The Lady Is A Tramp
Anita O’Day Lyrics
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She likes the theatre and never comes late
She never bothers with people she'd hate
That's why the lady is a tramp
Doesn't like crap games with barons or earls
Won't go to Harlem in ermine and pearls
Won't dish the dirt with the rest of the girls
She likes the free, fresh wind in her hair
Life without care
She's broke, and it's "ok"
Hates California, it's cold and it's damp
That's why the lady is a tramp
She gets too hungry to wait for dinner at eight
She loves the theatre but never comes late
She'd never bother with people she'd hate
That's why the lady is a tramp
She'll have no crap games with sharpies and frauds
And she won't go to Harlem in Lincolns or Fords
And she won't dish the dirt with the rest of the broads
That's why the lady is a tramp
She'd love the free, fresh wind in her hair
Life without care
She's broke, but it's "ok"
Hates California, it's so cold and so damp
That's why the lady
That's why the lady is a tramp
Anita O’Day's “The Lady Is A Tramp” is a song celebrating the freedom of an independent woman, who has her own mind and does not conform to societal norms. The song speaks of a woman who doesn’t like to be tied down by traditions and expectations of high society. The line, “She likes the theatre but never comes late” shows that she enjoys culture and the finer things in life but also does not follow the strict rules that come with it. Similarly, she loves the wind in her hair and living life without any worries or restrictions. She doesn't care about wealth or status and won't associate with people she dislikes, making her stand out as unique and unlike the rest of society.
Line by Line Meaning
She gets too hungry for dinner at eight
She has a strong appetite and can't wait until the usual dinner time of eight o'clock.
She likes the theatre and never comes late
She enjoys attending the theater and is always punctual, never showing up late.
She never bothers with people she'd hate
She avoids spending time with people she dislikes or has negative feelings towards.
That's why the lady is a tramp
Her independent and uncompromising nature makes her an outsider from traditional social norms, hence 'a tramp.'
Doesn't like crap games with barons or earls
She has no interest in participating in gambling activities with wealthy and titled individuals.
Won't go to Harlem in ermine and pearls
She refuses to dress up in expensive clothing to visit a predominantly African-American neighborhood.
Won't dish the dirt with the rest of the girls
She won't gossip or reveal secrets about others, even in the company of other women who may enjoy doing so.
She likes the free, fresh wind in her hair
She enjoys the sensation and freedom of feeling the wind blowing through her hair.
Life without care
She lives her life free from concern or worry about meeting other people's expectations, societal norms, or financial success.
She's broke, and it's 'ok'
She has little money, but she's satisfied with her life as it is and doesn't equate financial success with personal happiness.
Hates California, it's cold and it's damp
She dislikes California and its weather because it's too chilly, rainy, and unpleasant for her liking.
Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc., IMAGEM MUSIC INC
Written by: LORENZ HART, RICHARD RODGERS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind