Last month I made a hypothetical mix-tape utilizing songs by Divas.

Today’s mix-tape is Broadway songs. I came up with 30 songs in the first round. I pruned them to the customary 15.  When I finished I realized they are mostly ‘arias’ sung by people in various stages of life. They are contemplating their hopes or reflecting on dreams or past hopes now faded.

These songs may not be the best or the ‘most clever’ of Broadway tunes, but they resonate with my psyche.  

And a few are just jolly good fun.

 

“Someone Else’s Story” – Chess (American version)

This came first to my mind, so it may be my favorite Broadway song.

The lyrics were written by Mr. Tim Rice, who writes fantastic lyrics.

This song captures the pathos of the realization one’s life and relationship turned out oh so different than one hoped. The music is lovely. It was written by the two fellows from ABBA.

 

“With One Look” – Sunset Boulevard

I love this song. It captures the Anima, so its lure is because it is archetypal. I have nine different recordings of it. If I can find one more I can make a mix-tape called “With Ten Looks”

 

“The Dream I Dreamed/Lovely Ladies” – Les Miserables.

This song captures the pathos of a life gone wrong. It touches me because we all feel like this woman from time to time. It is good song to play when one is having a pity party. I couple it with Lovely Ladies” as her subsequent plunge into hell makes a good contrast to the beauty of “Dream”.

 

“I’m Still Here” – Follies

It is one of the most uplifting and encouraging songs I know. I play it when I feel good; I play it when I need help to go on.

 

“The Oldest Profession’ – The Life

I like this obscure tune as I can identify with it when my job of endless repetitive service to others makes me worn out and weary.

Like the prostitute who sings it, I would be astonished to calculate how many patients I have serviced over the years.

 

“The Wizard and I” – Wicked

It is a newcomer to my ‘favorites’.  It conveys excitement. It makes me remember my youth when felt I could do and will do something wonderful. It is ironical as we know what lies ahead for Elfapha.

It makes me think of the bittersweet memories of what I encountered later in own life.

 

“Everyone Hates their Parents” – Falsettoland

Fun tune! A psychiatrist informs a frustrated young boy being guilt slapped by his parents that a) everyone’s parents drives them nuts and b) it passes.  Perhaps I like it for the lines “Jason, please see a psychiatrist” and the man replies “I’m a psychiatrist! Get lost!”

 

“Hold On” – The Secret Garden

This song is about enduring a crisis. What looks like the end is only a passing threat if we can hold on.  It gives hope.

 

“Bali Hai” – South Pacific

This song is here for a different reason. I woke up one morning in my favorite place, my grandparent’s house. It was the start of a vacation; we were to leave that morning to go boating for a week on my grandfather’s cabin cruiser.

My mother was downstairs playing this song on the piano. I never heard it before. It is forever imprinted in my mind with happiness, security, and the start a journey to someplace I don’t know yet.

 

“It’s Today” – Mame

Another early sign I was a 3$ bill was my eagerness to have the LP “Mame”. I thought this song captured the proper spirit of living; be in the present and see life for its adventure. I continually strive to do so.  

 

“The Bus from Amarillo” – The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas

This twangy country song makes me think about the what-ifs and where I could have been if I had had the courage.

 

“God, that’s good!” – Sweeney Todd

Ooh I love Mr. Sondheim!  This ghoulish fun song has all the elements – cleverness, operatic polyphony, and dark humor.

 

“Mamma, look sharp” – 1776

A soft haunting lullaby combined with a requiem for the dead.

 

“Please Hello” – Pacific Overtures

Another Sondheim ditty with superb lyrics. It is both clever and fun. Where else can you find “What to little Nips want with battleships?”

 

“Think of me” – Phantom of the Opera

Mr. Webber did a fine job creating an opera seria aria with poignant meaning and sweetness; a woman says farewell to someone she will never see again.

 

“Corner of the Sky” – Pippen

OK I lied. There are 16 songs. This is the bonus song. It is another young person’s song of dreams of all that will be. 

 

Please tell me your favorite Broadway song.