Wednesday 14 January 2009

Question

Tough question-of-the-week courtesy Effie:
What does it mean, “luck be a lady”?

8 comments:

memetopia said...

The song was parodied in the Simpsons episode "Mayored to the Mob" as "Luke be a Jedi", which proves, yet again, that EVERYTHING comes back to Star Wars...

ipsa said...

Is this a serious question? I hate to be serious when things are really rhetorical, etc. Then I just feel so doggone gullible, you know. And then I'll hear about it from s.g. for years. You know that.

But I'm a risk taker.

So here goes Her Seriousness:

Luck be a Lady... I think it might be referring to the most desired form Luck could take. In this case, a Lady would be the best form of Luck. Vs. winning the raffle or a free trip to Disneyland.

I think. [/serious answer]

Rachel said...

I love the expression on Effie's face!

mesmith said...

Yes, that was a serious question and one that had me stymied.

Zenmomma said...

I think it's referring to the proper etiquette of a "lady". So luck should act like a lady and stay with the guy who brought her. IOW the "Guy" wants his luck to stick around like any proper "Doll" would.

Y'know, since you asked.

Schuyler said...

I think Mary got it. It's luck be a lady with the implied and not a whore hanging on at the end.

Carolyn said...

I love that musical! (OK, I'll admit it, I was a Hot Box girl when we did the the play in high school...my best friend was one of the religious "sisters" -- we never failed to find it humorous!)

Great expression on Effie's face.

I like the answers to the question, and have nothing to add.

ipsa said...

I think folks are correct when they say it's all in how luck should behave... as per the lyrics:

They call you lady luck
But there is room for doubt
At times you have a very un-lady-like way
Of running out

Your on this date with me
The pickins have been lush
And yet before the evening is over
You might give me the brush

You might forget your manners
You might refuse to stay
And so the best that I can do is pray

Luck be a lady tonight
Luck be a lady tonight
Luck if youve been a lady to begin with
Luck be a lady tonight

Luck let a gentleman see
Just how nice a dame you can be
I know the way youve treated other guys youve been with
Luck be a lady with me

A lady never leaves her escort
It isnt fair, it isnt nice
A lady doesnt wander all over the room
And blow on some other guys dice

Lets keep this party polite
Never get out of my sight
Stick with me baby, Im the guy that you came in with
Luck be a lady tonight

A lady never flirts with strangers
Shed have a heart, shed be nice
A lady doesnt wander all over the room
And blow on some other guys dice

Lets keep this party polite
Never get out of my sight
Stick with me baby, Im the guy that you came in with
Luck be a lady tonight