About Fancy

"Fancy" is a song written and recorded by Bobbie Gentry in 1969. The song depicts its protagonist using prostitution to overcome childhood poverty. Gentry viewed the song as a feminist statement: "Fancy" is my strongest statement for women's lib, if you really listen to it. I agree wholeheartedly with that movement and all the serious issues that they stand for — equality, equal pay, day care centers, and abortion rights.

The country song was a crossover pop music hit for Gentry, reaching the top 40 of the Billboard Hot 100 (her second and final solo single to do so) and the top 30 of the Billboard country chart. It was covered in 1990 by country music artist Reba McEntire on her album Rumor Has It. McEntire's version surpassed the original on the country music charts, reaching the Top Ten on Billboard's Hot Country Hits in 1991.