfits, both for herself and for the other performers in her productions. She once had a jeans outfit made up, a Levis jean jacket and matching pants, and it had $1 million worth of diamonds sewn onto it. The outfit had to be stored in a vault between shows.
I definitely didn't know it was a cover... This is lovely! Her voice is so nice. Look at me, a youth (not really, I'm 36) hearing a song that's 50 years+ and loving it as much as the "original" I grew up with from Reba. 😂 I wonder if Ms Gentry heard Reba's cover and what she thought.
Wow, I haven't seen Bobbie in so long I forgot how beautiful she was. She was so sweet and had the prettiest clothes. I've still got my Mama`s dress she wore when they all went out one night. That's one thing about the singer's & celebrities from Mississippi that they had in common, they weren't chased by photographers and people when they were here so they were very friendly when you saw them. They have Bobbie`s name spelled wrong here though. She's living in Memphis now.
Really, in Memphis. Reba claims she has disappeared from the face of the earth. Interesting. That's right. Down to earth people from Mississippi. Good people.
Arthur Serverio, she’s the original creator and performer of the songs lyrics and acoustics. She wrote all her music. Reba just got permission years after to sing Bobby’s song, which was actually Reba’s key break into stardom. Amazing how many people have no knowledge about Bobby Gentry., same as Tony Joe White the original artist who of the song Rainy Night in Georgia that another man gained fame from later performing Tony Joe’s song.
@@sonjajordan7512 I agree that it's amazing how few people realize the impact that Bobbie Gentry had. I also think it's amazing that people don't realize the impact Reba McEntire had. I won't say who I think performs this better because it's all just a matter of personal opinion. Bobbie Gentry was the original but Reba McEntire is for sure the more well-known version. They both did an amazing job. That being said, this song was not Reba's Big break into country music stardom. Reba had her first top 10 country song in 1980 and by the time she released fancy eleven years later in 1991, she had a total of 28 top 10 hits, 14 of those which went to number one. Do I think fancy helped raise her to another level? I can't say that it hurt, But it was only a top ten hit for her, number eight to be exact, so it wasn't this wildly successful number one that catapulted her into international stardom, she was already there
Time has been kind to Bobbie Gentry and her classic story songs. Fancy has sold 25 million records on over two dozen covers. The latest being Orville Peck's gender bending twist in 2020.
i've heard this song a hundred times and i still tear up every time she says "i mighta been born just plain white trash but fancy was my name" i have no idea why. but it gets me every single time
I just showed this to a 23 year old girl at work today, she loves Reba's version but had never heard this, she flipped out and also went crazy over the outfit - Then busted her bubble again when I told her mama(VIcki Lawrence) sang "The Night the Lights Went Out in Georgia" first lol
Went down to Greenwood, Mississippi three weeks ago. Visited a number of historical sites including where her plaque is near the elementary school she went to. Really cool!
