Easy Street
Kathy Bates Alan Cumming & Kristin Chenoweth Lyrics

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I remember the way
Our sainted mother
Would sit and croon us
Her lullaby

She'd say, kids, there's a place
That's like no other

You got to get there before you die

You don't get there
By playing from the rule book

You stack the aces

You load the dice

Mother dear
Oh, we know you're down there listening --
How can we follow
Your sweet
Advice
Too

Easy street

Easy street
Where you sleep till noon

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to "Easy Street" from the Broadway musical Annie are sung by the characters Miss Hannigan, Rooster, and Lily as they plot to deceive Daddy Warbucks and steal Annie from him. The song serves as a sort of anthem for the trio as they gloat about their easy and luxurious lifestyle at the expense of others. The nod to their "sainted mother" is sarcastic, as it becomes clear they are simply using her memory to further their own selfish goals.

The lyrics also suggest a disregard for the rules and an emphasis on cheating to get ahead. The lines "You don't get there by playing from the rule book, you stack the aces, you load the dice" reflect the mentality of the characters who are willing to do whatever it takes, even if it means breaking the law or hurting others. Overall, the song showcases the three characters' greed and lack of morals.

Line by Line Meaning

I remember the way
I recall the memory of

Our sainted mother
Our beloved and revered mother

Would sit and croon us
Would sing to us in a soft, soothing voice

Her lullaby
Her calming song to put us to sleep

She'd say, kids, there's a place
She would tell us, her children, that there is a special location

That's like no other
That is completely unique

You got to get there before you die
You must arrive at that place prior to your death

You don't get there
You cannot reach that place

By playing from the rule book
By following the standard procedures

You stack the aces
You cheat by placing the best cards in your favor

You load the dice
You manipulate the outcome in your favor by altering the dice