Glamorous Life

I've wanted to write about Sheila E's "Glamorous Life" for quite some time, and I stumbled upon it this evening.  The song came out in 1984, and I admit that I never really knew the lyrics -- other than the chorus.  In fact,  I hadn't paid much attention, because I was always so mesmerized by the percussion.  As we all know, Sheila E is a percussionist, and she really tears it up in this tune.  Twenty-eight years after its 1984 release, it still sounds vibrant, fresh, and amazing.  I just can't seem to get that percussion out of my head!  The video always scared me a bit.  It's a weird juxtaposition of Sheila E on stage and Sheila E playing the woman who she sings about.  You know -- the one wearing the long fur coat of mink, even in the summertime.  I had always understood that lyric, but it wasn't until this evening that I discovered the rest.  "She's got big thoughts, big dreams, and..."  Well, I had no idea until tonight that it's "big thoughts, big dreams, and a big brown Mercedes sedan."  WHAT?!  A big brown Mercedes sedan?  Yikes!  That is intriguing and disappointing at the same time.  I mean, kudos to Prince for using "sedan" in a pop song, but, sheesh.  Sedan sounds a bit dull.  Wouldn't have expected it in the "Glamorous Life," but hey, it is a Mercedes.  So...  I guess it's alright.  This is a terrific tune, and I also never realized it was a soprano sax in the sax solo.  Guess I hadn't paid attention.  If you're looking to find a Mercedes in any other songs, well, check out "Mercedes Boy" by Pebbles.  This song was the coolest in 1988 when I was in 8th grade, but boy am I embarrassed to even admit that today.  Thank goodness for Sheila E!!!!