Sorry I'm a Lady

Baccara's song 'Sorry I'm a Lady' delves into the internal conflict of a woman who feels constrained by societal expectations of femininity. The lyrics express a longing for freedom and a desire to break away from the traditional roles assigned to women. The protagonist encounters a man whose presence stirs a sense of regret for being confined to the role of a 'lady.' This man represents a forbidden allure, someone who is 'too pretty, cool, and witty,' and whose very existence challenges the norms of the city they inhabit.

The chorus, 'Sorry I'm a lady, sorry I'm a lady, I would rather be, rather be just a little shady,' highlights the protagonist's yearning to escape the limitations of her gender role. She wishes to embrace a more adventurous and less constrained identity, one that allows her to experience life more fully. The repeated apology for being a lady underscores the frustration and resignation she feels about her situation. The request for a light symbolizes a desire for illumination and perhaps a spark of rebellion against the societal norms that bind her.

In the verses, the protagonist's need for 'power' and 'passion' further emphasizes her dissatisfaction with mere sympathy and superficial interactions. She craves a deeper connection and a sense of empowerment that goes beyond the conventional expectations of womanhood. The metaphor of wanting to 'bloom' like a flower suggests a desire for personal growth and fulfillment. The final lines, 'You are a winner, I am a sinner, no excuse, no alibi,' reflect the internalized guilt and blame she feels for succumbing to temptation, yet also acknowledge the irresistible pull of desire.