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 Momma spent every last penny we had To buy me a dancin' dress Momma washed and combed and curled my hair And she painted my eyes and lips Then I stepped into the satin dancin' dress It was split in the side clean up to my hips It was red, velvet-trimmed And it fit me good And starin' back from the lookin' glass Was a woman where a half-grown kid had stood "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 (Please) But if you want out, well it's up to you Now, don't let me down Your Momma's gonna help you move uptown" (Don't let me down, don't let me down) Momma dabbed a little bit of perfume on my neck And she kissed my cheek Then, I saw the tears well up in her troubled eyes When she started to speak She looked at our pitiful shack and then She looked at me and took a ragged breath "Your Pa's runned off, and 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-heel shoe It sounded like somebody else that was talking Askin' "Momma what do I do?" "Just be nice to the gentlemen, Fancy And they'll be nice to you" "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 (please) But if you want out, well it's up to you Now get on out, girl, you better start movin' uptown" Well, that was the last time I saw my Ma The night I left that rickety shack 'Cause welfare people came and took the baby Mom died and I ain't been back But the wheels of fate had started to turn And for me there was no way out And it wasn't very long 'til I knew exactly What my Momma been talkin' about I did what I had to do But I made myself this solemn vow That I was gonna to be a lady someday Though I didn't know when or how I couldn't see spendin' the rest of my life With my head hung down in shame I mighta been born just plain white trash But Fancy was my name "Here's your one chance, Fancy, don't let me down Here's your one chance, Fancy, don't let me down" Wasn't long after a 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) Well, I've charmed a king, a congressman And an occasional aristocrat And I got me a Georgia mansion And an elegant New York townhouse flat And I ain't done bad (she ain't done bad) Now, in this world there's a lot of self-righteous hypocrites That would call me bad And criticize my Momma for turnin' me out No matter how little we had And though I ain't had to worry about nothin' But now on fifteen years I can still hear the desperation In my poor Momma's voice ringin' in my ear "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 (please) But if you want out, well it's up to you Now, don't let me down Your Momma's gonna help you move uptown" And I guess she did
Nodd, thank you for taking the time and care for typing the lyrics out. So many take for granted when people do that for us UA-camrs. Bobby was a great songwriter! I loved to write all of my life, but with songwriting you need a heavy hook and have a melody along with it. I'm a dancer and an author. I'll stick with that.
Funny, how people today try to imitate these amazing people of the past and the incredible vintage style it can ever be duplicated. You can do all the Christmas at Graceland specials you want but it’ll never be the real thing.
She did a song called Mississippi Delta her voice is so soulful on that song it makes me cringe sometimes you can feel yourself being on the bank of the Mississippi and I've never been there but I still think I have been there thanks to her be safe be peaceful
Today was the day that I discovered that fancy was a cover and I can say that I really do think I prefer Bobbie's rendition of the song. As a Reba fan, my mind is pretty blown 🤯
I've been listening to Bobbie Gentry since 1967, when I was 2, when mom and dad were playing this record on their turntable, Fancy and Ode To Billy Joe...Classics!! Reba was good at singing Fancy but, this is the original and nothing beats the original!!
OMG I've always loved this song. I had no idea that Bobbie sang this way back in the day. She left huge shoes for Reba macentire to fill. Both are and we're amazing entertainers.
I'm just now finding out "Fancy" was a cover when Reba recorded it, and this is the original. 🤦🏼♀️😆
Im just now finding it out too
Same here
And Bobbie was the original…..👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼
I’m old enough to remember the original. Bobbie Gentry was amazing.
It’s sad. When you google Fancy it will tell that Reba released in 1990 with no mention of Bobbie Gentry. You have ask when Bobbie released but then after you see the info, as you scroll down it will go back to saying Reba. I love Reba but Bonnie deserves credit for it. She wrote it in 1969 and released it in 1970
This woman was years ahead of her time. Real talent.
The 70s were ahead of their time. Everything's been going slowly backward since then.
This 2023 and that red outfit she’s wearing is freakin awesome, She was awesome!
Bobby gentry was one hell of a story teller !
THE WAY SHE WAS GLIDING ACROSS THAT FLOOR THO SHE SMOOTH 💃🏽
Bobbie Gentry is one of those artists that made me realise the importance of lyrics. The amazing stories she tells, so effortlessly... Damn.
Yes! My grandmama introduced me to ode to Billie Joe when I was little and pressed on the story of it. Lyrics mean so much to me now. I’m 33 and she’s still thriving💕
Also most of Bobbie gentry’s songs came out around the time my mom was born💕💕🙃
I know. I love ode to Billy Joe, as well as Fancy.
YES!!!
AMEN!!!
A poor girl from the Mississippi Delta has a lot, lyrically, to say.
She is a brilliant lyric writer who saw a lot that many did not see
Holy cow! That was LIVE! It sounded so good, what a talent.
She's not actually singing live here
love that signature 60's dancing LOL
I spent the summer of 1999 trying to find her. I was a radio dj for years and was thoroughly convinced this was the perfect song. Perfect
I admire her. She hit it all. Made that money...sold the records....and then......just walked right away from it ALL. Walked right out on fame. Who does that???? Her. She is perfection and she worked it and walked.
David Cassidy walked away too.
Bobby Sherman too.
@@padraicotoole2972 he continued to do shows/concerts up until a couple months before he died. She, however, has not done anything in public in decades and no one even knows where she lives.
Many do not know, She was an (Original) owner of the Phoenix Suns for almost 20 years
@@MrFrankenass and Andy Williams..... odd.....I don't think she owned a controlling share....could be mistaken but yep....she bought in
Never, ever anything better than the original,real deal.
I did not know that Reva's was a cover!! This is great writing no mater what and Bobbie Gentry sings it beautifully!!!
I love Reba- but the original ? Hits way harder .....and how amazing for the time! Bobbie Gentry was a FORCE
I feel the opposite. I think Bobbie is a great storyteller, but I thought Reba brought out way more emotion in this song. I think this version is just too pop-ish for the story.
This is a flawless performance...love her so much..the voice...the song...the moves..the style..everything!
She's lip-synching!
Its still her voice..Many artist lip sync during live performance.
Bobbie Gentry captured my imagination back in 1967 with Ode to Billie Joe so anything else she did was even better if that is possible. She was a genius.
And in 1967, at 7 years old in Vicksburg Ms...ALL I wanted for Christmas was a Bobby Gentry wig. I had short hair ,had been wearing my mother's half slips on my head for long hair, and when I got that wig from Santa, I was one happy little girl. Mama got her slip back and it's been one of most favorite memories of Christmas. I stayed in front of the mirror with that wig on, along with my hot pink nightie trimmed in feathers and matching slippers.😂
@@marymckay7154 Well that is a darling story you told about yourself.
It upsets me that so many people in the music community refuse to acknowledge her. Most people think this is a Reba McEntire song.
Hello 👋 how are you doing today
Not many people outside of the U.S know who Reba is. We all know Bobbie though!
I just learned today😮
I always think a song belongs to the writer not the singer but I really think Reba interprets better still gentry provided the blueprint and deserves most of the credit
Bobbie’s version was on Mainstream Pop Radio stations. That’s the way it was in the 70’s. Country was really down home twang back then. Some purists think that is better. I like it all. Good songwriting and good music transcends genre.
Singing this song was ballsy in 1970.
This is toned down. It was originally "the summer I turned fifteen."
@@Johnny96rireally??
I mean yeah it was ballsy but technically more real than nowadays back in the 60s and 70s 50s then rural areas young girls would be bought from Farmers or from very poor people to be wives basically
@@xXDragonFoxX yes.
@@deviousedits4737 The original opening lyrics were changed shortly after release changing Fancy's age: I remember it all very well looking back it was the summer I turned fifteen. We lived in a one room, run down shack on the outskirts of New Orleans.
Fantastic to see this crisp vid of Bobby throwing in a little of her go go dancer beginnings.
She blew up big but country wasn’t really ready for a women of such down home rawness and independence at that time. She got out quick once the record companies couldn’t sustain her success, but she left with the bag and lived a real happy and successful life outside of show biz, never bothered to update us or do interviews.
That’s f...in CLASS.
Wish more people knew she wrote this song !!!
I just realized Reba stole this song after all these years. LOL
@@corvey"stole" is a harsh word.
The royalty checks are consolation enough
That is soulful story telling.
She was beautiful and powerful and made it sound like a true story from her own personal diary.
It is true tho
Know what I love about some of the Bobbie Gentry performances I've seen on UA-cam? She has natural rhythm and can dance so smooth when she moves. Not saying she could get outrageous with it - she probably could - but I would've loved to see her pop up on an episode of 'Soul Train' moving all silky like that. She's a great dancer, in my opinion. 😎
She's got moves ❤
Slim, feminine, graceful, qualities difficult to find in today's woman.
I thought so too
Ken's wife here. Now I know where my mom learned her dance moves. She danced just like Bobby Gentry. My cousin and his sister were awesome dancers too. Very similar moves. Mom was 15 when I was born so as a young child I was around a lot of people that was into 50s and 60s music. Bobby Gentry's first album.
Absolutely drop dead gorgeous woman. What man wouldn't want this beautiful woman for his wife? ❤❤❤❤
Not sure what you’re seeing. But I see a horrendous wig and masculine facial features. Maybe she looks prettier elsewhere. But to each their own.
I had a huge crush on Bobbie Gentry when I was 10 years old. Watching this video 50 years later reminds me why I did.
Great song! Also love the late 60s fashion and dance moves
Absolutely love this song and this original version. One of a kind singer.
This is such a great performance
Wow she's smooth performer
I'm not happy about Reba remaking this song and getting all the credit for it.Most people by that time, had no idea who BG was and had never heard her sing it! Her deep,sultry,southern voice is what made the song! Reba's twangy, country voice did this song no justice! And neither did her band! This song needed little music to send chills down your spine!Don't believe me, just watch her! She sell's herself!She wrote this song! And believe me, she knows how to sing it!
that's a bold effing song by the standards of any day
well i think not. these matters are addressed in all art form in all eras in all societies. the reason that it works is that it is self contextualized and the person addressing audience is a character or persona in a well crafted drama.
I knew that Reba didn't write this song but I never knew it was a cover song. After finding out Bobbie Gentry sang it first I understand the meaning behind the emotion of the song. Bobbie Gentry lived among that kind of lifestyle.
Always love Bobbie Gentry I'm surprised she never sang the night that the lights went out in Georgia just because that was definitely in her genre.
Once in a great while you get people like this that come along in life and it’s fantastic.
This amazing talented singer Bobbie Gentry needs to be recognized for her talent and amazing music and writing she needs to be in the country and rock hall of fame
Her phrasing is perfection !!
REBA says thank you BOBBIE... much respect for both those ladies!
Grateful to my dad for introducing me to Bobbie Gentry’s music when I was little. Her music and the stories she tells are timeless.
she's hypnotic to watch this was a great performance
LOVE this song... "and she ain't done bad"
Love the outfit!
Throughout her career she designed her own outfits, both for herself and for the other performers in her productions. She once had a jeans outfit made up, a Levis jean jacket and matching pants, and it had $1 million worth of diamonds sewn onto it. The outfit had to be stored in a vault between shows.
She was awesome.
She’s still alive 😊
I always look at song credits because it’s always so much more meaningful when the person singing wrote the song! Love it, Bobbie 💫
Better than Reba
I definitely didn't know it was a cover... This is lovely! Her voice is so nice. Look at me, a youth (not really, I'm 36) hearing a song that's 50 years+ and loving it as much as the "original" I grew up with from Reba. 😂
I wonder if Ms Gentry heard Reba's cover and what she thought.
omg THIS IS BEYOND MAGNIFICENT
Even as a child I knew what this song was about.
It's about pimping her daughter out right?
She had the voice, the talent, and moved with grace and elegance.
Man I still love her...100 percent pure. Almost like she was a dream we woke up and she was gone
Good gawd that's how you do it! Beautiful, great singing and Jagger moves!!!!!!!
Wow, I haven't seen Bobbie in so long I forgot how beautiful she was. She was so sweet and had the prettiest clothes. I've still got my Mama`s dress she wore when they all went out one night. That's one thing about the singer's & celebrities from Mississippi that they had in common, they weren't chased by photographers and people when they were here so they were very friendly when you saw them. They have Bobbie`s name spelled wrong here though. She's living in Memphis now.
Really, in Memphis. Reba claims she has disappeared from the face of the earth. Interesting. That's right. Down to earth people from Mississippi. Good people.
WOW! No one does it better!
