Kiss the Boys Goodbye
Mary Martin Lyrics
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That it isn't right, no, it isn't fair
To all those other boys I gave the air
So, Daddy, let me stay out late
For tomorrow is our wedding date
Let the baby kinda celebrate
Kiss the boys goodbye
Daddy, let me wear the mink
What's the difference what the neighbors think
Let the baby linger on the brink
Oh, kiss the boys goodbye
And while I'm kissing them sentiment'ly
Keep the liberal point of view
Because I'm breaking it to them gently
That my heart belongs to you
So, Daddy, please remember this
That tomorrow starts a life of bliss
Let me show them what they're gonna miss
Kiss the boys goodbye
The song "Kiss the Boys Goodbye" by Mary Martin is a playful tune about a young woman who is about to get married and wants one last night of fun before settling down. She addresses her father, asking him to let her stay out late and wear her mink coat, all while gently breaking it to her male admirers that her heart belongs to her soon-to-be husband. The lyrics are playful and tongue-in-cheek, both celebrating and poking fun at the stereotypical expectations placed on women in the 1940s and 1950s.
At its core, "Kiss the Boys Goodbye" is a song about the transition from girlhood into womanhood, exploring the excitement, confusion, and anticipation that comes along with it. The lyrics are full of humor and wit, with Martin delivering each line with a wink and a nod to the audience. The song ultimately celebrates the joys of young love while also acknowledging the bittersweet feeling of letting go of the past.
Line by Line Meaning
We're such a happy pair,
We have a great relationship and enjoy being together.
That it isn't right, no, it isn't fair
But it's not fair to other boys who might be interested in dating me as well.
To all those other boys I gave the air
I've broken up with all of the other boys who were interested in me.
So, Daddy, let me stay out late
Let me stay out and have fun with my friends.
For tomorrow is our wedding date
I'm getting married tomorrow!
Let the baby kinda celebrate
Let me enjoy myself and have a good time.
Kiss the boys goodbye
I'm saying goodbye to all the other boys I've kissed in the past.
Daddy, let me wear the mink
Please let me wear my nice fur coat.
What's the difference what the neighbors think
Who cares what the neighbors think? I'm going to enjoy myself.
Let the baby linger on the brink
Let me savor the moment and enjoy it.
Oh, kiss the boys goodbye
Again, I'm saying goodbye to all the other boys in my past.
And while I'm kissing them sentiment'ly
While I'm saying goodbye to them, I'm going to do it in a loving and caring way.
Keep the liberal point of view
Don't judge me for what I'm doing, just let me enjoy the moment.
Because I'm breaking it to them gently
I'm letting them down easy, not being harsh or hurtful.
That my heart belongs to you
Because, Daddy, my heart truly belongs to you.
So, Daddy, please remember this
Please keep in mind what I'm telling you.
That tomorrow starts a life of bliss
Tomorrow is the beginning of a wonderful life together.
Let me show them what they're gonna miss
Let me remind those other boys how much they missed out on.
Kiss the boys goodbye
Once again, I'm saying goodbye to all those other boys.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: FRANK LOESSER, VICTOR SCHERTZINGER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
TedWms521
Clarifications aside, it should be remembered how many wonderful songs she introduced on Broadway. She was not a "great singer" technically, but she sang with great charm and zest.
David Happyman
Wonderful happy song .
RMPsumma
I don't quite understand your comment that Mary Martin "was a much better singer than people remember her for." Though she was multi-talented, singing was primarily what she WAS known for, and she was a consummate artist. She was/is a legend.
A Trip Down Memory Lane
She more remembered as a Broadway star than a great recording star. I wish she would have made more records.
RMPsumma
@A Trip Down Memory Lane Well, I can agree with that, but that's not exactly what you said. Thank you for responding. Thank you for posting this.