The Lady Is A Tramp
Ella & Louis Lyrics
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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 honored 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 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, it's OK
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 by Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong that celebrates a woman who defies societal norms and lives life on her own terms. The lyrics express her disdain for the conventions of high society, materialism, and conformity. The singer of the song, identified as "the lady," rejects the idea of wealth and instead finds joy in simple pleasures and independence.
The opening lines refer to the singer's unconventional experiences and her disinterest in traditional holiday celebrations. The mention of Mulligan Stew, a cheap and hearty dish typically associated with hobos, suggests her affinity for a humble and non-pretentious lifestyle. She takes pride in her ability to navigate the world freely, hitchhiking and grifting her way across different places.
The lady admits to not fitting into the social circles that revolve around high-class events like the Beaux Arts Ball or parties honoring famous individuals like Noel Coward. She finds these gatherings superficial and alienating. Instead, she embraces her own "hobohemia" - a term coined to describe her unique community of fellow unconventional individuals, where she feels a sense of belonging.
The chorus highlights the lady's independence and non-conformity, emphasizing her lack of interest in typical societal expectations. She rejects the idea of dining at a specific hour, attending the theater just to be seen, and associating with people she dislikes. In her refusal to engage in these conventions, she solidifies her identity as a tramp, a term that traditionally carries negative connotations but here represents her freedom from societal constraints.
The lady continues her rejection of high society by expressing her distaste for gambling, the flaunting of wealth, and participating in gossip. She prefers the simplicity of Coney Island, the excitement of ballgames, and keeping up with the latest news through gossip columnist Walter Winchell. She appreciates authenticity, as seen by her love for prizefighting, rowing in Central Park, and attending the opera fully engaged and awake.
Line by Line Meaning
I've wined and dined on Mulligan Stew, and never wished for Turkey
I have enjoyed modest meals and never desired extravagant feasts.
As I hitched and hiked and grifted too, from Maine to Albuquerque
I have traveled by unconventional means, hitchhiking and finding my way from Maine to Albuquerque.
Alas, I missed the Beaux Arts Ball, and what is twice as sad
Unfortunately, I didn't attend the prestigious Beaux Arts Ball, and it doubly disappoints me.
I was never at a party where they honored Noel Ca-ad
I have never been present at a party that paid tribute to the esteemed Noel Ca-ad.
But social circles spin too fast for me
The fast-paced nature of social circles overwhelms and alienates me.
My "hobohemia" is the place to be
I find solace and a sense of belonging in my unconventional lifestyle.
I get too hungry, for dinner at eight
I have an insatiable hunger and desire to eat precisely at eight o'clock.
I like the theater, but never come late
I enjoy theatrical performances but always arrive punctually.
I never bother, with people I hate
I choose not to associate or engage with individuals whom I strongly dislike.
That's why the lady is a tramp
These qualities and preferences contribute to the lady's nonconformist or unconventional nature.
I don't like crap games, with barons and earls
I don't appreciate playing low-quality games with aristocrats and high-ranking individuals.
Won't go to Harlem, in ermine and pearls
I refuse to visit Harlem dressed extravagantly in luxurious fur and pearls.
Won't dish the dirt, with the rest of the girls
I abstain from engaging in gossip or spreading rumors like other women do.
That's why the lady is a tramp
These actions and choices contribute to the lady's nonconformist or unconventional nature.
I like the free, fresh wind in my hair
I enjoy the liberating sensation of the wind blowing through my hair.
Life without care
I lead a carefree and unburdened existence.
I'm broke, it's OK
I am financially struggling, but I am content with my situation.
Hate California, it's cold and it's damp
I have a strong dislike for California due to its cold and damp climate.
That's why the lady is a tramp
These sentiments and opinions contribute to the lady's nonconformist or unconventional nature.
I go to Coney, the beach is divine
I frequently visit Coney Island, finding the beach to be heavenly.
I go to ballgames, the bleachers are fine
I attend sporting events and find the bleachers to be perfectly suitable.
I follow Winchell, and read every line
I closely follow the work of Winchell, avidly reading every piece he writes.
That's why the lady is a tramp
These interests and habits contribute to the lady's nonconformist or unconventional nature.
I like a prizefight, that isn't a fake
I enjoy genuine prizefights that are not staged or fraudulent in nature.
I love the rowing, on Central Park lake
I have a deep affection for rowing on the lake in Central Park.
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
These inclinations and activities contribute to the lady's nonconformist or unconventional nature.
I like the green grass under my shoes
I derive pleasure from walking on lush green grass.
What can I lose, I'm flat, that's that
I have nothing to lose; I am financially struggling, and that's the way it is.
I'm alone when I lower my lamp
I experience solitude when I dim the light in my surroundings.
That's why the lady is a tramp
These circumstances and choices contribute to the lady's nonconformist or unconventional nature.
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
@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.