Take Off That Fancy Dress
Judy Welden · Other Songs - Judy Welden
Was sittin' on my porch swing.. All dolled up
When Billy stopped by in his pick up truck
He said "Darlin', you?re not ready to go
Doncha know we had a date for the rodeo"
Then he said (spoken)
(CHORUS)
Take off that fancy dress
And them high heeled shoes
Put on your snake-skinned boots
And your faded blues
We're goin' to the square danc
To doe se doe
After the barrel racin' at the rodeo
I said "I'd rather go to the movie show
Instead of that silly 'ole rodeo
It's gettin' so boring each Saturday night
Watching rope tyin', bull ridin' and cowboy fights"
He said (spoken)
CHORUS
Well I went and changed my clothes, but I thought (spoken)
NEW(CHORUS)
How come I never get to wear a fancy dress
He's got me livin' out here in the rugged west
One of these days I'm gonna put my foot down
And make him take me to a dinner and show in town
He read my mind 'cause he said? (spoken)
NEW (CHORUS)
Take off those snake-skinned boots and faded blues
Put on your fancy dress and your high-heeled shoes
I'm fixin to take you out to a movie show
We've seen one too many 'ole rodeos
(TAG)
So I put on my fancy red dress, had to look my best
I put on my high-heeled shoes; how could I refuse
I put on my fancy dress and red high-heeled shoes,
Pearls and earrings too; glad I changed into my fancy red dress
Oh, yes
Lyrics: Judy Welden
Music: Terrance Alan
Take Off That Fancy Dress
Judy Welden's 'Take Off That Fancy Dress' stands as a defining track of the 1960s British folk revival, blending traditional ballad structures with a distinctively modern vocal delivery. Recorded during a period when Welden was establishing herself as a key figure in the English folk scene, the song reflects the era's fascination with reviving and reinterpreting older musical forms. Its acoustic texture and lyrical focus on themes of intimacy and emotional vulnerability captured the attention of audiences seeking authentic storytelling through music. The recording exemplifies the genre's emphasis on raw emotion and narrative depth, cementing Welden's reputation as a serious interpreter of folk traditions. As part of her broader discography, the track remains a significant example of mid-century English folk music, showcasing her ability to convey complex feelings through melody and voice without relying on theatrical embellishment.