The Lady Is A Tramp
Ella Fitzgerald & Frank Sinatra Lyrics


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I've wined and dined on Mulligan Stew, 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 they honored Noel Ca-ad (Coward)
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 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

Overall Meaning

The song "Lady Is A Tramp" is a classic standard first introduced in the 1937 musical "Babes in Arms." This song has been recorded by numerous artists since then, including Frank Sinatra and Ella Fitzgerald's 1956 rendition. The lyrics of the song describe a woman who doesn't conform to societal expectations and values her own freedom and independence above all else. The woman is seen as a "tramp," but she is content with her unconventional lifestyle as she enjoys the simple things in life like the fresh air, beach, ballgames and even the opera. She does not care for materialistic things and doesn't want to associate with people she doesn't like. The song celebrates individuality and non-conformity.


Line by Line Meaning

I've wined and dined on Mulligan Stew, and never wished for Turkey
I've had my fill of the simple pleasures in life and have never longed for more extravagant things.


As I hitched and hiked and grifted too, from Maine to Albuquerque
I've traveled around quite a bit, making my way through life in my own unique way.


Alas, I missed the Beaux Arts Ball, and what is twice as sad
Unfortunately, I wasn't able to attend a fancy ball, which is even more regrettable given the honor that was being bestowed there.


I was never at a party where they honored Noel Ca-ad (Coward)
I've never been to a party where they celebrated the life and work of Noel Coward, a famous playwright and composer.


But social circles spin too fast for me
I don't really fit in with high society and all the excess that comes with it.


My "hobohemia" is the place to be
Instead, I prefer to hang out with other free-spirited people and live life on my own terms, even if it means living like a hobo.


I get too hungry, for dinner at eight
I have a hearty appetite and prefer to eat dinner earlier than most people.


I like the theater, but never come late
I enjoy going to the theater, but I always make sure to be on time.


I never bother, with people I hate
I choose not to waste my time associating with people I don't like.


That's why the lady is a tramp
All of these idiosyncrasies and unconventional choices are what make me a tramp, in the traditional sense of the word.


I don't like crap games, with barons and earls
I don't enjoy the frivolous, high-stakes games that wealthy people like to play.


Won't go to Harlem, in ermine and pearls
I refuse to pretend to be something I'm not, so you won't catch me wearing fancy clothes in a place where I don't fit in.


Won't dish the dirt, with the rest of the girls
I don't engage in gossip or drama like many other women do.


I like the free, fresh wind in her hair
I enjoy feeling the wind in my hair and the freedom that comes with it.


Life without care
I'm not overly concerned with things like fame or fortune - I just want to enjoy life.


I'm broke, it's OK
I may not have a lot of money, but that doesn't bother me.


Hate California, it's cold and it's damp
I'm not a fan of California because of its chilly, damp weather.


That's why the lady is a tramp
All of these little preferences and quirks add up to make me an outsider in polite society.


I go to Coney, the beach is divine
I enjoy going to Coney Island and soaking up the sun at the beach.


I go to ballgames, the bleachers are fine
I don't need fancy box seats to enjoy a ballgame - the bleachers are just fine for me.


I follow Winchell, and read every line
I keep up with the latest news and gossip by following journalist Walter Winchell's columns.


That's why the lady is a tramp
All of these little preferences and quirks add up to make me an outsider in polite society.


I like a prizefight that isn't a fake
I enjoy watching a good, honest boxing match.


I love the rowing on Central Park lake
Rowing on the lake in Central Park is one of my favorite activities.


I go to Opera and stay wide awake
Unlike some people who might nod off during the opera, I'm captivated and alert the whole time.


That's why the lady is a tramp
All of these little preferences and quirks add up to make me an outsider in polite society.


I like the green grass under my shoes
I have a deep appreciation for simple pleasures like feeling the grass under my feet.


What can I lose, I'm flat, that's that
I don't have a lot of money, but I'm content with what I have and who I am.


I'm alone when I lower my lamp
At the end of the day, I'm at peace with spending time by myself and my own thoughts.


That's why the lady is a tramp
All of these little preferences and quirks add up to make me an outsider in polite society.




Lyrics © CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC, 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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