The Lady Is A Tramp
Mark Murphy & The Louis Van Duke Trio Lyrics


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She gets too hungry for dinner at eight
She likes the theater and never comes late
She never bothers with people she'd hate
That's why the lady is a tramp

Doesn't like crap games with barons or 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

She likes the free, fresh wind in her hair
Life without care
She's broke, and it's "ok"

Hates California, it's cold and it's damp
That's why the lady is a tramp

She gets too hungry to wait for dinner at eight
She loves the theater but never comes late
She'd never bother with people she'd hate
That's why the lady is a tramp

She'll have no crap games with sharpies and frauds
And she won't go to Harlem in Lincolns or Fords
And she won't dish the dirt with the rest of the broads
That's why the lady is a tramp

She'd love the free, fresh wind in her hair
Life without care
She's broke, but it's "ok"

Hates California, it's so cold and so damp




That's why the lady (2x)
That's why the lady is a tramp

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to "Lady is a Tramp" by Mark Murphy & Louis Van Dyke Trio describe a woman who is independent, free-spirited, and uninterested in conforming to societal norms. She doesn't care about wealth or status, and she values her own happiness and freedom above all else. She's not afraid to be herself and doesn't concern herself with the opinions of others.


The first stanza establishes the lady's independence and disregard for convention: she doesn't feel the need to conform to a rigid schedule or social hierarchy, and she avoids people she dislikes. The second stanza reinforces this, describing how she refuses to participate in activities that she considers beneath her, such as playing games with dishonest people or gossiping with other women.


The chorus serves as a sort of anthem for the lady's carefree attitude, emphasizing her love of the outdoors and lack of concern for material possessions. The final line, "that's why the lady is a tramp," is a deliberately provocative statement that asserts her refusal to be defined by anyone else's standards or expectations. Overall, the song celebrates individuality and self-expression, urging listeners to live life on their own terms and embrace their unconventional sides.


Line by Line Meaning

She gets too hungry for dinner at eight
She has a big appetite and cannot wait until the evening for her meal


She likes the theater and never comes late
She enjoys watching plays and always arrives on time


She never bothers with people she'd hate
She avoids interacting with individuals whom she dislikes


That's why the lady is a tramp
These qualities make her non-conformist to conventional society, hence why the title refers to her as a 'tramp'


Doesn't like crap games with barons or earls
She dislikes playing gambling games with wealthy and powerful people


Won't go to Harlem in ermine and pearls
She refuses to dress up extravagantly to visit Harlem


Won't dish the dirt with the rest of the girls
She doesn't gossip with other women


She likes the free, fresh wind in her hair
She enjoys feeling the natural breeze in her hair


Life without care
She lives without worries or concerns


She's broke, and it's "ok"
She doesn't have much money, but she's content with her financial status


Hates California, it's cold and it's damp
She dislikes California due to its cold and damp weather


She'll have no crap games with sharpies and frauds
She refuses to participate in gambling games with dishonest people


And she won't go to Harlem in Lincolns or Fords
She doesn't want to visit Harlem in a fancy car


And she won't dish the dirt with the rest of the broads
She refuses to gossip with other women


That's why the lady is a tramp
Re-emphasizing that her unconventional behavior sets her apart from society


She'd love the free, fresh wind in her hair
She would enjoy feeling the natural breeze in her hair


Life without care
She values living without worries or concerns


She's broke, but it's "ok"
She's content with her financial status despite lacking money


Hates California, it's so cold and so damp
She dislikes California due to the climate being cold and damp


That's why the lady (2x)
Re-emphasizing that her non-conformity to societal norms is what makes her unique


That's why the lady is a tramp
Finalizing the idea that her unconventional behavior is what defines her as a 'tramp'




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
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