The Lady Is A Tramp
Bart & Baker Lyrics

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I've wined and dined on Mulligan stew and never wished for turkey
As I hitched and hiked and grifted too, from Maine to Albuquerque
Alas I missed the Beaux Arts Ball and what is twice as sad
I was never at a party where they honoured Noel Ca-ad
But social circles spin too fast for me
My ""hobohemia"" is the place to be

I get too hungry for dinner at eight

I like the theatre, but never come late
I never bother with people I hate
That's why the lady is a Tramp

I don't like crap games with barons and earls
Won't go to Harlem in ermine and pearls
Won't dish the dirt with the rest of the girls
That's why the lady is a tramp

I like the free, fresh wind in my hair
Life without care
I'm broke, its oke
Hate California, its cold and it's damp
That's why the lady is a tramp

I go to Coney, the beach is divine
I go to ballgames, the bleachers are fine
I follow Winchell and read every line
That's why the lady is a tramp

I like a prize fight that isn't a fake
I love the rowing on Central Park lake
I go to Opera and stay wide awake
That's why the lady is a tramp

I like the green grass under my shoes
What can I lose, I'm flat, that's that

I'm alone when I lower my lamp
That's why the lady is a tramp.

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Bart & Baker's song "The Lady Is a Tramp" depict a free-spirited woman who doesn't conform to societal expectations and conventions. The singer establishes their disregard for material wealth and luxury by mentioning they have enjoyed simple meals like Mulligan stew and never desired more extravagant options like turkey. They also describe their unconventional lifestyle of hitchhiking, grifting, and traveling extensively from Maine to Albuquerque, suggesting a nomadic existence.

The song highlights the singer's sense of independence and nonconformity. They express a lack of interest in high society events like the Beaux Arts Ball, and feeling a tinge of sadness for missing out on celebrations honoring someone like Noel Coward. The speedy pace of social circles is contrasted with their own alternative social scene, aptly termed "hobohemia," which they consider a more suitable place for them.

The chorus reinforces the singer's nontraditional nature, emphasizing their unwillingness to conform to societal norms or engage with people they dislike. Their hunger for life, metaphorically expressed as hunger for dinner, extends to their love for theater, but notably they are punctual and never come late.

In the second verse, the lady's aversion to activities associated with wealth is reinforced. She doesn't enjoy playing gambling games with the aristocracy, refuses to adopt the lavish fashion of ermine and pearls when venturing to Harlem, and has no desire to engage in gossip with other women. These choices depict her refusal to base her identity on money, social status, or superficiality.

The lady's carefree demeanor is further emphasized in the third verse. She revels in the feeling of the wind blowing through her hair and cherishes a life without worries. Despite being broke, she resents California due to its cold and damp weather, highlighting her preference for a simpler, more laid-back environment.

The fourth verse showcases the lady's diverse interests. She finds joy in visiting places like Coney Island and enjoying the beach, attending ballgames and sitting in the bleachers, and staying up-to-date with gossip columnist Walter Winchell's writings. Her eclectic taste extends to the appreciation of genuine prize fights, rowing in Central Park, and even opera. The repeated refrain that she is a tramp reinforces the theme of her unconventional nature and independent spirit, while acknowledging her societal status as an outsider.

The final verse underlines the lady's contentment with minimal possessions and a humble lifestyle. She values the freedom and simplicity represented by walking on green grass and accepts her current financial situation without complaint. She feels comfortable being alone, symbolized by lowering her lamp, further emphasizing her self-reliance and detachment from societal norms.

In summary, "The Lady Is a Tramp" portrays a woman who rejects materialism, social conventions, and expectations. She thrives in her nomadic lifestyle, prioritizes her own enjoyment and interests over conforming to societal norms, and finds contentment in simplicity. This song celebrates individuality, independence, and the rejection of superficiality in favor of personal freedom and happiness.

Line by Line Meaning

I've wined and dined on Mulligan stew and never wished for turkey
I have enjoyed simple pleasures and never desired extravagance

As I hitched and hiked and grifted too, from Maine to Albuquerque
I have traveled and experienced different adventures, from one place to another

Alas I missed the Beaux Arts Ball and what is twice as sad
Unfortunately, I was unable to attend the prestigious Beaux Arts Ball, which is even more regrettable

I was never at a party where they honoured Noel Ca-ad
I have never been to a party that celebrated the talented Noel Coward

But social circles spin too fast for me
The fast-paced world of high society is overwhelming and not suited for me

My "hobohemia" is the place to be
Instead, I find solace and enjoyment in my unconventional, bohemian lifestyle

I get too hungry for dinner at eight
I have a strong appetite and cannot wait until the conventional dinner hour

I like the theatre, but never come late
I appreciate the theater, but I always arrive on time and don't keep others waiting

I never bother with people I hate
I choose not to associate with individuals I strongly dislike

That's why the lady is a Tramp
This is the reason why I am considered a free-spirited and independent woman

I don't like crap games with barons and earls
I have no interest in engaging in gambling activities with wealthy and privileged individuals

Won't go to Harlem in ermine and pearls
I do not feel the need to dress up extravagantly when visiting Harlem

Won't dish the dirt with the rest of the girls
I refuse to engage in gossip and negative talk like other women do

That's why the lady is a tramp
This is the reason why I am considered an unconventional and nonconforming woman

I like the free, fresh wind in my hair
I enjoy the feeling of liberation that comes with the wind blowing through my hair

Life without care
I live a carefree and unburdened life

I'm broke, its oke
I may be financially struggling, but it doesn't bother me

Hate California, its cold and it's damp
I have a dislike for California due to its cold and damp climate

That's why the lady is a tramp
This is why I am seen as an unconventional and nonconformist woman

I go to Coney, the beach is divine
I often visit Coney Island as I find the beach there to be delightful

I go to ballgames, the bleachers are fine
I attend sports events and enjoy sitting in the bleachers, finding them perfectly suitable

I follow Winchell and read every line
I keep up with the latest news and gossip by following the columnist Winchell closely

That's why the lady is a tramp
This is why I am considered a free-spirited and nonconformist woman

I like a prize fight that isn't a fake
I appreciate genuine, non-scripted prize fights

I love the rowing on Central Park lake
I have a deep fondness for the rowing activities on Central Park lake

I go to Opera and stay wide awake
I attend opera performances and manage to remain fully awake and engaged

That's why the lady is a tramp
This is why I am seen as an unconventional and nonconformist woman

I like the green grass under my shoes
I take pleasure in walking on the natural, green grass

What can I lose, I'm flat, that's that
I have nothing to lose, being financially disadvantaged, and I accept the situation

I'm alone when I lower my lamp
I feel solitary when I extinguish my lamp and retire for the night

That's why the lady is a tramp
This is why I am considered a nonconforming and independent woman

Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC, Downtown Music Publishing, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Lorenz Hart, Richard Rodgers

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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