Arthur Serverio, she’s the original creator and performer of the songs lyrics and acoustics. She wrote all her music. Reba just got permission years after to sing Bobby’s song, which was actually Reba’s key break into stardom. Amazing how many people have no knowledge about Bobby Gentry., same as Tony Joe White the original artist who of the song Rainy Night in Georgia that another man gained fame from later performing Tony Joe’s song.
@@sonjajordan7512 I agree that it's amazing how few people realize the impact that Bobbie Gentry had. I also think it's amazing that people don't realize the impact Reba McEntire had. I won't say who I think performs this better because it's all just a matter of personal opinion. Bobbie Gentry was the original but Reba McEntire is for sure the more well-known version. They both did an amazing job. That being said, this song was not Reba's Big break into country music stardom. Reba had her first top 10 country song in 1980 and by the time she released fancy eleven years later in 1991, she had a total of 28 top 10 hits, 14 of those which went to number one. Do I think fancy helped raise her to another level? I can't say that it hurt, But it was only a top ten hit for her, number eight to be exact, so it wasn't this wildly successful number one that catapulted her into international stardom, she was already there
The Queen Of Music
Alway loved that dancing move she does.
Time has been kind to Bobbie Gentry and her classic story songs. Fancy has sold 25 million records on over two dozen covers. The latest being Orville Peck's gender bending twist in 2020.
i've heard this song a hundred times and i still tear up every time she says "i mighta been born just plain white trash but fancy was my name" i have no idea why. but it gets me every single time
So fresh and classic at the same time! 💫
I just showed this to a 23 year old girl at work today, she loves Reba's version but had never heard this, she flipped out and also went crazy over the outfit - Then busted her bubble again when I told her mama(VIcki Lawrence) sang "The Night the Lights Went Out in Georgia" first lol
Songtelling at it's finest. They certainly do not make them like Bobbie anymore.
Luv this luv Bobbie ! Matt the Siouxsie fan
She move like she has air under her feet😮
Hello 👋 how are you doing today
Brilliant lyrics, voice and performance. There has never been a singer/artist like Bobbie Gentry.
I had no idea this was a Bobbie Jo Gentry original. Wow!!!
Hello how are you doing today
Bobby Gentry didnt just sing this first, she wrote it. She wrote Ode to Billy Joe.
Went down to Greenwood, Mississippi three weeks ago. Visited a number of historical sites including where her plaque is near the elementary school she went to. Really cool!
Reba was perfect to cover this song! Still, Bobbie's voice was smoking!
Very good singer writer and smooth dancers. Voice nice accent
What??? I thought this was Reba's song - I never knew someone else sang it........This is fabulous.
Bobbi Gentry wrote and recorded this years before Reba recorded it.
Hello 👋 how are you doing today
Omg. I loved this ❤️. U go girl
Ok. This makes so much sense. My mom HS me listen to Ode to Billy the other day - and I thought it reminded me of this song.
She wrote that one too!
Stunning
Was this woman music Country or Rock , she sure was smooth & elegant !
It doesn’t matter.
Talk about talent!!!What do u know...I'm typing this on "the 3rd of June....another sleepy dusty delta day....❤ Love you Bobby!
gorgeous, talented and she sings songs of lifes experiences not some far out bullshit
Bobbie Gentry is the truth.
i love you bobie gentry the bible says we are all sinners i am a condemned man for the lord there is hope somewhere maybe not here
I love both versions of this song so fucking much. 😭
I know Reba's version of this. Never realized that this was originally done by Bobbie Gentry. Great performance. Thanks for posting.
Hello how are you doing today
It set the world on it's ear
Perfection!
Wow! I was totally in love with this beautiful woman back when I was 14. That’s pure, real, 100% woman! Absolutely beautiful!
How have I only just found this uber talented woman!! 😮
Go freaking Stormy Daniels! Keep blowing yr truth.
Best version the original!
