Best known to stage audiences for playing acerbic, dry-wit "broad" types, Stritch originated roles for Sondheim's musical Company in 1971, Coward's musical Sail Away in 1962, and William Inge's play Bus Stop in 1955. She also appeared in Broadway productions of Show Boat, A Little Night Music, A Delicate Balance, and still more during a career spanning more than 70 years. She appeared, usually in clever smaller roles, in several films by directors like Woody Allen, David O. Selznick, and Blake Edwards.
She released 1 album, Stritch, in 1956, and is featured on multiple cast albums and in live DVD presentations, oftentimes performing as part of celebrations or nights honoring Stephen Sondheim.
Her documentary, Shoot Me, was released to theaters in February of 2014, only 5 months before her death at 89.
Zip
Elaine Stritch Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
But a fool can have her charms
I'm in love and don't I show it
Like a babe in arms
Love's the same old situation
Lately I've not slept a wink
Since this crazy situation
I'm wild again, beguiled again
A whimpering, simpering child again
Bewitched, bothered and bewildered, am I
Couldn't sleep, wouldn't sleep
Love came and told me, shouldn't sleep
Bewitched, bothered and bewildered, am I
I lost my heart, but what of it
She is cold I agree
She might laugh, but I love it
Although the laugh's on me
I'll sing to her, bring spring to her
And long, for the day when I'll cling to her
Bewitched, bothered and bewildered, am I
The song Zip by Elaine Stritch is a charming and witty number about falling in love with someone who is not reciprocating the same amount of affection. The lyrics illustrate the singer's love for someone who is considered a fool yet still holds a charm over them. The lyrics "She's a fool and don't I know it, But a fool can have her charms," imply that the singer is aware of the other's flaws but still finds themselves drawn to them.
The song also includes phrases such as "Like a babe in arms" and "A whimpering, simpering child again" that further accentuate the idea of the singer's vulnerability in love. The lyrics "Bewitched, bothered, and bewildered, am I" also captures the tumultuous emotions of being in love with someone who gives little in return.
Overall, the song Zip speaks to the universal experience of falling in love, despite the challenges that come with it. Elaine Stritch's dynamic vocals and the witty lyricism make Zip a timeless and iconic entry in the American songbook.
Line by Line Meaning
She's a fool and don't I know it
I am aware that she may not be wise or sensible, but I am so infatuated that her foolishness seems charming to me.
But a fool can have her charms
Despite her lack of intelligence, she possesses attractive qualities that draw me to her.
I'm in love and don't I show it
I am deeply in love and can't seem to hide my passion.
Like a babe in arms
My feelings of love and innocence leave me feeling like a helpless infant.
Love's the same old situation
My experience with love is nothing new or exciting.
Lately I've not slept a wink
I am so preoccupied with my passionate love that I have trouble sleeping.
Since this crazy situation
The intensity of my feelings has made my love seem irrational and out of control.
Has me on the blink
My infatuation with this person has left me feeling mentally and emotionally unstable.
I'm wild again, beguiled again
I have once again become overcome with passion and fascination with this person.
A whimpering, simpering child again
I feel helpless and powerless in my love for this person, feeling like a small child.
Bewitched, bothered and bewildered, am I
My love and passion have left me feeling enchanted, troubled, and confused.
Couldn't sleep, wouldn't sleep
I am so focused on my love for this person that I cannot bring myself to rest and relax.
Love came and told me, shouldn't sleep
My feelings of love and passion were so strong that they seem to have a voice of their own, urging me to stay awake.
I lost my heart, but what of it
I have given away my heart to this person, without any concern for the consequences.
She is cold I agree
Even though my love interest may seem unresponsive or detached, I acknowledge their lack of warmth towards me.
She might laugh, but I love it
Even if this person is laughing at me or my feelings, I still find it endearing and attractive.
Although the laugh's on me
Despite my affection, I am aware that I am the one being made a fool of in this situation.
I'll sing to her, bring spring to her
I will try to woo this person through song and romantic gestures in order to win them over.
And long, for the day when I'll cling to her
I yearn for the day when I can hold and embrace this person, showing them my love and affection.
Bewitched, bothered and bewildered, am I
Once again, my infatuation with this person leaves me feeling overcome with enchantment, confusion, and agitation.
Lyrics © CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC
Written by: LORENZ HART, RICHARD RODGERS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind