Baldwin was born in Evanston, Illinois, and graduated from Northwestern University's theatre program in 1997.
Baldwin has appeared in several Broadway productions, including her debut in The Full Monty (2000), Thoroughly Modern Millie (2002), and Wonderful Town (2003). She performs frequently in regional theater, including South Pacific as Nellie Forbush (receiving a Helen Hayes Award nomination) at Arena Stage in Washington, DC (2002); The Sound of Music as Maria (2005) and The Music Man as Marian Paroo (2009), both at The Muny, St. Louis, Missouri) and A Little Night Music as Countess Charlotte at Centre Stage, Baltimore, Maryland, in March 2008.
She played the role of Sharon in the 2009 Encores! staged concert production of Finian's Rainbow. The New York Times critic Charles Isherwood praised her performance, writing that she sang the role "beautifully... her rich, pure soprano riding the crests of the melodies with ease", most notably in the "famous wistful ballad 'How Are Things in Glocca Morra?'" and called her a "discovery". She is repeating the role as Sharon in the Broadway revial of Finian's Rainbow at the St. James Theatre beginning October 8, 2009.
Baldwin is working on her first solo album, Let's See What Happens, consisting of songs written by Burton Lane and E. Y. Harburg.
She married fellow actor Graham Rowat on October 2, 2005.
Magic in the Man
Kate Baldwin Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
If only life were like the way he makes me feel.
Is he difficult? One could argue, there's a challenge in everyday.
Do you think I don't understand him?
Are you listening when I say, he's a thoroughbred in the stable, when he ought to be on the track.
Let him run with a trumped up fable, cause he always will circle back.
Sometimes he's like a tank full of laughing gas.
Sometimes he's like a pain in the ass!
But there is magic in the man, foolish magic in the man, and you no doubt are, not about, to break the spell!
When there is magic in a man, pay attention if you can, maybe you will do just half as well!
He's a man with a taste for grandeur, let's allow him to improvise.
Give him only a moment, and you're, sure he's shared in a nobel prize!
Sometimes he bends the truth with a wrecking ball,
Sometimes he's bored with folks who think small!
I call it magic in the man, all the way's he better than.
But all you see is, him and me, with miles to go.
If you saw magic in the man, rather than a battle plan, you might be glad that's he's the dad you know.
He's brand of make believe, convinces me it's real.
If only life were like the way he makes me feel.
Not merely entertainment, on a non-stop flight.
What makes you so sure that you're so right?
There is magic in the man, foolish magic in the man. You no doubt are, not about, to break the spell!
No, there is magic in the man, maddening magic in the man, but I worry, son, that he's begun to fall apart.
Without the magic and the man, I'm right back where I began.
A frightened girl, with just a broken heart.
So even if it's quick, please learn one little trick, and try to make the magic start.
In Kate Baldwin's song "Magic In the Man," the lyrics explore the complexities and contradictions of a man who possesses an enchanting charm that captivates the singer. The song delves into the singer's conflicting emotions towards this man who has a talent for creating make-believe worlds that feel real to her. She yearns for life to mirror the emotions he evokes within her.
The lyrics contemplate whether this man is difficult, acknowledging the challenges that come with his personality and behavior. Despite this, the singer asserts that she understands him, urging others to truly listen to her when she talks about him. She describes him as a "thoroughbred in the stable, when he ought to be on the track," emphasizing his potential and talent. He often strays into fictional narratives but eventually returns to reality.
The song explores the man's varying personas. Sometimes he brings joy and laughter, like a tank full of laughing gas, while at other times, he can be frustrating and vexing, like a pain in the ass. However, despite these ups and downs, the singer firmly believes in the magic that resides within this man. She sees it as foolish yet captivating, and she warns others not to break the spell.
The lyrics further emphasize the man's inclination towards grandeur and improvisation. The singer suggests giving him the liberty to pursue his ambitions, as he is capable of achieving great things. She acknowledges his occasional tendency to exaggerate the truth but sees it as a way for him to make a significant impact. The song contrasts the man's vast vision and restlessness with the myopic thinking of others who are content with thinking small.
The singer sees the magic in the man, recognizing his unique qualities and potential. She implies that if others could perceive this magic, they would appreciate him more. However, she also expresses concern that without the magic, the man might fall apart, implying that his charm and creativity are essential aspects of his character.
In the final verses, the lyrics challenge the listener's certainties. The singer questions why they believe they are always right, and why they dismiss the importance of the man's magic. She ends the song with a plea for the listener to learn just one trick, to open their minds and allow the magic to start.
Overall, "Magic In the Man" is a song that delves into the complexities of a man who possesses a captivating charm and creativity. It explores the singer's conflicting emotions towards him and urges others to recognize and appreciate the magic he brings into their lives.
Line by Line Meaning
His brand of make believe convinces me it's real.
The way he creates illusions and fantasies makes me believe they are true.
If only life were like the way he makes me feel.
I wish life could be as wonderful and enchanting as he makes me feel.
Is he difficult? One could argue, there's a challenge in everyday.
Some may find him hard to understand, as each day brings something new and challenging.
Do you think I don't understand him?
Do you believe that I am unable to comprehend him?
Are you listening when I say, he's a thoroughbred in the stable, when he ought to be on the track.
Do you pay attention to what I'm saying? He has great potential but is not being properly utilized.
Let him run with a trumped up fable, cause he always will circle back.
Allow him to pursue his exaggerated stories because he will always come back to reality.
Sometimes he's like a tank full of laughing gas.
At times, he is filled with infectious joy that spreads like laughter.
Sometimes he's like a pain in the ass!
Other times, he can be frustrating and irritating.
But there is magic in the man, foolish magic in the man, and you no doubt are, not about, to break the spell!
However, there is a captivating charm and enchantment within him that you surely won't be able to dismiss or destroy.
When there is magic in a man, pay attention if you can, maybe you will do just half as well!
If you witness such magic in a person, try to observe and learn, as you might be able to achieve half of what he can.
He's a man with a taste for grandeur, let's allow him to improvise.
He has a desire for greatness, so let's permit him to be spontaneous and creative.
Give him only a moment, and you're, sure he's shared in a nobel prize!
Give him a brief opportunity, and you'll be convinced that he has contributed to something worthy of a Nobel Prize!
Sometimes he bends the truth with a wrecking ball.
Occasionally, he exaggerates and distorts the truth in a striking manner.
Sometimes he's bored with folks who think small!
He becomes disinterested in people who have limited or narrow-minded thoughts.
I call it magic in the man, all the way he's better than.
I perceive it as a magical quality within him that makes him superior in every aspect.
But all you see is, him and me, with miles to go.
But all you see is the distance that separates him and me, with much more to experience and discover.
If you saw magic in the man, rather than a battle plan, you might be glad that's he's the dad you know.
If you recognized the enchantment within him, instead of focusing on his flaws or struggles, you would appreciate him as the father figure you know.
His brand of make believe, convinces me it's real.
The way he creates illusions and fantasies makes me believe they are true.
If only life were like the way he makes me feel.
I wish life could be as wonderful and enchanting as he makes me feel.
Not merely entertainment, on a non-stop flight.
He is not simply a source of amusement but someone who accompanies us on a continuous journey.
What makes you so sure that you're so right?
Why are you so confident in your belief that you are always correct?
There is magic in the man, foolish magic in the man. You no doubt are, not about, to break the spell!
There is indeed a captivating charm in him, a foolish yet undeniable magic. You certainly won't be able to shatter the enchantment.
No, there is magic in the man, maddening magic in the man, but I worry, son, that he's begun to fall apart.
No, there is magic within him, an infuriating yet irresistible charm. However, I am concerned, my child, that he is starting to deteriorate.
Without the magic and the man, I'm right back where I began.
Without his enchantment and his presence, I am back to my starting point, feeling lost and alone.
A frightened girl, with just a broken heart.
A terrified girl, left with nothing but a shattered heart.
So even if it's quick, please learn one little trick, and try to make the magic start.
Therefore, even if it happens swiftly, I urge you to learn one small trick and attempt to reignite the magic within him.
Writer(s): Andrew Edwin Lippa
Contributed by Hudson W. Suggest a correction in the comments below.