The Lady Is A Tramp
Frank Sinatra & Dean Martin Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

She gets too hungry for dinner at eight
She likes the theatre and never comes late
She never bothers with people she'd hate
That's why the lady is a tramp

Doesn't like crap games with barons or 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

She likes the free, fresh wind in her hair
Life without care
She's broke and it's ok

Hates California, it's cold and it's damp
That's why the lady is a tramp

She gets too hungry to wait for dinner at eight
She loves the theatre but never comes late
She'd never bother with people she'd hate
That's why the lady is a tramp

She'll have no crap games with sharpies and frauds
And she won't go to Harlem in Lincoln's or Ford's
And she won't dish the dirt with the rest of the broads
That's why the lady is a tramp

She loves the free, fresh wind in her hair
Life without care
She's broke, but it's ok

Hates California, it's so cold and so damp
That's why the lady




That's why the lady
That's why the lady is a tramp

Overall Meaning

Mr. Sinatra, let me start by saying that "The Lady is a Tramp" is a beautiful piece of music. As an interpreter of lyrics, I believe the song speaks to the essence of a woman who refuses to conform to societal norms and is comfortable in her own skin. The first verse suggests that she is not constrained by the expectations of a traditional society - she is hungry at 8 pm, enjoys theatre, and is not swayed by people she might not like. The second verse identifies her disdain for shallow conversations and fake people. She does not engage in "crap games with barons or earls" or gossip with other women. She is confident enough in herself and her abilities that she does not need to tear someone else down to lift herself up.


The chorus of the song is significant in reinforcing the themes introduced in the verses. She likes the "free, fresh wind in her hair" and a life without care. This line indicates that she is not tied down by material possessions or societal constraints. Even though she is broke, it does not define her - she is comfortable in her own skin. Finally, the last verse reinforces her independent spirit - she does not play games with dishonest people and does not need to display her wealth by driving fancy cars to certain neighborhoods. She is content to live life on her terms.


Overall, the song speaks to the independent spirit of a woman who is comfortable in her own skin and is confident enough to buck societal expectations.


Line by Line Meaning

She gets too hungry for dinner at eight
She has a hearty appetite and can't wait till eight for dinner


She likes the theatre and never comes late
She loves going to the theatre and always arrives on time


She never bothers with people she'd hate
She avoids people she dislikes and doesn't waste her time on them


That's why the lady is a tramp
Her independence and unconventional ways make her a tramp in society's eyes


Doesn't like crap games with barons or earls
She doesn't enjoy playing games with wealthy and snobbish people


Won't go to Harlem in ermine and pearls
She won't show off her wealth in Harlem and prefers to be modest


Won't dish the dirt with the rest of the girls
She won't gossip with the other women and prefers to keep to herself


That's why the lady is a tramp
Her unconventional values and behavior make her stand out from the typical social norms of a lady


She likes the free, fresh wind in her hair
She enjoys the feeling of freedom and the outdoors


Life without care
She prefers a carefree life, free of worry and stress


She's broke, and it's ok
She's financially struggling, but it doesn't bother her


Hates California, it's cold and it's damp
She despises the weather in California and finds it uncomfortable


That's why the lady is a tramp
Her unconventional views and behavior make her outsiders in society's eyes, but she's content with her life


She'll have no crap games with sharpies and frauds
She won't entertain offers from dishonest and manipulative people


And she won't go to Harlem in Lincolns or Fords
She won't flaunt her wealth or ride fancy cars in Harlem and prefers to blend in


And she won't dish the dirt with the rest of the broads
She won't gossip or talk behind the backs of other women and prefers to mind her own business


That's why the lady is a tramp
Her independence and defiance of social norms may label her as a tramp, but she marches to her own beat


She'd love the free, fresh wind in her hair
She aspires for freedom and independence, even if it means being unconventional


Life without care
Her carefree way of life is what sets her apart from others


She's broke, but it's ok
She's content with her lifestyle regardless of her financial situation


Hates California, it's so cold and so damp
She despises the weather in California and would rather be somewhere else


That's why the lady
She's an independent woman who won't conform to societal standards


That's why the lady
Her unique qualities make her stand out from the crowd and set her apart


That's why the lady is a tramp
Her non-conformist ways will continue to keep her labeled as a tramp, but she remains content in her choices.




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
To comment on or correct specific content, highlight it

Genre not found
Artist not found
Album not found
Song not found
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.

More Comments

More Versions