McDonald became a three-time Tony Award winner by the age of 28 — for her performances in Carousel, Master Class, and Ragtime. She won her fourth in 2004 for her role in A Raisin in the Sun.
McDonald has recorded four solo albums for Nonesuch Records. Her first, the 1998 Way Back to Paradise, featured songs written by a new generation of musical theatre composers who had achieved varying degrees of prominence in the 1990s, particularly Michael John LaChiusa, Adam Guettel and Jason Robert Brown. Her subsequent albums, How Glory Goes and Happy Songs, have featured more traditional theater and cabaret songs along with some songs by these new composers. Her fourth album, Build a Bridge, features songs from the jazz/pop canon, from composers as diverse as Laura Nyro, Elvis Costello, Nellie McKay, Neil Young, Rufus Wainwright, John Mayer and Randy Newman.
Baltimore
Audra McDonald Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I listened up, just like a good, good little girl
And when she prudently suggested I should lose the cigarette
I knew that bit of wisdom was a pearl
But in all of the advice that I collected through the years
I admit to you, with trepidatious dread
Unfortunately, there was some that whizzed right through my ears
Ah, WHERE.? WHERE was my mind, when Mother said
Avoid navel-contemplating floppy haired actors originally from Baltimore
Who excel at mime, collect stamps and have issues with their mom
Sure at first they're very charming, their attention is disarming
But give attention in return and dear they'll drop you like a bomb
Yes, do avoid REO Speedwagon loving Christopher Walken imitating thespians originally from Baltimore
Who can't piss unless their shrink says it's ok
Why let them break your heart, dear?
Put your head on and be smart, dear
Put some bug spray on and make them go away.
When my daddy told me look both ways before you cross the street
I took his words to heart and I complied
And when he told me be yourself, and I should march to my own beat
I did and found THAT truth was bonafide
But in all of the advice that I collected through the years
I have to say, I am a bit surprised
I missed the best advice that Daddy trumpeted my way
Ah, where where was my mind when he advised
Avoid narcissistic alcoholic think-they're-French-but-they're-not waiters originally from Baltimore
Who deflower you, carry a copy a Fountainhead in their pocket and lie about their age
Sure at first their eyes are steely, and their words are touchy-feely
Have them cheat upon you twice and my advice is more than sage
Yes, do steer clear of Renaissance festival loving food service consultants originally from Baltimore
Who say they dance with NYC ballet but are really an administrative In-TERN
For it's clear upon reflection
When you give him your affection
You will understand the concept crash and burn
The singles world out there can be a scary land
I have to ask, is it me, or is it Maryland?
So if you can possibly avoid it, don't fall in love or lust
Or have crushes on Boys from Baltimore
Though indeed at first they seem filled with style and class
Sure Cal Ripken's charm is actual but he's married and it's factual
Pamlico is not the only place you'll find a horse's ass
Yes, at all costs avoid ridiculous though amusing experiences cultivated in Baltimore
Barry Levinson, I mean no disrespect
If you have to go to Baltimore, and meet boys, do not marry em
Although it's true I've heard that they've got quite a nice Aquarium
Ladies, take your hearts and run as fast as little legs can carry em
From Baltimore
There are better boys in Boise
Boys in Boise always call
You'll have better luck in Josie
Or St. Paul
Well, not St. Paul
But no matter where life takes you
It just makes no sense to fall
In Baltimore.
Hey, where are you from? Silver Spring? Oh!
The song "Baltimore" by Audra McDonald is a humorous cautionary tale about avoiding certain types of men from Baltimore. The song starts with the singer recalling the advice her mother gave her about wearing rain boots and not smoking. However, she admits that she missed some important advice from her mother about avoiding certain men. She then goes on to list different types of men to avoid, such as floppy-haired actors who collect stamps, alcoholic waiters who pretend to be French, and Renaissance festival-loving food service consultants.
The lyrics are humorous and satirical, poking fun at different types of men and their quirks. The song highlights the idea that it's better to be alone than to be with someone who will ultimately break your heart. The chorus of the song advises women to stay away from Baltimore and its boys and to look for better options elsewhere. The song ends with the singer mentioning St. Paul as a place to find better men, but then jokes that it might not be a good option either.
Overall, "Baltimore" is a fun and witty song that touches on the theme of heartbreak and finding love. The lyrics are relatable, and the song's message is clear: it's better to be alone than to be with someone who will ultimately leave you heartbroken.
Line by Line Meaning
When my mother told me don't forget your rain boots when it's wet
My mother's advice has helped me in the past.
I listened up, just like a good, good little girl
I have always been attentive to my mother's advice.
And when she prudently suggested I should lose the cigarette
I knew that my mother's requests were for my own good.
I knew that bit of wisdom was a pearl
My mother has truly instilled many valuable lessons into me.
But in all of the advice that I collected through the years
I have learned from many different sources over the years.
I admit to you, with trepidatious dread
However, there were some bits of advice I did not take.
Unfortunately, there was some that whizzed right through my ears
There were pieces of advice that I did not pay attention to.
Ah, WHERE.? WHERE was my mind, when Mother said
I wish I had paid attention to all the advice I received.
Avoid navel-contemplating floppy haired actors originally from Baltimore
I advise you to avoid certain individuals from Baltimore.
Who excel at mime, collect stamps and have issues with their mom
These individuals have certain quirks and shortcomings that you should avoid.
Sure at first they're very charming, their attention is disarming
These individuals may seem charming at first.
But give attention in return and dear they'll drop you like a bomb
However, if you become involved with them, they will hurt you.
Yes, do avoid REO Speedwagon loving Christopher Walken imitating thespians originally from Baltimore
I strongly suggest that you avoid these specific types of individuals.
Who can't piss unless their shrink says it's ok
These individuals have issues which make them unsuitable for a relationship.
Why let them break your heart, dear?
It's not worth it to get involved with them.
Put your head on and be smart, dear
Be smart and avoid these types of people.
Put some bug spray on and make them go away.
Just get rid of them.
When my daddy told me look both ways before you cross the street
My father gave me useful advice.
I took his words to heart and I complied
I have taken his advice seriously.
And when he told me be yourself, and I should march to my own beat
He gave me valuable life lessons.
I did and found THAT truth was bonafide
His advice was accurate and true.
I have to say, I am a bit surprised
I have learned many lessons over time.
But in all of the advice that I collected through the years
I have learned from many sources.
I missed the best advice that Daddy trumpeted my way
Unfortunately, I missed my father's best advice.
Ah, where where was my mind when he advised
I wish I had paid more attention to his advice.
Avoid narcissistic alcoholic think-they're-French-but-they're-not waiters originally from Baltimore
I advise you to avoid certain individuals from Baltimore.
Who deflower you, carry a copy a Fountainhead in their pocket and lie about their age
These individuals have certain quirks and shortcomings that you should avoid.
Sure at first their eyes are steely, and their words are touchy-feely
These individuals may seem charming at first.
Have them cheat upon you twice and my advice is more than sage
However, if you become involved with them, they will hurt you.
Yes, do steer clear of Renaissance festival loving food service consultants originally from Baltimore
I strongly suggest that you avoid these specific types of individuals.
Who say they dance with NYC ballet but are really an administrative In-TERN
These individuals have issues which make them unsuitable for a relationship.
For it's clear upon reflection
Upon reflection, it is clear that I have made some mistakes.
When you give him your affection
When you fall for someone.
You will understand the concept crash and burn
You will inevitably be hurt.
The singles world out there can be a scary land
The single life can be complicated and difficult.
I have to ask, is it me, or is it Maryland?
I question whether the difficult single life is specific to Maryland or not.
So if you can possibly avoid it, don't fall in love or lust
I advise you not to get romantically involved.
Or have crushes on Boys from Baltimore
Specifically with boys from Baltimore.
Though indeed at first they seem filled with style and class
While these boys may seem impressive.
Sure Cal Ripken's charm is actual but he's married and it's factual
For example, Cal Ripken is not available.
Pamlico is not the only place you'll find a horse's ass
There are other bad people out there.
Yes, at all costs avoid ridiculous though amusing experiences cultivated in Baltimore
Overall, I advise you to avoid certain aspects of Baltimore culture.
Barry Levinson, I mean no disrespect
I am not trying to insult Barry Levinson.
If you have to go to Baltimore, and meet boys, do not marry em
If you do find yourself in Baltimore and meet someone, don't commit too quickly.
Although it's true I've heard that they've got quite a nice Aquarium
Baltimore does have some nice attractions.
Ladies, take your hearts and run as fast as little legs can carry em
Overall, avoid Baltimore and trust your instincts.
There are better boys in Boise
There are better options elsewhere.
Boys in Boise always call
These other options are more reliable.
You'll have better luck in Josie
Other locations will be even easier.
Or St. Paul
Other cites will work as well.
Well, not St. Paul
Maybe not St. Paul.
But no matter where life takes you
Still, no matter what happens.
It just makes no sense to fall
It doesn't make sense to get too attached.
In Baltimore.
Especially in Baltimore.
Writer(s): Zina Goldrich, Marcy Allison Heisler
Contributed by Jason R. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
l o
When my mother told me don't forget your rain boots when it's wet
I listened up, just like a good, good little girl
And when she prudently suggested I should lose the cigarette
I knew that bit of wisdom was a pearl
But in all of the advice that I collected through the years
I admit to you, with trepidatious dread
Unfortunately, there was some that whizzed right through my ears
Ah, WHERE.? WHERE was my mind, when Mother said
Avoid navel-contemplating floppy haired actors originally from Baltimore
Who excel at mime, collect stamps and have issues with their mom
Sure at first they're very charming, their attention is disarming
But give attention in return and dear they'll drop you like a bomb
Yes, do avoid REO Speedwagon loving Christopher Walken imitating thespians originally from Baltimore
Who can't piss unless their shrink says it's ok
Why let them break your heart, dear?
Put your head on and be smart, dear
Put some bug spray on and make them go away.
