prologue
Ashman and Menken Lyrics
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In an early year of a decade not too long before our own
The human race suddenly encountered a deadly threat to its very existence
And this terrifying enemy surfaced as such enemies often do
In the seemingly most innocent and unlikely of places
Little shop, little shoppa horrors
Little shop, little shoppa terror
No, oh, oh, no-oh!
Little shop, little shoppa horrors
Bop sh'bop, little shoppa terror
Watch 'em drop! Little shoppa horrors
No, oh, oh, no-oh!
Shing-a-ling, what a freaky thing to be happening!
Look out, look out, look out, look out!
Shang-a-lang, feel the sturm and drang in the air
Yeah!
Sha-la-la, stop right where you are
Don't you move a thing
You better (tellin' you, you better)
Tell your mama something's gonna get her
She better (everybody better beware!
Oh, here it comes, baby
Tell the world, baby
Oh oh, oh no
Oh, hit the dirt, baby
Tell the world, baby, oh oh, no, oh oh, no
Alley oop, hurry off to school child, I'm warnin' you
(Look out, look out, look, out, look out)
Run away, child you gonna pay if you stay, yeah
Look around, something's comin' down down the street for you
You betcha, you betcha, you betcha butt, you betcha
Best believe it, something's come to get ya
You betcha, you better watch your back in this town
Yeah yeah yeah, yeah yeah!
Comma, comma, comma
Little shop, little shoppa horrors
Bop sh'bop, you'll never stop the terror
Little shop, little shoppa horrors
No, oh oh, no, oh oh, no, oh oh, no
The Prologue to Little Shop of Horrors by Ashman and Menken begins with setting the stage for the upcoming horror story. The song starts by narrating the time and the era, which is mentioned as an early year of the decade before the present. It goes on to describe how the human race was threatened and encountered a deadly threat unexpectedly. This terrifying enemy surfaced in the most innocent and unassuming of places, alerting the audience to the horror storyline that is soon to follow.
After setting the stage for the story, the song shifts gears into a more upbeat and rock-and-roll style. The lyrics of the song suddenly start using terms like "little shop of horrors" and "call a cop." These are symbolic of the upcoming horror that is about to unfold. The song builds on the story's mystery by using terms like "Shing-a-ling" and "Sha-la-la," giving the song a peculiar and spunky vibe. It touches on themes of chaos and impending danger for the listeners, warning them "everybody better beware."
The entire prologue, with its ominous undertones building up to the upbeat and rock-heavy tune, is a perfect introduction to the story that follows. It gives the listeners a sneak peek into the horror that is to come while building excitement around the musical.
Line by Line Meaning
On the twenty-first day of the month of September
One day in September
In an early year of a decade not too long before our own
In the past, not too long ago
The human race suddenly encountered a deadly threat to its very existence
An existential threat emerged that threatened humanity
And this terrifying enemy surfaced as such enemies often do
The enemy appeared like they always do
In the seemingly most innocent and unlikely of places
In a place that seemed harmless
Alley oop, hurry off to school child, I'm warnin' you
Get to school before it's too late
(Look out, look out, look, out, look out)
Be careful
Run away, child you gonna pay if you stay, yeah
Leave now or face the consequences
Look around, something's comin' down down the street for you
Someone is coming for you
Sha-la-la, stop right where you are
Stop where you are
Don't you move a thing
Stay still
You better (tellin' you, you better)
You must
Tell your mama something's gonna get her
Warn your mother of what's coming
She better (everybody better beware!
Everyone should be alert
Yeah yeah yeah, yeah yeah!
Agreement or enthusiasm
Comma, comma, comma
Pause
Little shop, little shoppa horrors
The horrors of a small shop
Bop sh'bop, you'll never stop the terror
You can't escape the fear
Little shop, little shoppa horrors
The horrors of a small shop
No, oh oh, no, oh oh, no, oh oh, no
No, don't let it happen
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: HOWARD ELLIOTT ASHMAN, ALAN MENKEN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@fionajackson8002
Such a legend. What a wonderful opportunity to get a big of insight into his creative process on one of the most iconic musicals of all time!
@jwicks747
I could watch this guy all day.. he's such an incredible artist!
@kerrikearse2944
I love Little Shop and all of Alan Menken's work.
@solidsnake58
I saw Little Shop in the theaters when I was a kid. I loved the music, I loved the comedy, but I haven’t watched it in years. Recently, I rewatched it and the music has been stuck in my head for days! I love the Prologue and Mean Green Mother, but had no idea that the latter was nominated for an Oscar or wasn’t even part of the original musical! So cathartic to see Menken talk about the creative process. So heartbreaking to hear him talk about his collaboration with Howard.
@lonellfletcher
Alan Menken is a titan. It would be a privilege to sing one of his compositions
@jessenorman91
a genius. the greatest musical theatre writer of all time for me.
@isabelladippel9649
fascinating!!! I love this show
@tomorobo4472
Never thought Alan Menken would call me a horse?
@tevindavisactor
Im ready! #firstcomment