The Lady Is A Tramp
Frank Sinatra & Ella Fitzgerald 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 (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 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
In the song "Lady Is A Tramp," Frank Sinatra and Ella Fitzgerald convey a sense of nonconformity and independence. The song celebrates a woman who rejects societal expectations and lives life on her own terms. The lyrics depict the singer's experiences and preferences, highlighting her disdain for materialistic pursuits and shallow social circles.
The first verse describes the singer's adventurous travels and the diverse experiences she has had, from dining on humble "Mulligan Stew" to hitchhiking across different places. She laments missing out on prestigious events like the Beaux Arts Ball and parties honoring Noel Coward, highlighting her unconventional choices. Instead of conforming to the fast-paced social circles, she finds solace and authenticity in her own "hobohemia."
The chorus further emphasizes the character's disdain for societal norms. She declares her preference for simplicity over extravagance, indicating that she doesn't need a lavish dinner at eight or partake in theater etiquette like arriving on time. She proudly states that she avoids interactions with people she dislikes, exhibiting her refusal to engage in superficial relationships.
The subsequent verses continue to emphasize the singer's rejection of societal expectations. She disapproves of indulging in games of chance and refuses to adopt an artificial persona by associating with high society in Harlem. She also refuses to gossip with other women, distinguishing herself from the rest. The lyrics detail her enjoyment of simple pleasures like feeling the wind in her hair, living a carefree life, and her aversion to California's climate. She finds joy in everyday activities like visiting Coney Island and attending ballgames, displaying her inclination towards activities that are accessible to all.
The song concludes with the idea that the singer is content with her own company. She appreciates the tranquility of being alone and expresses her individuality by lowering her lamp. Through these lyrics, "Lady Is A Tramp" celebrates the unapologetic nature of a woman who defies conventions and lives life on her own terms.
Line by Line Meaning
I've wined and dined on Mulligan Stew, and never wished for Turkey
I have enjoyed simple pleasures like Mulligan Stew and never desired extravagant things like Turkey.
As I hitched and hiked and grifted too, from Maine to Albuquerque
I have traveled extensively, relying on my resourcefulness to get from one place to another.
Alas, I missed the Beaux Arts Ball, and what is twice as sad
Unfortunately, I couldn't attend the prestigious Beaux Arts Ball, which is doubly regrettable.
I was never at a party where they honored Noel Ca-ad (Coward)
I have never been fortunate enough to attend a party where they celebrated the talented Noel Coward.
But social circles spin too fast for me
The fast-paced world of social circles is overwhelming and not my preferred environment.
My 'hobohemia' is the place to be
I find solace and contentment in my unconventional lifestyle, my own version of Bohemian living.
I get too hungry, for dinner at eight
I have a strong appetite and prefer having dinner promptly at eight.
I like the theater, but never come late
Although I enjoy the theater, I always make sure to arrive on time and not disrupt the performance.
I never bother, with people I hate
I choose not to waste my time and energy on individuals I dislike.
That's why the lady is a tramp
These traits and preferences contribute to the lady's identity as a tramp, but she embraces it with pride.
I don't like crap games, with barons and earls
I have no interest in participating in gambling games played by wealthy and titled individuals.
Won't go to Harlem, in ermine and pearls
I refuse to visit Harlem in luxurious furs and expensive jewelry, as it would be inauthentic and disrespectful.
Won't dish the dirt, with the rest of the girls
I choose not to engage in gossip and spread rumors like other women do.
I like the free, fresh wind in her hair
I appreciate the liberating feeling of the wind blowing through my hair, symbolizing a carefree attitude.
Life without care
I lead a carefree and unburdened life, detached from unnecessary worries.
I'm broke, it's OK
Despite being financially challenged, I am content and at peace with my situation.
Hate California, it's cold and it's damp
I express a strong dislike for California due to its cold and damp weather conditions.
That's why the lady is a tramp
These distinctive qualities and choices reaffirm the lady's tramp persona.
I go to Coney, the beach is divine
I enjoy visiting Coney Island, where the beach holds a heavenly appeal for me.
I go to ballgames, the bleachers are fine
Attending ballgames is a favorite pastime, and I find the bleachers to be perfectly satisfactory.
I follow Winchell, and read every line
I avidly follow the writings of columnist Winchell, absorbing every word and detail.
That's why the lady is a tramp
Once again, these preferences and actions solidify the lady's identity as a tramp.
I like a prizefight, that isn't a fake
I appreciate witnessing a genuine prizefight, devoid of any staged or fraudulent elements.
I love the rowing, on Central Park lake
I have a genuine affection for rowing, especially on the serene expanse of Central Park lake.
I go to Opera and stay wide awake
Attending operas captivates me, and I remain fully alert and engaged throughout the performance.
That's why the lady is a tramp
These particular interests contribute to the lady's tramp identity, beautifully defining her essence.
I like the green grass under my shoes
The sensation of stepping on lush, green grass brings me joy and contentment.
What can I lose, I'm flat, that's that
Given my lack of financial resources, I have nothing to lose, and that's simply how things are.
I'm alone when I lower my lamp
When I extinguish my lamp, I am left in solitude, appreciating my moments of solitary reflection.
That's why the lady is a tramp
This final statement solidifies the lady's tramp persona, emphasizing her unapologetic and independent 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.