The Lady Is A Tramp
Dean Martin/Frank Sinatra/Sammy Davis Jr. Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

I've wined and dined on Mulligan stew
Never wished for turkey
As I hitched and hiked and a-drifted, too
From Maine to Albuquerque
Alas, I missed the Beaux Arts Ball
What is twice as sad
I was never at a party
Where they honored Noel Ca'ad
But her social circles spin too fast for me
Her Hobohemia is the place I wanna be

She gets too hungry for dinner at eight
She loves the theater but never comes late
She'll never bother with someone she hates
That's why the lady is a tramp

She goes to Coney, the beach is divine
She digs the ball games and the bleachers are fine
She reads Kilgallen and I mean every line
That's why the lady is a tramp

I like the green grass under my shoes
So what can I lose?
I'm flat, that's that
And for Ray Charles, she whistles and stamps
That's why the lady is a tramp

She likes the free fresh wind in her hair
Life without care
She is broke but it's oke
Hates California, it's cold and it's damp
That's why the lady is a tramp
Why the lady
That is why the lady
Why the lady is a tramp

One more time
Why the lady




I'm hip, that crazy lady
Why the lady is a tramp

Overall Meaning

"The Lady Is a Tramp" is a classic song recorded by Dean Martin, Frank Sinatra, and Sammy Davis Jr. It is an anthem celebrating a woman who rejects societal expectations and lives life on her own terms.


The first verse suggests that the lady has experienced a variety of unconventional experiences, such as eating Mulligan stew instead of conventional turkey and traveling and exploring different places. It is implied that she prefers a more spontaneous and adventurous lifestyle compared to the structured and rigid social norms. The mention of the Beaux Arts Ball and Noel Ca'ad being honored at a party represents high society events that she has missed out on, highlighting her detachment from the mainstream social circles.


The chorus emphasizes some of the traits that set the lady apart from others. Firstly, she is portrayed as someone who is independent and doesn't adhere to societal norms or expectations. She is hungry for more than just a traditional dinner at eight, suggesting she desires excitement and something different from the usual. She loves theater but never comes late, indicating her punctuality and respect for the arts. Additionally, she does not waste her time on people she dislikes, demonstrating her straightforwardness and aversion to unnecessary drama.


The second verse further exemplifies the lady's unconventional interests and preferences. She enjoys simple pleasures like visiting Coney Island and watching ballgames from the bleachers. The mention of reading Kilgallen, a famous newspaper columnist of that era, suggests that she is well-informed and appreciates witty and insightful writing. These interests reinforce her love for the everyday pleasures that life has to offer.


The bridge highlights the lady's down-to-earth nature and her appreciation for the simple things in life. She enjoys walking on green grass, symbolizing her connection with nature and the grounding elements in life. She does not worry about material possessions or societal expectations, indicating her carefree and content outlook. The reference to Ray Charles presents her eclectic taste in music and her ability to appreciate different genres and artists.


In the final chorus, it is mentioned that the lady enjoys the feeling of the free wind blowing through her hair, emphasizing her desire for freedom and spontaneity. Despite being broke, she remains unbothered, reinforcing her indifference towards material wealth or luxury. She dislikes California due to its cold and damp climate, contrasting with the typical California dream portrayed by many. These characteristics further solidify her non-conformist attitude and her refusal to conform to societal expectations.


In conclusion, "The Lady Is a Tramp" celebrates a woman who is unapologetically herself. She chooses her own path, rejects social conventions, and finds happiness in the unconventional. The lyrics paint a picture of a free-spirited and independent woman who values experiences, simplicity, and personal freedom over societal expectations and material wealth.


Line by Line Meaning

I've wined and dined on Mulligan stew
I have enjoyed the simple pleasures in life


Never wished for turkey
I have never longed for extravagance


As I hitched and hiked and a-drifted, too
I have wandered and explored freely


From Maine to Albuquerque
From one end of the country to the other


Alas, I missed the Beaux Arts Ball
Regrettably, I was unable to attend the prestigious event


What is twice as sad
Adding to the sorrow


I was never at a party
I have never been to a gathering


Where they honored Noel Ca'ad
Where they esteemed Noel Ca'ad


But her social circles spin too fast for me
But her high-paced social life is not for me


Her Hobohemia is the place I wanna be
Her carefree lifestyle is where I desire to belong


She gets too hungry for dinner at eight
She has a strong appetite and isn't bound by traditional meal times


She loves the theater but never comes late
She enjoys the theater and always arrives promptly


She'll never bother with someone she hates
She avoids any interactions with people she dislikes


That's why the lady is a tramp
That is the reason she is an independent spirit


She goes to Coney, the beach is divine
She visits Coney Island and adores the beach


She digs the ball games and the bleachers are fine
She enjoys sporting events and finds the bleachers comfortable


She reads Kilgallen and I mean every line
She avidly reads Kilgallen's work, paying attention to every word


That's why the lady is a tramp
That is the reason she is an independent spirit


I like the green grass under my shoes
I appreciate the simple joys of nature


So what can I lose?
There is nothing for me to lose


I'm flat, that's that
I am financially broke, and that's the reality


And for Ray Charles, she whistles and stamps
She shows her admiration for Ray Charles by enthusiastically whistling and stamping her feet


That's why the lady is a tramp
That is the reason she is an independent spirit


She likes the free fresh wind in her hair
She enjoys the refreshing breeze flowing through her hair


Life without care
Living without worries or concerns


She is broke but it's oke
She may be financially strained, but it doesn't bother her


Hates California, it's cold and it's damp
She dislikes California due to its cold and damp climate


That's why the lady is a tramp
That is the reason she is an independent spirit


Why the lady
What makes her this way


That is why the lady
That is the reason she


Why the lady is a tramp
What defines her as an independent spirit


One more time
Repeat it once again


Why the lady
What makes her this way


I'm hip, that crazy lady
I'm aware of her unconventional nature, that unique lady


Why the lady is a tramp
What defines her as an independent spirit




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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Comments from YouTube:

@alexandreseynaeve8251

Since I'm European. I've got to admit...honestly : America did provide the world with the best singers (ever).

@jackspry9736

RIP Frank Sinatra (December 12, 1915 – May 14, 1998), aged 82
And
RIP Ella Fitzgerald (April 25, 1917 – June 15, 1996), aged 79
You both will be remembered as legends.

@tomlaud

No crazy sets, no wind machines, no pyrotechnics, no back up dancers….just pure talent.

@MarCapa-ed5uv

No one half naked lol

@IgnoranceOfLife

hi, you are so right tbh, i completekt agree with your train of thought on this one tbh cvhoo choo thbe train has kleft thge station and it aint cvomingn bCK BABAY AND NO WAY ITS COINGBBA CJK OBA BY TBHJ

@paulmaes6054

Who could hold a candle to Ella...one of the few celebrities ..I asked for an autograph I was a star struck room service busboy. She snarled a little bit me her autograph. I gave the autograph to a man who was a dancer who reminded me of Fred Astaire ..... The Legendary Ella......

@daking589

Ella is sheer perfection. Every vocal choice she makes is always a stunning surprise.

@rosie8126

Ella was and still is the Queen of Jazz. The quality of sound, the pearls given to the mere mortals is a joy to behold that will last a lifetime. Glorious.

@ElizabethOpondo

“Ella Fitzgerald is the only performer with whom I’ve ever worked who made me nervous. Because I try to work up to what she does. You know, try to pull myself up to that height, because I believe she is the greatest popular singer in the world, barring none—male or female.” —Frank Sinatra

@nhatle4291

That's why she was such a tramp for him.

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