Life on the Wicked Stage
Jerome Kern Lyrics
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Stage door Johny's outraging over you with gems and roses
When you let a-fella hold your hand which means an extra beer or sandwich
Everybody whispers, ?Ain't her life a world?
Though you're warned against the rule, way ruining your reputation
When you played around the one night trade around the great big nation
Wild old man who give you jewels and sables only live in Aesop's fables
I admit it's fun to smear my face with paint
Causing everyone to think I'm what I ain't
And I'd like to play a Demi Monday roll with soul
Ask the hero, does he liked the way I lure
When I play a Hasie or a Parramore
Yet when once the gut feels down my life is pure and how I dread it
Life upon the wicked stage ain't ever what a girl supposes
Stage door Johny's outraging over you with gems and roses
If some gentleman we talk with reason, I would cancel all next season
Life upon the wicked stage ain't nothin' for a girl
The song "Life on the Wicked Stage," composed by Jerome Kern, offers a realistic and somewhat cynical insight into the lives of actresses and performers on stage. The lyrics of this song suggest that the life of a performer is not as glamorous as it may seem from the outside. The opening line emphasizes the harsh truth that life on the wicked stage is not what a girl expects it to be. The song highlights the many challenges that actresses face such as the unwanted attention from stage door Johnnies who try to offer them things like gems and roses, and the importance of appearing ladylike and proper to avoid ruining their reputation.
The song seems to be directed mainly at women, reminding them of the dangers of letting men get too close to them or compromising themselves in any way. Despite the fact that being a performer may seem glamorous and exciting, the lyrics reveal that it is not without its setbacks and difficulties. The lyrics suggest that life as an actress can be quite tumultuous, as they have to deal with men who try to buy their affections, rumors and innuendos about their reputations, and the potentially unpredictable nature of the industry. In short, the song embodies melancholy observations about the demanding and unsteady profession of stage acting.
Line by Line Meaning
Life upon the wicked stage ain't ever what a girl supposes
Life as a performer is not what a girl expects it to be.
Stage door Johny's outraging over you with gems and roses
Fans shower performers with gifts and attention.
When you let a-fella hold your hand which means an extra beer or sandwich
Accepting small favors from fans can lead to getting more gifts and attention.
Everybody whispers, ?Ain't her life a world?
People gossip about the lifestyle of performers.
Though you're warned against the rule, way ruining your reputation
Ignoring advice can lead to ruining one's reputation.
When you played around the one night trade around the great big nation
Performing on tour can lead to reckless behavior.
Wild old man who give you jewels and sables only live in Aesop's fables
Old men who offer expensive gifts are not to be trusted.
Life upon the wicked stage is nothin' for a girl
Being a performer is not a suitable lifestyle for a woman.
I admit it's fun to smear my face with paint
Putting on makeup is enjoyable for performers.
Causing everyone to think I'm what I ain't
Makeup transforms performers into different people.
And I'd like to play a Demi Monday roll with soul
Performing a challenging role with passion is desirable.
Ask the hero, does he liked the way I lure
Performers hope their performances are impressive to their co-stars.
When I play a Hasie or a Parramore
Performers enjoy playing different roles.
Yet when once the gut feels down my life is pure and how I dread it
Performers fear that their career will eventually come to an end.
If some gentleman we talk with reason, I would cancel all next season
If a wise man advises them, performers will reconsider their career choices.
Life upon the wicked stage ain't nothin' for a girl
Being a performer is not a good choice for a woman.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: JEROME KERN, OSCAR II HAMMERSTEIN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind