Carrying The Banner
Alan Menken Lyrics

That's my cigar
Racetrack is stating that the cigar belongs to him

You'll steal anudder
Snipeshooter is suggesting that the person he's talking to will steal another cigar

Hey, bummers We got work tah do
Kid Blink is addressing the group and reminding them that they have work to do

Since when did you become me mudder?
Specs is asking when the person he's talking to became his mother

Ah, stop yer bawling!
Crutchy is telling someone to stop crying

Hey! Who ast you??
The Newsies are asking who asked the person they're talking to for their opinion

Try Bottle Alley or the harbor Try Central Park, it's guaranteed They almost all knows how to read!
Mush is suggesting places to go to try and sell newspapers, and points out that most people know how to read

I smell money You smell foul!
Two people are speaking to each other, with one person smelling money and the other person smelling bad

Met this goyl last night ... Move your elbow! Pass the towel! For a buck, I might!
A Newsie is recalling a situation from the night before and implying that he could have potentially made money off of it

Ain't it a fine life Carrying the banner through it all? A mighty fine life Carrying the banner tough and tall
The Newsies are reflecting on their lives and expressing how they feel about carrying the banner

Every morning We goes where we wishes We's as free as fishes Sure beats washing dishes What a fine life Carrying the banner home-free all!
The Newsies are describing how they feel about being able to go wherever they want in the morning and how much they prefer it to washing dishes

It takes a smile as sweet as butter The kind that ladies can't resist It takes an orphan with a stutter Who ain't afraid ta use his Fist!
A person is describing what it takes to be successful in their line of work as a Newsie

Summer stinks and winter's waiting Welcome to New Yawk! Boy, ain't nature fascinating When youse gotta walk?
The Newsies are reflecting on the seasons and how harsh New York City can be, even though it can still be interesting

Still, it's a fine life Carrying the banner with me chums! Blowing every nickel as it comes I'm no snoozer Sitting makes me antsy I likes living chancy Harlem tah Delancey Carrying the banner through the slums
The Newsies are describing their lives and how they prefer to live rather dangerously while carrying the banner with their friends

Blessed children Though you wander lost and depraved Jesus loves you You shall be saved!
The nuns are speaking to the Newsies and expressing their belief that even though the Newsies may be lost and depraved, Jesus still loves them and they will be saved

Just gimme half a cup Something ta wake me up I gotta find an angle I gotta sell more papes
A Newsie is expressing that they need to find a way to sell more newspapers

Papers is all I got Wish I could catch a breeze Sure hope the headline's hot All I can catch is fleas God, help me if it's not! Somebody help me, please ...
A Newsie is expressing their dependency on selling newspapers and hoping for good headlines while also expressing their frustration with their current situation

If I hate the headlines I'll make up the headline And I'll say anything I hafta 'Cause at two for a penny If I take too many Weasel just makes me eat 'em afta
A Newsie is expressing that they will make up their own headline if they don't like the real ones, and also implying that if they don't sell enough newspapers they will be punished

Look! They're putting up a headline They call that a headline? I get better stories From the copper on the beat! I was gonna start at twenty Now a dozen'll be plenty Tell me, how'm I gonna make ends meet?
A Newsie is expressing their disappointment with the headline and how they won't be able to make as much money because of it

We need a good assassination! We need an earthquake or a war! How 'bout a crooked politician? Hey, stupid That ain't news no more!
The Newsies are discussing what types of headlines they would like to see, but also acknowledging that some things are no longer considered news

Uptown to Grand Central Station Down to City Hall We improves our circulation Walking till we fall Still we'll be out there Carrying the banner man to man! We'll be out there Soaking every sucker that we can! See the headline: Newsies on a mission! Kill the competition Sell the next edition While we're out there Carrying the banner is the--
The Newsies are describing where they walk to sell newspapers and are expressing their dedication to their work. They are also excited about potentially selling more newspapers and competing with other news outlets

Look, they're putting up a headline The idiot who wrote it Must be working for the Sun! Didja hear about the fire? Heard it killed old man Maguire! Heard the toll was even higher Why do I miss all the fun? Hitched it on a trolley Meetcha Forty-fourth and Second Little Italy's a secret Bleecker's further than I reckoned By the courthouse Near the stables On the corner someone beckoned! Go get 'em Cowboy ...You got 'em now, boy
The Newsies are discussing and reacting to a headline and sharing information about it. They are also discussing where they can go to sell newspapers and how to potentially make more money