Show Me
Original Broadway Cast Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I'm so sick of words
I get words all day through
First from him, now from you
Is that all you blighters can do
Don't talk of stars
Burning above
Show me
Tell me no dreams
Filled with desire
If you're on fire
Show me
He we are together
In the middle of the night
Don't talk of spring
Just hold me tight
Anyone who's ever been
In love'll tell you that
This is no time
For a chat
Haven't your lips
Longed for my touch
Don't say how much
Show me, show me
Don't talk of love
Lasting through time
Make me no undying vow
Show me now
Sing me no song
Read me no rhyme
Don't waste my time
Show me
Don't talk of June
Don't talk of fall
Don't talk at all
Show me
Never do I ever
want to hear another word
There isn't one
I haven't heard
Here we are together in
What ought to be a dream
Say another word
And I'll scream
Haven't your arms
Hungered for mine
Please don't explain
Show me, show me
Don't wait until
Wrinkles and lines
Pop out of my brow
Show me now
The song "Show Me" from the Original Broadway Cast of My Fair Lady is a passionate plea for action rather than empty words. The singer is tired of hearing expressions of love and longing without any accompanying proof. They have grown weary of being promised the world but never actually experiencing it. The lyrics emphasize the desire for authentic and tangible demonstrations of affection.
In the first verse, the singer dismisses the significance of words, claiming to have heard enough empty promises from both a previous lover and the current one. They challenge the listeners, calling them "blighters" and questioning if words are the only thing they are capable of contributing to a relationship. The chorus urges them not to talk about love and its everlasting nature if they are unable to back it up with action. They demand to see physical evidence of love's existence.
The second verse continues with the plea for action. The singer implores the listeners not to waste their time with dreams and desires unless they are willing to act upon them. They emphasize the need for physical touch and affection rather than declarations of longing. The bridge of the song expresses the frustration of being together with someone but still hearing empty words. The singer warns that any additional words will result in a scream of frustration. They challenge the listener to demonstrate their desire through actions rather than explanations.
Overall, "Show Me" is a song that emphasizes the value of actions over empty words in a relationship. It conveys a longing for tangible demonstrations of love and a disdain for talk without follow-through. The lyrics highlight the desire for honesty, authenticity, and physical affection.
Line by Line Meaning
Words Words Words
I'm tired of hearing meaningless words
I'm so sick of words
I'm exhausted from hearing empty words
I get words all day through
I receive words constantly throughout the day
First from him, now from you
First from someone else, now from you
Is that all you blighters can do
Is that the only thing you people can do
Don't talk of stars
Don't speak about romantic ideals
Burning above
Shining brightly in the sky
If you're in love
If you truly love me
Show me
Prove it to me
Tell me no dreams
Don't share unrealistic fantasies
Filled with desire
Overflowing with longing
If you're on fire
If you're consumed by passion
Show me
Demonstrate it to me
He we are together
Here we are, united
In the middle of the night
During the dark hours
Don't talk of spring
Don't speak of new beginnings
Just hold me tight
Embrace me closely
Anyone who's ever been
Those who have experienced
In love'll tell you that
Will inform you that
This is no time
This isn't the right moment
For a chat
To engage in casual conversation
Haven't your lips
Haven't your lips
Longed for my touch
Desired the sensation of my fingers
Don't say how much
Don't express it verbally
Show me, show me
Demonstrate it to me, physically
Don't talk of love
Don't speak about love
Lasting through time
Enduring forever
Make me no undying vow
Don't make a promise of eternal love
Show me now
Prove it to me immediately
Sing me no song
Don't serenade me with a song
Read me no rhyme
Don't recite poetry to me
Don't waste my time
Don't use up my time
Show me
Demonstrate it to me
Don't talk of June
Don't speak about future plans
Don't talk of fall
Don't mention distant moments
Don't talk at all
Don't speak at all
Show me
Prove it to me
Never do I ever
I never
want to hear another word
desire to listen to another word
There isn't one
There is not a single one
I haven't heard
That I have not heard yet
Here we are together in
Here we are, united in
What ought to be a dream
What is supposed to be an ideal situation
Say another word
Utter another word
And I'll scream
And I'll shout loudly
Haven't your arms
Haven't your arms
Hungered for mine
Desired to embrace mine
Please don't explain
Kindly refrain from explaining
Show me, show me
Demonstrate it to me, physically
Don't wait until
Do not delay until
Wrinkles and lines
Signs of aging
Pop out of my brow
Become visible on my forehead
Show me now
Prove it to me immediately
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: ALAN JAY LERNER, FREDERICK LOEWE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@davidaddams9802
+Surreal469 I was curious about what the others did after this. They all had fairly successful careers after this.
Andre De Shields has primarily been on Broadway with an occasional t.v. role.
Ken Page has bounced between Broadway, Off-Broadway and The Muny outdoor theater in St. Louis. He also voiced Oogie Boogie in the Nightmare Before Christmas and had a role in Dreamgirls.
