Virginia Plain

Roxy Music

About Virginia Plain

"Virginia Plain" is a song by English rock band Roxy Music, released as their debut single in August 1972. Written by Roxy frontman Bryan Ferry, the song was recorded by the band in July 1972 at London's Command Studios. Backed with "The Numberer", an instrumental composed by Andy Mackay, as a single the song became a Top 10 hit in the UK, peaking at number four. The song was not included on the band's original UK debut album, Roxy Music, having not even been recorded when the album was released. After the success of the album in the UK, it was included on later re-issues. In 1977, it was re-released as a single, together with "Pyjamarama", originally the second Roxy Music single, to promote the Greatest Hits album, and reached number 11. Both "Virginia Plain" and "The Numberer" can be found on the 1995 The Thrill of it All boxset. "Virginia Plain" features bass guitarist Rik Kenton, who joined after Graham Simpson left the band. It begins with a deceptively quiet introduction, followed by an instant increase of volume as soon as the vocals come in on the first verse. 


Year:
1989
2:58
60 
#1

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Make me a deal and make it straight
All signed and sealed, I'll take it
To Robert E. Lee I'll show it
I hope and pray he don't blow it 'cause
We've been around a long time just try try try tryin' to
Make the big time

Take me on a roller coaster
Take me for an airplane ride
Take me for a six days wonder but don't you
Don't you throw my pride aside besides
What's real and make believe
Baby Jane's in Acapulco We are flyin' down to Rio

Throw me a line I'm sinking fast
Clutching at straws can't make it
Havana sound we're trying 
hard edge the hipster jiving
Last picture shows down the drive-in
You're so sheer you're so chic
Teenage rebel of the week
Flavours of the mountain steamline
Midnight blue casino floors
Dance the cha-cha through till sunrise
Open up exclusive doors oh wow!
Just like flamingos look the same
So me and you, just we two got to search for something new

Far beyond the pale horizon
Some place near the desert strand
Where my Studebaker takes me
That's where I'll make my stand but wait
Can't you see that Holzer mane?
What's her name Virginia Plain

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Roxy Music

Roxy Music are an English art rock band formed in 1971 by Bryan Ferry, who became the group's lead vocalist and chief songwriter, and bassist Graham Simpson. The other members are Phil Manzanera (guitar), Andy Mackay (saxophone and oboe) and Paul Thompson (drums and percussion). Former members include Brian Eno (synthesiser and "treatments"), and Eddie Jobson (synthesiser and violin). Although the band took a break from group activities in 1976 and again in 1983, they reunited for a concert tour in 2001, and have toured together intermittently since that time. more »

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Written by: BRYAN FERRY

Lyrics © BMG Rights Management

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


11 facts about this song

Release
"Virginia Plain" was released in August 1972 as Roxy Music's debut single.
Members
When "Virginia Plain" was recorded, the band Roxy Music comprised of Bryan Ferry (vocals, keyboards), Andy Mackay (oboe, saxophone), Brian Eno (synthesizer, "treatments"), Graham Simpson (bass) and Paul Thompson (drums).
Chart Position
The song reached Number 4 on the UK Singles Chart for the week ending 26th of August 1972.
Writing
Bryan Ferry, the lead vocalist of Roxy Music, wrote "Virginia Plain". The song was sparked by a painting Ferry had done while he was studying arts at the University of Newcastle in the 1960s.
Artistic Influence
The term "Virginia Plain" refers to an imaginary place, inspired by Ferry's art college days when he was creating surreal artworks, and influenced by American landscapes and iconography.
Album Inclusion
Although it was originally released on its own, without being part of any regular album, the song was later included on reissues of their debut, self-titled album "Roxy Music".
Music Video
The video of "Virginia Plain", featuring the band's performance of the song, was recorded and aired on BBC's Top of the Pops. This exposure greatly contributed to the track's success.
Unusual Instrumentation
Roxy Music was known for their unique, avant-garde sound, largely attributed to Brian Eno's innovative use of the synthesizer. "Virginia Plain" was notable for the high pitch, oscillating electronic sound contributed by Eno.
Song Length
The song is relatively short, running for approximately 2 minutes and 58 seconds.
Legacy
"Virginia Plain" effectively introduced Roxy Music into the music scene and established their reputation for being innovative and experimental. The song remains one of Roxy Music's most popular tracks and is often considered a classic of the glam rock genre.
Controls
In addition to Ferry's distinctive vocal style, the song is also noted for its abrupt stops and starts and varying tempos, marking it out as innovative for its time.

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