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By Jason Fortner
Each month, Jason Fortner spotlights one or more musical theatre composers
and/or lyricists, offering his own unique perspective on the songwriting legends
of musical theatre. Send your comments/questions on this column to
happgood@aol.com.
To access past Songwriters columns, click on the Songwriters archive
link to the left.
With his death on September 11th, 2004, the Broadway musical lost one of its
greatest talents, Mr. Fred Ebb. A native New Yorker, Mr. Ebb was the celebrated
words half of Broadway’s longest running composer/lyricist team, working
continuously with composer John Kander since 1962, with posthumous productions
of his shows still being presented, a case in point the upcoming Broadway
transfer of Kander & Ebb’s THE SCOTTSBORO BOYS. Before meeting Mr. Kander, Fred
Ebb worked as a lyricist to several composers, including Phil Springer, Norman
Leyden, Norman Martin and Paul Klein. A bundle of energy and fun, Mr. Ebb is
credited by Liza Minnelli with creating her onstage persona, and watching him
perform one can see the inspiration.
Among their Broadway collaborations are FLORA, THE RED MENACE, CABARET,
CHICAGO, ZORBA, 70 GIRLS 70, THE ACT , WOMAN OF THE YEAR, THE RINK, KISS OF THE
SPIDER WOMAN, CURTAINS, THE VISIT, THE HAPPY TIME, STEEL PIER, and a many titled
musical of THE SKIN OF OUR TEETH. Add in many TV specials and film scores such
as LUCKY LADY, NEW YORK NEW YORK and FUNNY LADY, and you’ve got a large
catalogue of work. In this article, I’d like to share some of my favorite Fred
Ebb lyrics, in no particular order…
First is the song “Second Chance” from STEEL PIER. Underappreciated in 1997,
STEEL PIER has garnered a cult following, due largely to its terrific OBC
Recording the legendary dance staging of Susan Stroman. In this number, the
ghostly Pilot Bill marvels as his tremendous great luck in getting his second
chance.
SECOND CHANCE.
WHOEVER GETS TO GET A SECOND CHANCE?
WHOEVER GETS ANOTHER TURN AT BAT?
TELL ME THAT!
ONE MORE TRY
WHOEVER GETS TO GET ANOTHER TRY?
WHOEVER GETS TO SING THE BIG
REPRISE?
TELL ME, PLEASE
ONCE YOU'RE DOWN
YOU'RE DOWN, THEY SAY
ONCE YOU'RE OUT,
YOU'RE OUT TO STAY
NO ONE TELLS YOU
YOU CAN GET RIGHT UP
AND YOU CAN START ALL OVER
WITH A SECOND CHANCE
WHENEVER LIFE
HAS GONE
FROM BAD TO WORSE
YOU'VE GOT TO RUN
YOUR MOVIE
IN REVERSE
RE-REHEARSE
SOON THAT CURSE
WILL DISPERSE,
BUT FIRST YOU'VE GOT TO GET
A SECOND CHANCE.
"Second Chance" features great lyric that perfectly matches the Kander tune
that accompanies it. Also in STEEL PIER, Mr. Ebb had a chance to show his power
with a punchline in the riotous “Everybody’s Girl” number, winningly performed
by Debra Monk in the original.
A LONG TIME AGO
A LADY WHOSE NAME WAS CARMEN
DROVE A MAN WILD
UNTIL HE WAS OUT OF CONTROL
I TRULY BELIEVE
THAT I AM A MODERN DAY CARMEN
IN SPITE OF THE FACT
I DO NOT HABLA ESPAÑOL
THAT GIRL WAS EXACTLY LIKE ME
WE SHARE THIS PHILOSOPHY
OLÉ, I SAY
I'M NOT THE TYPE WHO'S READY
FOR DATIN' SOMEONE STEADY
I'M EVERYBODY'S GIRL
ON SUNDAY NIGHT IT'S DANNY
ON MONDAY MAYBE MANNY
I'M EVERYBODY'S GIRL
THERE'S A POINT TO MY BEHAVIOR
WHICH IS:
SMART GIRLS ALWAYS SHARE THEIR RICHES
SO, IF YOUR HEART SUCCUMBS
DON'T LET IT
YOU'RE CERTAIN TO REGRET IT
ALL OTHERS, COME AND GET IT
I'M EVERYBODY'S GIRL.