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 Momma spent every last penny we had
To buy me a dancin' dress
Momma washed and combed and curled my hair
And she painted my eyes and lips
Then I stepped into the satin dancin' dress
It was split in the side clean up to my hips
It was red, velvet-trimmed
And it fit me good
And starin' back from the lookin' glass
Was a woman where a half-grown kid had stood
"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 (Please)
But if you want out, well it's up to you
Now, don't let me down
Your Momma's gonna help you move uptown"
(Don't let me down, don't let me down)
Momma dabbed a little bit of perfume on my neck
And she kissed my cheek
Then, I saw the tears well up in her troubled eyes
When she started to speak
She looked at our pitiful shack and then
She looked at me and took a ragged breath
"Your Pa's runned off, and 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-heel shoe
It sounded like somebody else that was talking
Askin' "Momma what do I do?"
"Just be nice to the gentlemen, Fancy
And they'll be nice to you"
"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 (please)
But if you want out, well it's up to you
Now get on out, girl, you better start movin' uptown"
Well, that was the last time I saw my Ma
The night I left that rickety shack
'Cause welfare people came and took the baby
Mom died and I ain't been back
But the wheels of fate had started to turn
And for me there was no way out
And it wasn't very long 'til I knew exactly
What my Momma been talkin' about
I did what I had to do
But I made myself this solemn vow
That I was gonna to be a lady someday
Though I didn't know when or how
I couldn't see spendin' the rest of my life
With my head hung down in shame
I mighta been born just plain white trash
But Fancy was my name
"Here's your one chance, Fancy, don't let me down
Here's your one chance, Fancy, don't let me down"
Wasn't long after a 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)
Well, I've charmed a king, a congressman
And an occasional aristocrat
And I got me a Georgia mansion
And an elegant New York townhouse flat
And I ain't done bad (she ain't done bad)
Now, in this world there's a lot of self-righteous hypocrites
That would call me bad
And criticize my Momma for turnin' me out
No matter how little we had
And though I ain't had to worry about nothin'
But now on fifteen years
I can still hear the desperation
In my poor Momma's voice ringin' in my ear
"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 (please)
But if you want out, well it's up to you
Now, don't let me down
Your Momma's gonna help you move uptown"
And I guess she did
Nodd, thank you for taking the time and care for typing the lyrics out. So many take for granted when people do that for us UA-camrs. Bobby was a great songwriter! I loved to write all of my life, but with songwriting you need a heavy hook and have a melody along with it. I'm a dancer and an author. I'll stick with that.
There's a dark and DIRTY side to what some folks call " down home " !!!
Great MRS. GENTRY😊
Funny, how people today try to imitate these amazing people of the past and the incredible vintage style it can ever be duplicated. You can do all the Christmas at Graceland specials you want but it’ll never be the real thing.
She did a song called Mississippi Delta her voice is so soulful on that song it makes me cringe sometimes you can feel yourself being on the bank of the Mississippi and I've never been there but I still think I have been there thanks to her be safe be peaceful
I'm in love.
The song is her autobiography.
She married Bill Harrah, founder if Harrah's Casino.
Daaaaaaang!!!!!!! ❤️
That brass line awesome
Today was the day that I discovered that fancy was a cover and I can say that I really do think I prefer Bobbie's rendition of the song. As a Reba fan, my mind is pretty blown 🤯
Good looks and intelligent lady.!!
This song is Definitely telling a story.
I remember this from when I was kid! Bobbie wrote, recorded and performed this song 20+ years before Reba covered it! She was a beauty as well.
I've been listening to Bobbie Gentry since 1967, when I was 2, when mom and dad were playing this record on their turntable, Fancy and Ode To Billy Joe...Classics!!
Reba was good at singing Fancy but, this is the original and nothing beats the original!!
This was good for its time, though Reba brought it home when she covered it.
Hello 👋 how are you doing today
She done it great!!
OMG I've always loved this song. I had no idea that Bobbie sang this way back in the day. She left huge shoes for Reba macentire to fill. Both are and we're amazing entertainers.
Incredible lyrics
Pure class
She had the moves of her time down pat.
I love this original so much more than the Reba version. So much soul!
Hello how are you doing today