Glee featured multiple major and secondary roles who have contributed vocals to the show: Lea Michele, Matthew Morrison, Dianna Agron, Cory Monteith, Amber Riley, Chris Colfer, Mark Salling, Jenna Ushkowitz, Kevin McHale, Naya Rivera, Heather Morris, Jayma Mays, Jane Lynch, Chord Overstreet, Darren Criss, Harry Shum, Jr., Damian McGinty, Vanessa Lengies, Samuel Larsen, Blake Jenner, Alex Newell, Melissa Benoist, Jacob Artist, and Dean Geyer. Numerous special guests have also featured on tracks, including Jonathan Groff, Kristin Chenoweth, Grant Gustin, Olivia Newton-John, John Stamos, Neil Patrick Harris, Idina Menzel, Charice, Gwyneth Paltrow, k.d. lang, Ricky Martin, Matt Bomer, Kate Hudson, and Sarah Jessica Parker.
The pilot episode of the show was broadcast on May 19, 2009 and the first season began airing on September 9, 2009. The show was created by Ryan Murphy, Brad Falchuk and Ian Brennan. Murphy selects all music featured within the series himself, with the intent of maintaining a balance between show tunes and chart hits. Songs featured on the show are available for digital download through iTunes up to two weeks before new episodes air, and through other digital outlets and mobile carriers a week later.
Their debut single, "Don't Stop Believin'", a cover of the 1981 Journey song, was a top ten hit, and was certified platinum in Australia and gold in the US. The group's cover of The All-American Rejects' "Gives You Hell" reached number one in Ireland, giving them their first number one single.
There has been Nineteen soundtracks released through Columbia Records: Glee: The Music, Volume 1, Glee: The Music, Volume 2, Glee: The Music, Volume 3 Showstoppers, Glee: The Music, The Christmas Album, Glee: The Music, Volume 4, Glee: The Music, Volume 5, Glee: The Music, Volume 6, Glee: The Music, Volume 7 and Glee: The Music, The Christmas Album Volume 2,Glee: The Music, Volume 7,Glee: The Music, The Graduation Album,Glee: The Music, Season 4, Volume 1,Glee: The Music, The Christmas Album Volume 3,Glee Sings the Beatles and Glee: The Music - Celebrating 100 Episodes.
Nineteen EPs have also been released: Glee: The Music, The Power of Madonna, Glee: The Music, Journey to Regionals,Glee: The Music, The Rocky Horror Glee Show.Glee: The Music, The Rocky Horror Glee Show,Glee: The Music, Love Songs,Glee: The Music, The Rocky Horror Glee Show,Glee: The Music, Love Songs,Glee: The Music, Dance Party,Britney 2.0,Glee: The Music Presents Glease,The Quarterback (Music from the TV Series),A Katy or a Gaga (Music from the Episode),Movin' Out,Glee: The Music, The Christmas Album Volume 4,City of Angels,New New York,Glee: The Music, Bash,Glee: The Music, Tested,Glee: The Music, Opening Night,Glee: The Music, the Back Up Plan,Glee: The Music, Old Dog, New Tricks,Glee: The Music – The Untitled Rachel Berry Project,Glee: The Music – Loser Like Me and Glee: The Music – Homecoming.
The cast is second behind The Beatles for most chart appearances by a group act in the Billboard Hot 100's history, and holds the record of sixth overall among all artists, with sixty-nine appearances. The cast has sold over thirty six million and over eleven million albums worldwide. The series' cover versions have also had a positive effect on the original recording artists, with sales of Rihanna's "Take a Bow" increasing by 189 percent after the song was covered in the Glee episode "Showmance".
The series features covers of numerous songs sung on-screen by the characters. Musical segments typically take the form of performances, as opposed to the characters singing spontaneously, as the intention is for the series to remain reality-based. Murphy is responsible for selecting all of the songs used, and strives to maintain a balance between show tunes and chart hits, as: "I want there to be something for everybody in every episode. That's a tricky mix, but that's very important — the balancing of that." Song choices are integral to script development, with Murphy explaining: "Each episode has a theme at its core. After I write the script, I will choose songs that help to move the story along."
Glee is choreographed by Zach Woodlee, and features five to eight production numbers per episode. Once music rights are cleared, songs are arranged and pre-recorded by the cast. Woodlee constructs the accompanying dance moves, which are then taught to the cast and filmed. Numbers can take several weeks to prepare, depending on complexity. Each episode costs at least $3 million to produce, and can take up to 10 days to film as a result of the elaborate choreography.
I'm the Greatest Star
Glee Cast Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Sweet as pie to tough as leather
And that's six expressions more than all them Barrymores put together.
Instead of just kicking me why don't they give me a lift?
Well, it must be a plot!
'Cause their scared that I got...such a gift?
Well, I'm miffed
The Greatest Star
I am by far!
But no one knows it--OY
They're gonna hear a voice
A silver flute (ah ooh ah ooh)
They'll cheer each toot
(Hey, that kid is terrific, mmm)
When I expose it
(Now can't ya see to look at me that)
I'm a natural Camille.
As Camille I just feel
I've so much to offer
(Hey, listen kid I know I'd be divine because)
I'm a natural cougher
(ahoo, aheh, ahay)
Some ain't got it, not a lump
I'm a great big clump of talent
Laugh!
(ha ha ha ha)
They'll bend in half
(Did you ever hear the story about the traveling salesman?)
A thousand jokes
(Stick around for the jokes!)
A thousand faces
I reiterate
When you're gifted, then you're gifted
These are facts
I've got no axe to grind
Hey, whaddaya blind?
In all of the world so far
I'm the greatest star
No autographs, please.
Ya think beautiful girls are gonna stay in style forever?
I should say not.
Any minute now they're gonna be out.
Finished!
Then it'll be my turn
Hmph!
Who is the pip with pizzazz?
Who is all ginger and jazz?
Who is as glamourous as?
Who's an american beauty rose?
With an american beauty NOSE!!!
And ten american beauty toes?
Eye on the target and wham
One shot. One gun shot and BAM!
Hey Mister Keeney!
Here I am!
I'm the greatest star
I am by far
But no one knows it
That's why I was born
I'll blow my horn
Till someone blows in
I gotta break the lights
Gotta flash of light
I'll flicker then flare up!
All the world's gonna stare up!
Looking down you'll never see me,
Try the sky cause that'll be me!
I can make 'em cry!
I can make 'em sigh!
Someday they'll clamor for my drama
Have ya guessed YET!
Who's the best yet?
If ya ain't, I'll tell ya one more time
You'll bet your last dime
In all of the world so far
I am the greatEST, greatest
Staaaaaaar!
The lyrics of the song 'I'm the Greatest Star' are about the self-proclaimed talent of a performer who believes that he is destined for greatness. The song is from the musical 'Funny Girl' which tells the story of the real-life actress and comedian Fanny Brice. The singer of the song believes that he is a natural talent that hasn't been discovered yet, and that once he gets his chance, everyone will see that he is truly the greatest star. He boasts of his abilities, claiming to have more expressions than the famous Barrymore family and believing that he is more talented than anyone else. The singer is frustrated that no one recognizes his potential and is eager for his big break.
The character in the song is deeply flawed in his beliefs but is also very relatable. Everyone has dreams and aspirations, and sometimes these dreams can cause us to see ourselves in a better light than what others around us see. The lyrics show the character's frustration as he believes that everyone is against him and is trying to keep him down. The song's chorus reveals the character's ultimate desire - to be recognized for his talent and to become a star. The song is a clever satire of the Hollywood culture and the unique individuals who believe that they have what it takes to be a star.
Line by Line Meaning
I got 36 expressions!
I possess 36 different expressions on my face.
Sweet as pie to tough as leather
My personality ranges from being sweet like pie to being tough as leather.
And that's six expressions more than all them Barrymores put together.
I have six more expressions on my face than all members of the Barrymore family put together.
Instead of just kicking me why don't they give me a lift?
Why do people just criticize me instead of supporting me?
Well, it must be a plot!
It seems there is some kind of conspiracy against me.
'Cause their scared that I got...such a gift?
Others are afraid of my talent and abilities.
Well, I'm miffed
I am upset about this.
Cause I'm The Greatest Star
I am confident that I am the greatest star.
I am by far!
I am far ahead of any competition.
But no one knows it--OY
Despite my confidence, I feel like no one recognizes my talents.
They're gonna hear a voice
Soon people will hear my amazing voice.
A silver flute (ah ooh ah ooh)
My voice is beautiful like a silver flute.
They'll cheer each toot
People will applaud and cheer every note.
(Hey, that kid is terrific, mmm)
People will comment on how great of a performer I am.
When I expose it
When I showcase my talent.
(Now can't ya see to look at me that)
Anyone looking at me can tell that I am a natural performer.
I'm a natural Camille.
I have a natural talent for performing, like a character in a play called Camille.
As Camille I just feel
When I play the part of Camille, I feel like I am truly in my element.
I've so much to offer
I have so many talents and skills to share.
(Hey, listen kid I know I'd be divine because)
I know I would be amazing because I am confident in my abilities.
I'm a natural cougher (ahoo, aheh, ahay)
Even when I cough, I sound amazing like a talented performer.
Some ain't got it, not a lump
Some people just don't have natural talent.
I'm a great big clump of talent
I have so much natural talent.
Laugh! (ha ha ha ha)
I want people to laugh because of me.
They'll bend in half
People will laugh so hard they'll double over.
(Did you ever hear the story about the traveling salesman?)
I have so many jokes and stories to tell.
(Stick around for the jokes!)
People should stay and listen to my jokes.
A thousand faces
I have so many different personas and characters that I can play.
I reiterate
I repeat myself to emphasize my point.
When you're gifted, then you're gifted
When you have natural talents, you are truly gifted.
These are facts
These are things that cannot be denied or argued with.
I've got no axe to grind
I have no ulterior motive.
Hey, whaddaya blind?
Why can't people see my talents?
In all of the world so far
So far in the world's history.
I'm the greatest star
I am the best performer in the world.
No autographs, please.
I am so famous that people always ask for my autograph, but I don't want to give any out right now.
Ya think beautiful girls are gonna stay in style forever?
I don't think beautiful women will always be the most popular trend.
I should say not.
I definitely don't think so.
Any minute now they're gonna be out.
I think the trend of beautiful women is going to end soon.
Finished!
The trend is over.
Then it'll be my turn
After the trend of beautiful women ends, it will be time for me to shine.
Hmph!
I am so confident that I know I will have my time to shine.
Who is the pip with pizzazz?
Who is the amazing performer with such a great personality?
Who is all ginger and jazz?
Who has a lively and exciting personality like ginger and jazz music?
Who is as glamourous as?
Who is as glamorous as I am?
Who's an american beauty rose?
Who is a beautiful American woman, like a rose?
With an american beauty NOSE!!!
And also has an amazing nose like an American Beauty rose?
And ten american beauty toes?
And ten beautiful toes like an American beauty?
Eye on the target and wham
I am aiming for success and I will hit the target every time.
One shot. One gun shot and BAM!
Just one action or performance is enough to win over the audience.
Hey Mister Keeney!
Hey, someone important! You should listen to me.
Here I am!
I am here to show you what I am capable of.
But no one knows it
But despite my confidence, no one truly recognizes my greatness.
That's why I was born
I was meant to be on this earth to showcase my talents and greatness.
I'll blow my horn
I will show off my skills and abilities.
Till someone blows in
Until someone finally recognizes me and shelters me from obscurity.
I gotta break the lights
I am so confident and energetic that I might literally break the lights.
Gotta flash of light
I am like a flash of lightning, electrifying everyone who sees me perform.
I'll flicker then flare up!
I will have a moment of intense energy and excitement that will bring the audience to life.
All the world's gonna stare up!
The whole world will stare in amazement when they see me performing.
Looking down you'll never see me,
You won't be able to see me if you are looking down.
Try the sky cause that'll be me!
I will be flying high in the sky, where everyone can see me and admire my talents.
I can make 'em cry!
I have the ability to make people cry with the emotion I put into my performances.
I can make 'em sigh!
People will feel so much emotion from my performance that they will simply sigh with satisfaction.
Someday they'll clamor for my drama
Sometime in the future, people will be begging to see me perform.
Have ya guessed YET!
Have you figured it out yet?
Who's the best yet?
Who is the absolute best?
If ya ain't, I'll tell ya one more time
If you still haven't figured it out, I will tell you again.
You'll bet your last dime
I am so confident that I am willing to bet everything I have on my abilities.
In all of the world so far
In all the world's history.
I am the greatEST, greatest Staaaaaaar!
I am the most amazing performer in the world, and nobody can top me.
Contributed by Zoe J. Suggest a correction in the comments below.