Biography:
Early life
Harris was born in Albuquerque, New Mexico, U.S., and grew up in Ruidoso, New Mexico. His parents, Sheila H. and Ron Harris, were lawyers. He has an older brother, and it was by following his brother to an audition in fourth grade that he first began acting ā as Toto in a school production of The Wizard of Oz. He attended La Cueva High School in Albuquerque and was active in school plays and musicals there. Harris was an honors student and graduated with honors in 1991. He was three years ahead of fellow La Cueva student Freddie Prinze, Jr.
Career
Harris began his career as a child actor. His first significant roles came in 1988, when he starred in two movies: the film Clara's Heart, a drama with Whoopi Goldberg that won him a Golden Globe nomination, and Purple People Eater, a children's fantasy. The following year he won the lead in Doogie Howser, M.D., for which he was again nominated for a Golden Globe. After Doogie Howser's four-season run ended in 1993, Harris played a number of guest roles on television series, before taking his first film role as an adult in 1995 in the little-seen shocker Animal Room. Since then his film work has included supporting roles in The Next Best Thing, Undercover Brother, Starship Troopers and Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle, in which he played a drug-crazed, lecherous parody of himself.
From 1999 to 2000, Harris starred with Tony Shalhoub in the sitcom Stark Raving Mad, which lasted twenty-two episodes. He has taken lead roles in a number of made-for-television features, including Snowbound: The Jim and Jennifer Stolpa Story in 1994, My Ćntonia in 1995, A Christmas Wish in 1998, Joan of Arc in 1999, The Wedding Dress in 2001, and The Christmas Blessing in 2005, as well as series guest roles.
Harris has worked on Broadway in both musical and dramatic roles. He played Tobias Ragg in 2001 concert performances of Sweeney Todd. In 2002, he performed on Broadway beside Anne Heche in Proof. In 2003, he took the role of the Emcee in Cabaret, alongside Deborah Gibson and Tom Bosley. As a result of his critically acclaimed performance in Cabaret, Harris was named the top drawing headliner in the role of the Emcee by GuestStarCasting.com, topping fellow celeb stars John Stamos and Alan Cumming.
In 2004, he performed a dual role of the Balladeer and Lee Harvey Oswald on Broadway in the controversial musical revival of Stephen Sondheim's Assassins. He also sang the role of Charles (first played by Anthony Perkins) on the Nonesuch recording of Sondheim's Evening Primrose. He has also portrayed Mark Cohen in the musical RENT. Harris' current role is in the CBS ensemble sitcom How I Met Your Mother, playing a serial womanizer in a performance that earned him a 2007 Emmy nomination. The show debuted in the fall of 2005 and wrapped up its third season on May 19, 2008.
In 2007, Harris worked with Mike Nelson on an audio commentary for RiffTrax. The two riffed on the film, Willy Wonka And The Chocolate Factory. Harris is a big fan of the cult TV series Nelson worked on, Mystery Science Theater 3000, and was interviewed for a 1992 Comedy Central special hosted by Penn Jillette, who did voiceovers for Comedy Central's programming at that time, about the series and its fans, This Is MST3K. In 2008, Harris starred alongside Nathan Fillion and Felicia Day in Joss Whedon's new musical web series, Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog.
The Ballad of Czolgosz
Neil Patrick Harris Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Born in the middle of Michigan
Woke with a thought
And away he ran
To the Pan-American Exposition
In Buffalo
In Buffalo
How things were run
Said, "Time's a-wasting
It's nineteen-one
Some men have everything
And some have none
So rise and shine
In the U.S.A.
You can work your way
To the head of the line!"
"Single line, ladies and gentlemen
Line forms here to meet the President of the United States
Single line to shake hands with President William McKinley"
Czolgosz, quiet man
Worked out a quiet
And simple plan
Strolled of a morning
All spick and span
To the Temple of Music
By the Tower of Light
At the Pan-American Exposition
In Buffalo
In Buffalo
Saw Bill McKinley there
In the sun
Heard Bill McKinley say
"Folks, have fun!
Some men have everything
And some have none
But that's just fine
In the U.S.A.
You can work your way
To the head of the line!"
Big Bill
Gave 'em a thrill
Big Bill
Sold 'em a bill
Big Bill
Who'd want to kill
A man of good will like
Big Bill
"Doesn't the President look marvelous? So round and prosperous!"
"Do you know what his favorite dish is? It was in the papers
Beef!"
"I'm told that in his spare time, he enjoys collecting coins!"
"Want a sip?"
"No, thank you"
Czolgosz, angry man
Said, "I will do what
A poor man can
Yes, and there's nowhere
More fitting than
In the Temple of Music
By the Tower of Light
Between the Fountain of Abundance
And the Court of Lilies
At the great Pan-American Exposition
In Buffalo
In Buffalo"
Wrapped him a handkerchief
'Round his gun
Said, "Nothin' wrong about
What I done
Some men have everything
And some have none
That's by design
The idea wasn't mine alone
But mine
And that's the sign
In the U.S.A.
