The pair wrote nine musicals together and collaborated on a musical film, State Fair. As producers, they also brought Irving Berlin's Annie Get Your Gun to the stage, leaving an indelible mark on American musical theater and a legacy of successes that has never been equaled.
Our greatest living Broadway composer, Steven Sondheim, spent summers with Oscar Hammerstein during his formative adoplescent years. The legacy lives on.
My Lord and Master
Rodgers And Hammerstein Lyrics
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(Spoken) The King is pleased!
He is pleased with me!
My Lord and Master
Declares he's pleased with me-
What does he mean?
This lord and master?
When he has looked at me what has he seen?
Something young
Soft and slim,
Painted cheek,
Tap'ring limb,
Smiling lips
All for him,
Eyes that shine
Just for him-
So he thinks...
Just for him!
Though the man may be
My Lord and Master,
Though he may study me
As hard as he can,
The smile beneath my smile
He'll never see
He'll never know I love another man
He'll never know, I love another man
In the scene where Tuptim sings My Lord and Master in Rodgers and Hammerstein's The King and I, Tuptim is a young woman newly arrived in Siam, having been gifted to the king as a concubine from Burma. In these lyrics, Tuptim is reflecting on the king's apparent pleasure with her, both physically and in her actions toward him. She recognizes the power dynamic between them, as he is her lord and master, and she is his possession. Tuptim then ponders what the king has really seen when he has looked at her, citing her physical appearance and actions that she has done for him.
However, she also reveals that there is a hidden part of herself that the king will never know. She is in love with another man, and while the king may focus on her external appearance, he will never be able to see the true emotions and desires that lie beneath. Even as she smiles and sings for him, there is a part of her that remains hidden and unknown.
The song is a poignant exploration of power dynamics and the complexities of relationships, particularly in a situation where one person is essentially owned by another. Tuptim's lyrics speak to the struggle to maintain a sense of self and autonomy, even in a situation where that may seem impossible.
Line by Line Meaning
The King is pleased!
Rejoicing that the King appears to be happy.
He is pleased with me!
Feeling elated that the King is happy with Tuptim.
My Lord and Master
Describing the King as the absolute ruler and object of devotion.
Declares he's pleased with me-
Reiterating that the King has proclaimed his satisfaction and pleasure with Tuptim.
What does he mean?
Questioning the King's intentions and true feelings towards Tuptim.
What does he know of me
Expressing doubt about whether the King truly understands who Tuptim is as a person.
This lord and master?
Continuing the questioning of the King's authority and claim to mastery over Tuptim.
When he has looked at me what has he seen?
Wondering about what the King perceives when he observes Tuptim.
Something young
Describing Tuptim's youthful and innocent appearance.
Soft and slim,
Describing Tuptim's delicate and slender frame.
Painted cheek,
Suggesting that Tuptim has used makeup to create a pleasing appearance for the King.
Tap'ring limb,
Referring to Tuptim's gracefully tapered limbs.
Smiling lips
Highlighting Tuptim's friendly and welcoming demeanor towards the King.
All for him,
Emphasizing that Tuptim's actions and expressions are meant solely for the King's benefit.
Eyes that shine
Describing Tuptim's bright and gleaming eyes that reflect her joy at being in the King's favor.
Just for him-
Reiterating that Tuptim's attention and affection are exclusively directed towards the King.
So he thinks...
Suggesting that the King's perception of Tuptim and her motives may not be entirely correct.
Just for him!
Reasserting that Tuptim appears completely devoted and loyal to the King.
Though the man may be
Acknowledging the King's authority and power over Tuptim as his subject.
My Lord and Master,
Addressing the King in the traditional language of subservience and allegiance.
Though he may study me
Recognizing that the King may scrutinize Tuptim and her behavior closely.
As hard as he can,
Emphasizing that the King may be putting a great deal of effort into trying to understand Tuptim's thoughts and feelings.
The smile beneath my smile
Alluding to Tuptim's concealed inner emotions and desires that are hidden from the King's view.
He'll never see
Asserting that the King will never be able to fully comprehend or acknowledge Tuptim's true self and motivations.
He'll never know I love another man
Revealing that Tuptim is secretly in love with someone other than the King and is keeping it hidden from him.
Contributed by Isaiah O. Suggest a correction in the comments below.