I could never be a cowhand's … LA LA LA LA LA LA
And you wanna know why? (Why?)
I just can't keep my calves together.
I'M EVERYBODY'S GIRL
SOME OLD GREEK CALLED ARISTOTLE
SAID IT
IF YOU GOT IT, WHY NOT SPREAD IT?
SO DON'T GO RATTLING ANY SABRES
EXERTING ANY LABORS
JUST SHARE ME WITH THE NEIGHBORS
I'M EVERYBODY'S GIRL
IN CASE YOUR PASSION RAGES,
I'M IN THE YELLOW PAGES
I'M... GIRL.
YOU WON'T BE DISAPPOINTED
I'M ALSO DOUBLE-JOINTED
I'M EVERYBODY'S GIRL
THOUGH IT LEAVES A LOT OF FELLAS
CURSIN'
I'M A PERSON
NEEDS DISBURSIN'
AND SO TO REAFFIRM MY STATUS
IT'S ABSOLUTELY GRATIS
TO USE MY APPARATUS
I'M EVERYBODY'S GIRL
Men and me are like pianos. When they
get upright, I feel grand!
EVERYBODY'S GIRL!
Debra Monk performs her showstopper "Everybody's
Girl" on MY FAVORITE BROADWAY: THE LOVE SONGS
A native New Yorker, Mr. Ebb loved city life. Aside from writing the ultimate
NYC anthem, “New York New York”, Mr. Ebb extolled the virtues of city life in
many songs, but my personal favorite is “City Lights” from THE ACT. Here’s that
lyric:
THE LITTLE OLD LADY SAT ON THE PORCH OF THE FARM-HOUSE.
THE LITTLE OLD LADY ROCKED BACK AND FORTH AND CROCHETED.
"OH, LISTEN TO THE CRICKET, LOOK AT THE ROOSTER, SMELL THE HAY," I TOLD HER.
"AND SEE THE PRETTY LITTLE EGG THAT THE HEN JUST LAID."
THE LITTLE OLD LADY TOOK OFF HER GLASSES AND SQUINTED.
AND HOW SHE RESPONDED LITERALLY HAD ME FLOORED.
SHE SAID: "I'M GLAD TO MEET SOMEONE WHO APPRECIATES
THE BEAUTY THAT NATURE INITIATES.
IT'S SWEET TO HEAR, BUT ME, MY DEAR, I'M TRULY BORED.
I MISS THOSE CITY LIGHTS, THOSE SPARKLING CITY LIGHTS,
THOSE TWINKLING CITY LIGHTS BLURRING MY EYES.
I LOVE THOSE CITY LIGHTS, THE COLOR OF CITY SIGHTS
THAT SHINE UNDER CITY LIGHTS TINTING THE SKIES.
NEW MOWN HAY GIVES ME HAY FEVER.
THERE'S THE ROOSTER, WHERE'S MY CLEAVER?
SO LAID BACK, MY MIND MIGHT CRACK,
AND WHEN THE THRESHER'S UP MY PRESSURE'S UP.
CITY LIGHTS, OH, I LONG FOR THOSE CITY LIGHTS,
THE BULBS OF THOSE BEAMING BRIGHTS BECKONING ME THERE.
BE THERE.
TAKE THE CRICKETS AND GO SHOVE 'EM,
URBAN CRISES, HOW I LOVE 'EM!
GRIME AND GRIT AND PRETTY CITY LIGHTS.
WALKING LANES TO PICK A DAISY,
THAT COULD DRIVE A PERSON CRAZY.
HOME-MADE BREAD LIES HERE LIKE LEAD,
AND POLLY'S PEACH PRESERVES--
OH, PLEASE, MY NERVES!
CITY LIGHTS, HOW I LONG FOR THOSE CITY LIGHTS,
THE BULBS OF THOSE BEAMING BRIGHTS BECKONING ME THERE.
BE THERE.
STIES AND STABLES SURE ARE SMELLY,
LET ME SNIFF SOME KOSHER DELI,
BRIGHTLY LIT BY PRETTY CITY LIGHTS.
PLUCK YOUR LILIES OF THE VALLEY,
LET ME SALLY UP SOME ALLEY
DIMLY LIT BY PRETTY CITY LIGHTS.
COUNTRY AIR MEANS ZILCH TO ME,
I WON'T BREATHE NOTHING I CAN'T SEE.
SO LET ME QUIT AND HIT THOSE PRETTY CITY LIGHTS.
HIT THEM CITY LIGHTS!
LOVE THEM CITY LIGHTS!
FAIRS AND SOCIALS AIN'T NO PLUSES,
I SAW MORE ON CROSS-TOWN BUSES
BRIGHTLY LIT BY PRETTY CITY LIGHTS.
HOLD THAT UDDER AND CHURN THAT BUTTER,
ME, I'D RATHER SHOOT SOME GUTTER
DIMLY LIT BY PRETTY CITY LIGHTS.
SLOP THOSE SOWS, GO ON AND FILL YOUR PAILS,
HONEY, JUST LET ME PLANT MY BUNS DOWN IN BLOOMINGDALE'S.
YES, LET ME QUIT AND HIT THOSE PRETTY CITY LIGHTS.
LOVE THEM CITY LIGHTS!
Liza Minnelli in "City Lights" from THE ACT
As bombastic as much of THE ACT was, Mr. Ebb also could find words to break
your heart as well. Here’s one of those lyrics, a torch song of real despair,
“The Money Tree”.
THE DAY WILL COME
HE'LL COME RUNNING TO ME
THE DAY THE SUN TURNS BLACK
AND THERE'S A MONEY TREE
THE DAY WILL COME
HE'LL BE CHANGING HIS TUNE
WHEN THERE'S A GRANITE LAKE
AND A COTTON MOON
AND I LISTEN
TO ALL OF HIS
SORROWFUL PLEAS
AND I'LL FORGIVE HIM
AND LIFE WILL BE COOL AS A BREEZE
WHEN THE RAIN FALLS UP!
THE DAY WILL COME
HE'LL COME BACK TO MY ARMS
AND THE SLATE IS CLEAN
WHEN THE SNOW IS GREEN
AND WE'LL SHARE A LOVE
IDYLLIC, AND FINAL, AND FREE
YEAH THE TIME WILL COME
WHEN HE'LL NEVER STRAY
ON A NEVER GONE
OF A NEVER DAY
WHEN THE GREEN SNOW SITS
ON THE SILVER MONEY TREE
THAT OLD MONEY TREE OH, YEAH!
A GRANITE LAKE
AND A COTTON MOON
AND HE'LL TREMBLE, AND STAMMER
AND SAY HE WAS WRONG
AND TOGETHER IS HOW WE WILL ALWAYS BELONG
WHEN THE EARTH STANDS STILL
THE DAY WILL COME
HE'LL COME BACK TO MY ARMS
AND FORGET THE PAST
WHEN A SNAIL RUNS FAST
AND SHARE A LOVE
IDYLLIC, AND FINAL, AND FREE
YEAH, THE TIME WILL COME
WHEN HE'LL NEVER STRAY
ON THE NEVER DAWN
OF THE NEVER DAY
WHEN WE ALL PICK COINS
OFF THE SILVER MONEY TREE
HE'LL COME BACK TO ME
Australian singer/actress Louise Van Venendaal
performs "The Money Tree" from "The Act"
My final lyric for this installment is also from THE ACT. It’s a number
called “Bobo’s”, and to hear Mr. Ebb tell the story of how they came to write it
in AN EVENING WITH KANDER & EBB is truly heartbreaking, dealing with the death
of a friend while writing a dark tune about a small bar. Here’s our final lyric,
more to come next month!
OUTSIDE UPTOWN OMAHA
THERE'S A SMALL PIANO BAR
WHERE A NEON SIGN
KEEPS FLASHIN' BOBO'S
BESSIE PLAYS HER YAMAHA
UNDERNEATH THE MIRRORED STAR
AND THAT NEON SIGN
KEEPS FLASHIN', BOBO'S
OH, BOBO'S NOT AROUND TODAY
BUT STILL IT'S BOBO'S ANYWAY
HE LEFT THAT STIPULATION
IN HIS WILL
AND WHEN YOU LOOK AROUND, IT'S CLEAR
ALL US STEADIES LOVE IT HERE
AT BOBO'S
BAR AND GRILL
LOOK AT MR. MILLER
SHOOTIN' POOL WITH BOBBY
BANKIN' OFF THE CORNERS
WE LOVE THAT SOUND
LOOK AT PEG AND MABEL
WINKIN' FROM A TABLE
WAITIN' FOR A SUCKER
TO BUY A ROUND
LOOK AT MR. JOHNSON
FROM THE FILLIN' STATION
POURING OUT HIS TROUBLES
TO RUTH MCGORE
DEPUTY MCGUIRE
TALKS ABOUT THE FIRE
HE CAUGHT A DRIFTER SETTIN'
AT THE PACKAGE STORE
BOBO'S
WELL THE SWELLS
OUT IN FAIR ACRES
WOULDN’T EVER CARE TO
VENTURE NEAR IT,
BOBO'S
SO NOISY THAT A HEART COULD BREAK
BET A BUCK YOU’D NEVER HEAR IT
BOBO'S
FORD'S AND CHEVY'S BACKIN' UP
HEY, DON'T SMACK MY PICKUP TRUCK
AND THAT NEON SIGN
KEEPS FLASHIN', BOBO'S
COFFEE FOR A DIME A CUP
PECAN PIE, A HALF A BUCK
WHILE THAT NEON SIGN
KEEPS FLASHIN', BOBO'S
SO IF YOU WANNA RUN AND HIDE
FROM WHAT'S NOT HAPPENING OUTSIDE
THE ATMOSPHERE AT BOBO'S FILLS THE BILL
COME ON INSIDE AND HAVE A BEER
SPEND THE HAPPY HOUR HERE
AT BOBO'S
BAR AND GRILL
LOOK AT MR. BRADLEY
HOCKIN' HIS INSURANCE
NOT A SOUL IS LISTENIN'
THEY NEVER DO
SAMMY FULL OF BUD NOW
RHYTHM IN HIS BLOOD NOW
SINGS ANOTHER CHORUS OF
BABALU
GO SAMMY, BABY!
BOBO'S
WHEN ALL THE PAIN OF FAILIN'
GETS SO BAD
YOU THINK YOU'LL NEVER SHAKE IT
BOBO'S
I LOST MY JOB
MY KID IS SICK
JESUS, GOD, HOW CAN I TAKE IT?
BOBO'S
THE LAUGHTERS MUCH TOO LOUD
TO LET YOU THINK OF HOW
YOU'LL NEVER MAKE IT
YOU'LL NEVER MAKE IT
YOU'LL NEVER MAKE IT!
OUTSIDE UPTOWN OMAHA
THERE'S A SMALL PIANO BAR
WHERE A NEON SIGN
KEEPS FLASHIN' BOBO'S
BESSIE PLAYS HER YAMAHA
UNDERNEATH THE MIRRORED STAR
AND THAT NEON SIGN
KEEPS FLASHIN', BOBO'S
OH, BOBO'S NOT AROUND TODAY
BUT STILL IT'S BOBO'S ANYWAY
HE LEFT THAT STIPULATION
IN HIS WILL
AND WHEN YOU LOOK AROUND, IT'S CLEAR
ALL US STEADIES LOVE IT HERE
AT BOBO'S
BAR AND GRILL