You can have your say
You can set your goals
And seize the day
You've been given the freedom
To work your way
To the head of the line
To the head of the line!"
"The Ballad of Czolgosz" tells the story of Leon Czolgosz, a working man from Michigan who becomes disillusioned with the inequality he sees in society. He decides to take action and make a statement at the Pan-American Exposition in Buffalo. Czolgosz believes that in the United States, one can work their way to the top, but he realizes that not everyone has the same opportunities. He sees some men with everything while others have nothing.
Czolgosz plans to assassinate President William McKinley at the Temple of Music, a symbolic location where powerful figures gather. He sees McKinley as a representation of the system that perpetuates inequality. The lyrics emphasize Czolgosz's frustration with a society that allows some people to flourish while others struggle.
The song highlights Czolgosz's motivations and mental state. He feels anger towards the system and believes that his actions are justified. He wraps a handkerchief around his gun, preparing to carry out the act. The lyrics also touch upon the opulence surrounding McKinley, contrasting it with the hardships faced by many.
Through the story of Leon Czolgosz, "The Ballad of Czolgosz" raises questions about socioeconomic disparity, the American Dream, and the role of violent protest in response to systemic injustice.
Line by Line Meaning
Czolgosz, working man
Czolgosz, a man who labors for a living
Born in the middle of Michigan
Born in a central part of the state of Michigan
Woke with a thought
Awoke with an idea or realization
And away he ran
And hastily he went
To the Pan-American Exposition
To a grand international exhibition
In Buffalo
Located in the city of Buffalo
In Buffalo
In Buffalo
Saw all of a sudden
Suddenly witnessed
How things were run
The way things were managed
Said, "Time's a-wasting
Expressed that time is being wasted
It's nineteen-one
Referring to the year 1901
Some men have everything
Certain individuals possess all they need
And some have none
While others have nothing
So rise and shine
Therefore, awaken and excel
In the U.S.A.
In the United States of America
You can work your way
One can strive and progress
To the head of the line!
To be at the forefront!
"Single line, ladies and gentlemen
"A queue, ladies and gentlemen
Line forms here to meet the President of the United States
Please form a line to meet the President of the United States
Single line to shake hands with President William McKinley"
A single file to greet President William McKinley"
Czolgosz, quiet man
Czolgosz, a reserved man
Worked out a quiet
Devised a discreet
And simple plan
And straightforward plan
Strolled of a morning
Leisurely walked in the morning
All spick and span
Neat and tidy in appearance
To the Temple of Music
Towards the music venue
By the Tower of Light
Adjacent to the tower emitting illumination
At the Pan-American Exposition
At the grand international exhibition
In Buffalo
In Buffalo
In Buffalo
In Buffalo
Saw Bill McKinley there
Observed Bill McKinley's presence
In the sun
Under the sunlight
Heard Bill McKinley say
Listened to Bill McKinley utter
"Folks, have fun!
"Folks, enjoy yourselves!
Some men have everything
Certain individuals possess all they need
And some have none
While others have nothing
But that's just fine
Yet, that is perfectly acceptable
In the U.S.A.
In the United States of America
You can work your way
One can strive and progress
To the head of the line!"
To be at the forefront!"
Big Bill
Prominent Bill
Gave 'em a thrill
Provided them an excitement
Big Bill
Prominent Bill
Sold 'em a bill
Deceived them with false promises
Big Bill
Prominent Bill
Who'd want to kill
Who would desire to assassinate
A man of good will like
A man with benevolent intentions like
Big Bill
Prominent Bill
"Doesn't the President look marvelous? So round and prosperous!"
"Isn't the President splendidly attractive? So plump and flourishing!"
"Do you know what his favorite dish is? It was in the papers
"Are you aware of his preferred meal? It was published in the newspapers
Beef!"
Beef!"
"I'm told that in his spare time, he enjoys collecting coins!"
"I have been informed that during his free time, he derives pleasure from collecting coins!"
"Want a sip?"
"Would you like a drink?"
"No, thank you"
"No, thank you"
Czolgosz, angry man
Czolgosz, an enraged man
Said, "I will do what
Declared, "I will execute what
A poor man can
An impoverished individual can
Yes, and there's nowhere
Indeed, there is no place
More fitting than
More appropriate than
In the Temple of Music
Within the music venue
By the Tower of Light
Adjacent to the tower emitting illumination
Between the Fountain of Abundance
Amidst the Fountain of Abundance
And the Court of Lilies
And the area designated as the Court of Lilies
At the great Pan-American Exposition
At the magnificent international exhibition
In Buffalo
In Buffalo
In Buffalo
In Buffalo
Wrapped him a handkerchief
Encased a handkerchief around his weapon
'Round his gun
Around his firearm
Said, "Nothin' wrong about
Expressed, "There is nothing incorrect about
What I done
What I have done
Some men have everything
Certain individuals possess all they need
And some have none
While others have nothing
That's by design
That is intentionally arranged
The idea wasn't mine alone
The concept was not solely my own
But mine
But it belongs to me
And that's the sign
And that is the indication
In the U.S.A.
