The Sondheim Lyrics Chain

[MartinG]

Well OK, just because it tickled me when I played it in the old game:

We could pool our resources
by joining forces from now on.

Lucky, you're a man who likes children.
That's an important sign.
Lucky, I'm a woman with children.
Small world, isn't it?
Funny, isn't it?
Small and funny and fine?

[valmont]

I feel dizzy,
I feel sunny, 
I feel fizzy and funny and fine, 
And so pretty, Miss America can just resign.
See the pretty girl in that mirror there

[KathyB]

Mirror, mirror
on the wall,
Who's the saddest gal in town?
Who's been riding
For a fall?
Whose Lothario let her down?

[scenicdesign71]

We shouldn't try it,
Though, 'til it's legal for two!
But a seaside wedding could be devised,
Me rumpled bedding legitimized...
Me eyelids'll flutter,
I'll turn into butter,
The moment I mutter, "I do!"

[KathyB]

I have to do like you like,
Only because I do like
You.

Reciprocation in the end
Is why a friend
Is true.

[scenicdesign71]

True, you could say, "Hey, here's your hat,"
But a little thing like that
Couldn't stop me now.

Styne's music would make this song a classic in any case, but -- in contrast to my last aside about the otherworldly brilliance of "Now/Soon/Later" -- it's worth noting how delightfully SJS handles more-conventional material like this, too: breezy, deceptively simple, instantly accessible romantic banter.  Any mild show-offy urges ("...how you're gonna not-at-all / get away from me") are deftly woven into the singers' immediate, universally-relatable focus: flirting.  In context, "You'll Never Get Away From Me" perfectly crystallizes the dynamic that will ultimately scuttle this relationship -- its title alone practically dares us to set odds on Rose and Herbie remaining together -- but for now, it's just two grown-ups enjoying each other.  The lyric supplies just the right balance of silkiness and friction to keep Styne's perky/swoony foxtrot deliciously aloft, but not lost in the clouds.

stop me

[MartinG]

Oh, my God, I think it's happened!
Stop me quick before I sink.
One more triumph that I can't refuse
In case you didn't notice, this is my first time on TV...and my last!
No, here's the point, whatever happens
Then we'll all go have a drink...

[scenicdesign71]

Make 'em think you're being clever,
But, whatever happens, smile -- no matter what!

When the scenery smacks you: smile!
When a stagehand attacks you: smile!
When they boo in the gallery: smile!
When I don't pay your salary... smile!

[MartinG]

Better than sex, better than booze,
Beating ace high with a pair of twos.
Better to win, but if you lose,
You've had your moment.

[scenicdesign71]

You either have it...
Or you've had it.

Hello everybody, my name's Rose -- what's yours?

Howd'ya like them eggrolls, Mr. Goldstone?

Hold your hats, and hallelujah:
Mama's gonna show it to ya...

[valmont]

Somebody's been listening to Gypsy

[valmont]

Hallelujah, praise the Lord and amen!
Schub, you've done it again!

[MartinG]

Officer Krupke, you've done it again. 
This boy don't need a job, he needs a year in the pen. 
It ain't just a question of misunderstood; 
Deep down inside him, he's no good! 

[scenicdesign71]

How do you say to a child who's in flight,
"Don't slip away and I won't hold so tight"?
What can you say that, no matter how slight,
Won't be misunderstood?

What do you leave to your child when you're dead?
Only whatever you put in its head:
Things that your father and mother had said--
Which were left to them, too.

[MartinG]

Father and mother
Get one another...

Something for everyone...

A tragedy tonight!...

I get the twins!
They get the best!