Don't Say Yes Until I Finish Talking
Christian Borle Lyrics

A studio executive has no beliefs
Studio executives are willing to compromise their beliefs to succeed in the studio system

That's the way of the studio system
The studio system rewards those who prioritize the success of the studio over their own beliefs

We bow to every rear of all the studio chiefs
Studio executives are subservient to the studio chiefs, no matter how ridiculous their demands may be

And you can bet your ass we've kissed 'em
Studio executives will go to great lengths to please the studio chiefs and maintain their position in the industry

Even the birds in the Hollywood Hills
The entire Hollywood community knows that saying 'yes' is the key to success in the movie business

Know the secret to our success
The secret behind the success of studio executives is their willingness to say 'yes' to anything

It's those magical words that pay the bills:
The 'magical words' that pay the bills in the film industry are 'yes, yes, yes, and yes'

She makes directors wait all day
Marilyn Monroe's diva behavior is causing major problems on set

One line per hour is all she'll say
Marilyn Monroe is not delivering her lines on time, despite being paid handsomely for her work

And still, she thinks we're gonna pay
Marilyn Monroe expects to be paid even though she's not fulfilling her contractual obligations

Tomatoes like her must be put in their place
Actresses like Marilyn Monroe need to be put in their place and reminded that they are replaceable

If she don't shape up soon, she'll soon be walking
If Marilyn Monroe doesn't start behaving professionally, she will be fired from the production

She's got them all tied up in knots
Marilyn Monroe's unprofessional behavior is causing chaos among the production team

Makes each producer faint and plotz
Marilyn Monroe's behavior is making producers feel sick and causing them to scheme behind her back

She needs to learn she's only skin
Marilyn Monroe needs to be reminded that she's just an actress, and not as important as she thinks she is

The next girl's waiting for a spin
There are plenty of other actresses waiting to take Marilyn Monroe's place if she is fired

I made a star of Rin Tin Tin and paid him with a bone
Even a dog like Rin Tin Tin was more professional and easier to work with than Marilyn Monroe

Tomatoes like her/Well, they're easy to find
Actresses like Marilyn Monroe are a dime a dozen in Hollywood, and are easily replaced

We throw them out as soon as they start squacking
If an actress causes too much trouble, she will be fired without hesitation

And while you've got me on a roll
The studio executive is becoming increasingly confident in his authority and power

Let's find a role for Nat King Cole
The studio executive is considering casting Nat King Cole in an upcoming film

Tell Mankiewicz his script is trite
The studio executive is unimpressed by Joseph L. Mankiewicz's screenplay

A little lower, to the right
The studio executive is giving directions to a subordinate about where to make a change in the script

I think that Brando is miscast
The studio executive believes that Marlon Brando is not right for a particular role

That television just won't last
The studio executive does not believe that television is a threat to the film industry

That I'm the King of Hollywood
The studio executive is asserting his dominance and power over the entire film industry

Which brings me back to that dumb blonde
The studio executive returns to his rant against Marilyn Monroe

To her demands, I now respond
The studio executive is no longer willing to indulge Marilyn Monroe's diva demands

Some buy your act, but I'm not conned
The studio executive is not fooled by Marilyn Monroe's performance

You'd better fall in line
Marilyn Monroe needs to start behaving professionally or she will be fired

Your two bazooms are nuts to boot
The studio executive is insulting Marilyn Monroe's breasts

I'll keep you in a bathing suit
The studio executive is threatening to restrict Marilyn Monroe's wardrobe choices

When you stop bringing in the loot
The studio exec will only keep Marilyn Monroe as long as she is profitable

Well, go back to the vine
The studio executive wants Marilyn Monroe to go back to being a nobody

Tomatoes like you/They all whither and die
Actresses like Marilyn Monroe will not last long in the film industry if they continue to behave unprofessionally

My powers, though, will never be diminished
The studio executive is confident in his power and influence in the film industry

So don't bring me to my boiling point
Marilyn Monroe should not continue to push the studio executive's patience

You're just a broad, I own the joint
The studio executive is reminding Marilyn Monroe of her place in the pecking order

I'm in control, you're just a face
The studio executive is asserting his power over Marilyn Monroe

So allow me to cut to the chase
The studio executive is getting straight to the point

I'll make another movie star
The studio executive will find another actress to make into a movie star

Could someone light my damn cigar?
The studio executive is requesting a lit cigar

And then say "yes"
The studio executive expects everyone to agree with his decisions

Cause yes, men
The studio executive values employees who always say 'yes'

I'm finished
The studio executive has finished his rant