In the United States of America
You can have your say
You can express your opinions
You can set your goals
You can establish your objectives
And seize the day
And seize the opportunity
You've been given the freedom
You have been granted the liberty
To work your way
To advance through your efforts
To the head of the line
To the forefront of the queue
To the head of the line!"
To be at the forefront!"
Lyrics Ā© Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Stephen Sondheim
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@CharlieSpencers
Just fur mich...
Czolgosz,
Working man,
Born in the middle of Michigan,
Woke with a thought
And away he ran
To the Pan-American Exposition
In Buffalo,
In Buffalo.
Saw of a sudden
How things were run,
Said, "Time's a-wasting
It's nineteen-one.
Some men have everything
And some have none,
So rise and shine-
In the U.S.A.
You can work your way
To the head of the line!"
[ATTENDANT]
Single line, ladies and gentlemen. Line forms here
to meet the President of the United States. Single
line to shake hands with President William McKinley.
[BALLADEER]
Czolgosz,
Quiet man,
Worked out a quiet
And simple plan,
Strolled of a morning
All spick and span,
To the Temple Of Music
By the Tower Of Light
At the Pan-American Exposition
In Buffalo,
In Buffalo.
Saw Bill McKinley there
In the sun.
Heard Bill McKinley say,
"Folks, have fun!
Some men have everything
And some have none,
But that's just fine:
in the U.S.A.
You can work your way
To the head of the line!"
[CROWD]
Big Bill-!
[BALLADEER]
-Gave 'em a thrill.
[CROWD]
Big Bill-!
[BALLADEER]
-Sold 'em a bill.
[CROWD]
Big Bill-!
[BALLADEER]
-Who'd want to kill
A man of good will
Like-?
[CROWD]
Big Bill!
[FAIRGOER #1]
Doesn't the President look Marvelous?
So round and prosperous!
[FAIRGOER #2]
Do you know what his favorite dish is?
It was in the paer. Beef.
[FAIRGOER #3]
I'm told that in his spare time he enjoys
collecting coins!
[BALLADEER]
Czolgosz,
Angry man,
Said, "I will do what
A poor man can.
Yes, and there's nowhere
More fitting than
In the Temple Of Music
By the Tower Of Light
Between the Fountain Of Abundance
And the Court of Lilies
At the great Pan-American Exposition
In Buffalo,
In Buffalo.
Wrapped him a handkerchief
"round his gun,
Said, "Nothin' wrong about
What I done.
Some men have everything
And some have none-
That's by design.
The idea wasn't mine alone,
But mine,
And that's the sign:
In the U.S.A.
You can have your say,
You can set you goals
And seize the day,
You've been given the freedom
To work your way
To the head of the line-
To the head of the line!"
@kileygarrett2141
Who else is here because of the tumblr post about that one tired college student and their hot history professor
@juliarollins7372
Me, mostly wanted to see how it was pronounced
@Shizzy5321
No what are you talking about
@maryb7720
I am! The assassination of William McKinley was a part of our reading and I remembered from that post that there was a song about it so I naturally had to find it
@vena3628
looking for a comment about this š
@tessajewell
@@maryb7720 Iām here because of that, staying for Neil Patrick Harris!!!
@Kitama23
I really love the bit with the kid asking "want a sip?"
You assume it's a bottle of coke, and if you've seen/read the complete play, we get to know his rage and sorrow when he describes the process and pain of making a bottle for so little, one he can;t bring himself to break.
He keeps learning all these things about President McKinley and it humanizes him in a way that's hard to fulfill his purpose. But I like to think seeing that bottle puts him back on track. He can't forget what he's seen and what people have lost.
wonderful play.
@moist_spinach
I suppose they could be humanizing McKinley, but I more so interpreted it as McKinley representing the men who have 'everything' in the song: he enjoys "collecting" coins, he doesn't "save", he doesn't need to worry about saving since he is one of the men who have some sort of fortune. His favorite dish, beef, can also be kind of expensive, at least more than other meats at the supermarket. His appearance is "marvelous", "round" and "prosperous".
@saltytyranitar6981
@@moist_spinach what I find great about the lines is they do both. They remind Czolgosz that McKinley is a human being with interests, values and beliefs that he's about to kill for his own benefit, while also hammering in how McKinley has profited from Czolgosz and his peers' suffering his entire life. It gives Czolgosz reason to doubt himself but also harden himself to what he's doing, showing the audience he has empathy for his enemies but that his anger and despair override them. It makes the event more nuanced and tragic, rather than simply being entirely black and white like, say, Moore's attempt on Ford was.
@christiangarza8122
For historical context: When there appeared to be a turning point in McKinley getting to live (it actually took several days for him to die) when Czologsz was told, he said he was happy for the man. After doing research for a college paper/presentation I think Leon was focused on shooting the President, did not matter who the person behind it was