"Sophisticated Lady" is a song performed by Julie London, released in 1958. The song was written by Duke Ellington, with lyrics by Mitchell Parish and Irving Mills. The song tells the story of a woman who was once in love but has since become jaded and disillusioned. The opening lyrics suggest that in her younger days, she experienced a passionate romance that eventually faded away. The years have changed her, and she has adopted a nonchalant and sophisticated facade. However, deep down, she still longs for the love she lost long ago. The lyrics describe her lifestyle, smoking, drinking, and never thinking about the future. She indulges in material possessions, like diamonds, and enjoys fine dining and dancing with different men in restaurants. However, the repetition of the question "Is that all you really want?" implies that there is something missing in her life. Despite her seemingly glamorous lifestyle, the sophisticated lady hides her true emotions. When nobody is around, she cries, indicating that her sophisticated facade is merely a cover for the pain and longing she feels deep inside. Overall, "Sophisticated Lady" portrays a complex and emotionally layered character who appears confident and sophisticated on the surface but is ultimately longing for lost love and genuine emotional connection.
