Two By Two
Original Broadway Cast Lyrics


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Well, Joanne we're off
I tried you at the office
And they said you're stage managing or something

Remind her that those unwed mothers in Harlem
Need her legal help too

Call Daisy for our itinerary or Alfred at Pound Ridge
Or Eileen at the state department in a pinch
We'll be at the spa for New Year's
Unless the senator changes his mind

The hearings

Oh yes kitten
Mummy's confirmation hearing begins on the tenth
We'll need you alone by the sixth (Harold!)

You hear that?
It's three weeks away
And she's already nervous

I am not!

For Mummy's sake, Kitten
No Doc Martens this time and wear a dress
Oh, and Kitten have a merry





And a bra!

Overall Meaning

The first lines of the song "Two By Two" by Original Broadway Cast indicate that the singer and someone named Joanne are about to embark on a trip. However, when the singer tries to reach Joanne at work, they are told that she is "stage managing or something." The rest of the lyrics provide more details about the upcoming trip. For instance, the singer gives Joanne a reminder to assist with legal cases involving unwed mothers in Harlem. They also instruct Joanne to contact several people to organize the itinerary for the trip. The singer then mentions that they plan to be at a spa for New Year's unless a senator changes their mind about attending a hearing.


On the surface, "Two By Two" may seem like a simple song about preparations for a trip. However, a closer examination suggests that the characters are part of a wealthy or influential family. They casually mention important contacts and engagements, such as a senatorial hearing and legal work in Harlem. Additionally, there is a dynamic between the singer and Joanne that is not fully explained. But it seems like the singer may be in a position of authority over Joanne, or at the very least, they have a familiarity that suggests a shared background.


Line by Line Meaning

Well, Joanne we're off
Hello Joanne, we are leaving now.


I tried you at the office
I attempted to reach you at your job.


And they said you're stage managing or something
They informed me that you are working as a stage manager.


Remind her that those unwed mothers in Harlem
Please remind her that there are unmarried mothers in Harlem who require her legal assistance.


Need her legal help too
They also require her legal assistance.


Call Daisy for our itinerary or Alfred at Pound Ridge
Please call Daisy to obtain our itinerary, or Alfred in Pound Ridge.


Or Eileen at the state department in a pinch
If necessary, contact Eileen at the state department.


We'll be at the spa for New Year's
We will be spending New Year's at the spa.


Unless the senator changes his mind
Unless the senator alters his intentions.


The hearings
Referring to the political hearings.


Oh yes kitten
Yes, my dear.


Mummy's confirmation hearing begins on the tenth
My mother's confirmation hearing commences on the tenth.


We'll need you alone by the sixth (Harold!)
You will be required to be alone on the sixth, Harold!


You hear that?
Did you comprehend what I stated?


It's three weeks away
It is three weeks from now.


And she's already nervous
She is already anxious.


I am not!
I am not nervous!


For Mummy's sake, Kitten
For our mother's sake, my dear.


No Doc Martens this time and wear a dress
Do not wear Doc Martens this time and instead, wear a dress.


Oh, and Kitten have a merry
Oh, and my dear, have a pleasant holiday season.


And a bra!
Do not forget to wear a bra!




Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: JONATHAN D. LARSON

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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