"Handbags and Gladrags" is a song written by Mike d'Abo in 1967. It gained popularity when it was recorded by English singer Chris Farlowe and later by Rod Stewart in 1969. However, the version you mentioned is the one by Engelbert Humperdinck in 1972. The song tells the story of a young girl who is focused on material possessions and the image she projects. It begins by describing a blind man crossing the road, symbolizing the difficulties and challenges one faces in life. The young girl, on the other hand, is depicted as growing old while trying to conform to societal expectations of getting married. The lyrics reflect on what happens to someone's identity and worth when they are stripped of their material possessions. The "handbags and the gladrags" represent the material goods that the girl buys, which were earned through the hard work and sacrifice of her Granddad. It highlights the idea that material wealth alone does not bring true happiness or define one's worth. The song also contrasts the experiences of the narrator, who was once a young man, with the young girl. The narrator believed that simply smiling was all he needed to succeed, while the girl thought that buying things in style would make her happy. The reference to the nursery rhyme "Sing a Song of Sixpence" and the line "Four and twenty blackbirds in a cake" suggests that the girl's life is like a facade, filled with material indulgence but lacking true substance. The song suggests a shift in perspective, urging the girl to abandon her materialistic mindset and prioritize what truly matters. The narrator advises her to throw away the handbags and gladrags, as they only represent the fleeting and superficial aspects of her life. Overall, "Handbags and Gladrags" conveys the message that true happiness and self-worth cannot be found in material possessions but rather in the relationships and values that give meaning to one's life.