When my daddy told me look both ways before you cross the street
I took his words to heart and I complied
And when he told me be yourself, and I should march to my own beat
I did and found THAT truth was bonafide
But in all of the advice that I collected through the years
I have to say, I am a bit surprised
I missed the best advice that Daddy trumpeted my way
Ah, where where was my mind when he advised
Avoid narcissistic alcoholic think-they're-French-but-they're-not waiters originally from Baltimore
Who deflower you, carry a copy a Fountainhead in their pocket and lie about their age
Sure at first their eyes are steely, and their words are touchy-feely
Have them cheat upon you twice and my advice is more than sage
Yes, do steer clear of Renaissance festival loving food service consultants originally from Baltimore
Who say they dance with NYC ballet but are really an administrative In-TERN
For it's clear upon reflection
When you give him your affection
You will understand the concept crash and burn
The singles world out there can be a scary land
I have to ask, is it me, or is it Maryland?
So if you can possibly avoid it, don't fall in love or lust
Or have crushes on Boys from Baltimore
Though indeed at first they seem filled with style and class
Sure Cal Ripken's charm is actual but he's married and it's factual
Pamlico is not the only place you'll find a horse's ass
Yes, at all costs avoid ridiculous though amusing experiences cultivated in Baltimore
Barry Levinson, I mean no disrespect
If you have to go to Baltimore, and meet boys, do not marry em
Although it's true I've heard that they've got quite a nice Aquarium
Ladies, take your hearts and run as fast as little legs can carry em
From Baltimore
There are better boys in Boise
Boys in Boise always call
You'll have better luck in Josie
Or St. Paul
Well, not St. Paul
But no matter where life takes you
It just makes no sense to fall
In Baltimore.
Hey, where are you from? Silver Spring?
Laura Bernay
Not only is Audra amazing in this but her musicians are RIGHT there with every syllable, every vowel, consonant and every breath. THEY not only keep it together but it is they who allow Audra to shine. Without their brilliant sensitive musicianship no great renition is possible. Bravo guys!
Jessica C.
Born and raised in Baltimore! This song is hilarious. I like to substitute “Baltimore” for “New York” 😋
Carmel86Tae
I just love her!!
Franklyn st.juste
What a lovely voice and such technique.
Melissa
beautiful!! I go to school in baltimore i was so happy to hear this!
aransdaughter
Oh, that gorgeous voice!
Murray Woldman
simply delightful!
l o
When my mother told me don't forget your rain boots when it's wet
I listened up, just like a good, good little girl
And when she prudently suggested I should lose the cigarette
I knew that bit of wisdom was a pearl
But in all of the advice that I collected through the years
I admit to you, with trepidatious dread
Unfortunately, there was some that whizzed right through my ears
Ah, WHERE.? WHERE was my mind, when Mother said
Avoid navel-contemplating floppy haired actors originally from Baltimore
Who excel at mime, collect stamps and have issues with their mom
Sure at first they're very charming, their attention is disarming
But give attention in return and dear they'll drop you like a bomb
Yes, do avoid REO Speedwagon loving Christopher Walken imitating thespians originally from Baltimore
Who can't piss unless their shrink says it's ok
Why let them break your heart, dear?
Put your head on and be smart, dear
Put some bug spray on and make them go away.
When my daddy told me look both ways before you cross the street
I took his words to heart and I complied
And when he told me be yourself, and I should march to my own beat
I did and found THAT truth was bonafide
But in all of the advice that I collected through the years
I have to say, I am a bit surprised
I missed the best advice that Daddy trumpeted my way
Ah, where where was my mind when he advised
Avoid narcissistic alcoholic think-they're-French-but-they're-not waiters originally from Baltimore
Who deflower you, carry a copy a Fountainhead in their pocket and lie about their age
Sure at first their eyes are steely, and their words are touchy-feely
Have them cheat upon you twice and my advice is more than sage
Yes, do steer clear of Renaissance festival loving food service consultants originally from Baltimore
Who say they dance with NYC ballet but are really an administrative In-TERN
For it's clear upon reflection
When you give him your affection
You will understand the concept crash and burn
The singles world out there can be a scary land
I have to ask, is it me, or is it Maryland?
So if you can possibly avoid it, don't fall in love or lust
Or have crushes on Boys from Baltimore
Though indeed at first they seem filled with style and class
Sure Cal Ripken's charm is actual but he's married and it's factual
Pamlico is not the only place you'll find a horse's ass
Yes, at all costs avoid ridiculous though amusing experiences cultivated in Baltimore
Barry Levinson, I mean no disrespect
If you have to go to Baltimore, and meet boys, do not marry em
Although it's true I've heard that they've got quite a nice Aquarium
Ladies, take your hearts and run as fast as little legs can carry em
From Baltimore
There are better boys in Boise
Boys in Boise always call
You'll have better luck in Josie
Or St. Paul
Well, not St. Paul
But no matter where life takes you
It just makes no sense to fall
In Baltimore.
Hey, where are you from? Silver Spring?
Eva Whitley
I fell In love with a boy from Baltimore. It lasted 26 1/2 years, ended 13 years ago yesterday.
Maciej Strzelczyk
thank you for beatiful voice