Charlaine (Charlayne) Woodard has had rolls in movies and tv, including recurring roles on Law and Order: SVU, ER and Chicago Hope.
Armelia McQuuen has a few movie roles and many quest roles on various t.v. shows. She currently plays Shula Whitaker in the t.v. show Hart of Dixie.
@hardieharrharr
Song List
- Act 1 -
1:00 Ain't Misbehavin
4:00 Lookin' Good But Feelin Bad
4:50 T'ain't Nobodys Biz-ness If I Do
6:47 Honeysuckle Rose
11:48 Handful Of Keys
14:52 I've Got A Feeling I'm Falling
18:28 How Ya Baby (overture)
19:33 How Ya Baby
22:23 The Ladies Who Sing With the Band
24:55 Yacht Club Swing
27:11 When The Nylons Bloom Again
31:10 Cash For Your Trash
33:51 Off-Time
36:43 This Joint Is Jumpin'
- Act 2 -
39:20 Spreadin' Rhythm Around
41:57 Lounging at the Waldorf
46:22 The Viper's Drag
53:49 Mean To Me
57:20 The Story of Tin Pan Alley
57:56 Your Feet's Too Big
1:01:33 That Ain't Right
1:04:55 Keepin' Out Of Mischief Now
1:09:03 Find Out What They Like
1:13:41 Fat and Greasy
1:17:38 Black and Blue
- Finale -
1:23:13 I'm Gonna Sit Right Down and Write Myself a Letter
1:24:27 Two Sleepy People
1:25:48 I've Got my Fingers Crossed
1:26:43 I Can't Give You Anything but Love
1:27:20 It's a Sin to Tell a Lie
1:28:48 Honeysuckle Band
1:30:41 Ain't Misbehavin' (reprise)
1:31:42 Curtain Call/Bows
@UNOwen1
Such a wonderful talent, he was.
The music, the humour.
I really needed to feel happy, today. Earlier, as was walking down the street, and in a subway, I was listening to Mr Waller, himself, and anyone familiar with his recordings, not only is the music great, but you can't stop smiling - laughing. A coulee of times, I was in a crowd, and let out a chuckle 😚 loss enough to get people asking me what I was listening to.
Now that I'm home, I'm kicking back, and watching this (for my first time). I remember when it was on B'way, and I even know a couple of people who are in this (video), which only makes me want to kick myself harder for having not seen them, in-person.
I really wish this show would come back. I can't think of any other show that's so simple to put together; just a few talented singers, a small orchestra, and that's all.
A big thanks to Mr Waller, who's talent and humour shines just as bright.
@Surreal469
I still can't figure out how they all weren't as famous as Nell became. The talent coming from that stage is insane.
@davidaddams9802
+Surreal469 I was curious about what the others did after this. They all had fairly successful careers after this.
Andre De Shields has primarily been on Broadway with an occasional t.v. role.
Ken Page has bounced between Broadway, Off-Broadway and The Muny outdoor theater in St. Louis. He also voiced Oogie Boogie in the Nightmare Before Christmas and had a role in Dreamgirls.
Charlaine (Charlayne) Woodard has had rolls in movies and tv, including recurring roles on Law and Order: SVU, ER and Chicago Hope.
Armelia McQuuen has a few movie roles and many quest roles on various t.v. shows. She currently plays Shula Whitaker in the t.v. show Hart of Dixie.
@alisadm
+Surreal469 Because "Gimme A Break" began airing on NBC in 1981. This was broadcast on NBC in 1982.
@Surreal469
+alisadm this should've gotten them all deals, though. but maybe they liked theatre more than tv/movies. like was said above they all worked. just not with the same profile Nell had
@alisadm
+Surreal469 Ah--I misunderstood your question. I thought it was why was she so famous that she would get separate/top billing!
@alisadm
+alisadm And this is my favorite show to do! I've done Nell's role twice. I actually worked with her once in 1989 on a different show. She was very kind and sad over what was going on with her family, especially her brother, at that time.
@TheMediaAlert
My parents took me to see this show on Broadway with the original cast. I put up a fight. Didn't want to spend a Saturday night with my parents. Long story short---after the show my dad bought me the album (yes, it was that long ago) Today, decades later I still know the words to every song. Brings back so many memories. We use to sing the songs in the car on long trips. Great memories!
@ValWhiting1
My parents took me too. We had the album too
@UpYourFoodGame
I know every word, every inflection, every chord, every moment of this masterpiece! You’re so fortunate to have shared a room with these incredible people. I cannot hear any of the later versions - it’s this cast or nothing for me. I had the vinyl back in the 80’s and I’ll try find it again. It’s on Spotify but I have to say this live version tops them all! Fats Waller and Nel Carter must be gigging every night in heaven! 👍
@leilalrahimi
same! Although i have the CD now and must have listened to it easily 60 times. The finale makes me cry every time.