The Lady Is A Tramp
Della Reese (Conducted by Neal Hefti) Lyrics
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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
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 theater, 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 her hair
Life without care, I'm broke, it's okay
Hate California, it's 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 prizefight, 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
The Lady is a Tramp is a classic song that has been covered by many artists over the years. The lyrics talk about the singer's unconventional lifestyle and their dislike of "social circles" and "crap games with barons and earls." They describe an individual who enjoys the simple things in life, like hitchhiking and grifting, and who doesn't feel the need to conform to society's expectations.
The first verse touches on the singer's experiences with food and travel. They mention having eaten Mulligan stew and never wishing for turkey, implying that they have been on the road for a long time and have adjusted to a less luxurious lifestyle. The next line reveals that they have hitchhiked and grifted across the country, proving that they are no stranger to adventure. The mention of missing the Beaux Arts Ball and parties honoring Noel Coward suggests that the singer has not had the opportunity to attend high-society events due to their unconventional lifestyle.
The second verse goes on to describe the singer's disinterest in things that are considered luxurious or high-status, such as attending parties with aristocrats or wearing ermine and pearls. They continue to express their desire for a life without care and their love for simple activities like going to ball games and following gossip columns. The chorus "That's why the lady is a tramp" reiterates the singer's contentment with their unconventional lifestyle.
Line by Line Meaning
I've wined and dined on Mulligan Stew
I have eaten simple, rustic meals and have not desired anything more fancy.
And never wished for Turkey
I have never desired to be rich or wealthy.
As I hitched and hiked and grifted too
I have traveled far and wide using unconventional methods such as hitchhiking and conning people.
From Maine to Albuquerque
I have traveled from the very northern point of the east coast to the very southern point of the west coast.
But social circles spin too fast for me
I cannot keep up with the fast-paced lifestyle of the upper class.
My hobohemia is the place to be
Therefore, I have found comfort within the community of vagabonds with whom I share a similar lifestyle.
I get too hungry, for dinner at eight
I become too hungry to wait until the late evening hour to eat dinner.
I like the theater, but never come late
Although I enjoy going to the theater, I believe it is important to arrive on time.
I never bother, with people I hate
I have no desire to surround myself with individuals I do not like or respect.
That's why the lady is a tramp
This is precisely the reason why people label me as a 'tramp'.
I don't like crap games, with barons and earls
I do not enjoy participating in disingenuous, high-stakes card games with wealthy individuals.
Won't go to Harlem, in ermine and pearls
I do not desire to visit Harlem and dress in the fancy clothing associated with the upper class.
Won't dish the dirt, with the rest of the girls
I do not partake in gossip or revel in discussing the personal affairs of others with my female peers.
I like the free, fresh wind in her hair
I enjoy the feeling of the wind blowing through my hair, a feeling of freedom and joy.
Life without care, I'm broke, it's okay
I live my life without worrying about material possessions or money, even though I don't have much of either.
Hate California, it's cold and it's damp
I do not like California because of the cool, damp weather.
I go to Coney, the beach is divine
I love visiting Coney Island, especially the beach.
I go to ballgames, the bleachers are fine
I enjoy attending sporting events, particularly when I can sit in the cheaper, open-air seats.
I follow Winchell, and read every line
I avidly read gossip columns, and I do not miss any new developments.
I like a prizefight, that isn't a fake
I enjoy watching live boxing matches that are not staged.
I love the rowing, on Central Park lake
I appreciate the tranquility of paddling a boat on the serene Central Park lake.
I go to Opera and stay wide awake
I am able to stay awake and engaged during an opera performance because I truly enjoy it.
I like the green grass under my shoes
I love walking barefoot on freshly-cut, lush, green grass.
What can I lose, I'm flat, that's that
Since I have nothing to lose and no financial standing, I have accepted my modest lifestyle.
I'm alone when I lower my lamp
When I am ready to retire for the night, I am alone and at peace with my solitude.
Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc., CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC
Written by: LORENZ HART, RICHARD RODGERS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind