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.
Shall I Tell You What I Think of You?
Rodgers And Hammerstein Lyrics
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Your servant! Your servant!
Indeed I'm not your servant --
Although you give me less than servant's pay --
I'm a free and independent employe
[pronounced "employay"]...(sigh) employee.
You think, like ev'ry woman
I have to be a slave or concubine.
You conceited, self-indulgent libertine! ...(sigh)
libertine! [pronounced "liberteen"]
How I wished I called him that!
Right to his face! Libertine!
And while we're on the subject, sire,
There are certain goings on around this place
That I wish to tell you I do not admire:
I do not like polygamy
Or even moderate bigamy
I realize
That in your eyes
That clearly makes a prig o' me.
But I am from a civilized land called Wales!
Where men like you are locked in county jails!
In your pursuit of pleasure, you
Have mistresses who treasure you
They have no ken of other men
Beside whom they can measure you
A flock of sheep and you're the only ram
No wonder you're the wonder of Siam!
[Spoken] I'm rather glad I didn't say that...
Not with the women right there...and the children
[Singing] The children, the children,
I'll not forget the children,
No matter where I go I'll always see
Those little faces looking up at me...
At first, when I started to teach,
They were shy and remained out of reach,
But lately I've thought
One or two have been caught
By a word I have said
Or a sentence I've read
And I've heard an occasional question
That implied, at least, a suggestion
That the work I've been trying to do
Was beginning to show with a few...
That Prince Chululongkorn
Is very like his father.
He's stubborn-but inquistitive and smart...
I must leave this place before they break my heart
I must leave this place before they break my heart!
Goodness! I had no idea it was so late.
Shall It tell you what I think of you?
You're spoiled!
You're a conscientious worker
But your spoiled.
Giving credit where it's due
There is much I like in you
But it's also very true
That your spoiled!
Everybody's always bowing to the King
Everybody has to grovel to the King.
By your Buddha you are blessed
By your ladies you're caressed,
But the one who loves you best is the King.
All that bowing and kow-towing
To remind you of your royalty,
I find a most disgusting exhibition.
I wouldn't ask a Siamese cat
To demonstrate his loyalty
By taking this ridiculous position
How would you like it if you were a man
Playing the part of a toad.
Crawling around on your elbows and knees.
Eating the dust of the road!...
Toads! Toads! All of your people are toads!
Yes, Your Majesty;
No, Your Majesty.
Tell us how low to go, Your Majesty;
Make some more decrees, Your Majesty,
Don't let us up off out knees, Your Majesty.
Give us a kick, if you please Your Majesty
Give us a kick, if you would, Your Majesty
Oh, That was good, Your Majesty!
In these powerful and expressive lyrics from Rodgers and Hammerstein's song "Shall I Tell You What I Think of You?" in The King and I, Anna, the singer, confronts the King of Siam with her thoughts and feelings about the oppressive nature of his rule and his treatment of women in his court. She begins by asserting her independence, rejecting the notion of being a servant despite the unequal treatment she receives. With a mix of indignation and resignation, Anna laments the stereotypes and expectations placed on women, referencing the King as a "conceited, self-indulgent libertine" who upholds practices like polygamy that she vehemently opposes.
The lyrics showcase Anna's defiance and criticism towards the King's lifestyle and behavior. She comes from a different, more progressive society in Wales and finds the King's actions and attitudes towards women to be regressive and oppressive. Anna's sharp words reveal her frustration with the King's disregard for traditional values and his treatment of women as possessions rather than equals. Through her impassioned words, Anna challenges the King's authority and traditional beliefs, standing up for her principles even in the face of potential repercussions.
As Anna reflects on the impact of her teachings on the King's children, she demonstrates her genuine care and concern for them. She acknowledges the potential for positive change in the younger generation, yet recognizes the limitations of her position within the oppressive environment of the King's court. Anna's determination to leave before her heart is broken reflects her inner conflict between her duty and her moral convictions. The lyrics highlight the complexities of her relationship with the King, blending admiration for his positive qualities with criticism of his oppressive ways.
In the concluding verses, Anna delivers a cutting critique of the King's authoritarian rule and the subservient behavior of his subjects. She challenges the King to consider the dehumanizing effect of his power and the expectations placed upon those in his court to constantly bow and grovel before him. Anna's impassioned plea for basic human dignity and equality shines through as she rebukes the King for his oppressive reign. Through these lyrics, Anna asserts her own agency and speaks out against the injustices perpetuated by the King, standing up for her beliefs and challenging the status quo in a society that values obedience and submission above all else.
Line by Line Meaning
Your servant! Your servant!
I am not your servant, despite being treated as such.
Indeed I'm not your servant -- Although you give me less than servant's pay -- I'm a free and independent employe [pronounced 'employay']...(sigh) employee.
I am not a servant and should be treated as a free and independent employee, not underpaid.
You think, like ev'ry woman I have to be a slave or concubine. You conceited, self-indulgent libertine! ...(sigh) libertine! [pronounced 'liberteen']
You believe that all women should be subservient, but I see you as a self-indulgent libertine who is full of himself.
How I wished I called him that! Right to his face! Libertine!
I wish I could express my true feelings to your face and call you out for your libertine behavior.
I do not like polygamy Or even moderate bigamy I realize That in your eyes That clearly makes a prig o' me.
I disapprove of your polygamous and bigamous ways, even if it makes me seem like a prude in your eyes.
Where men like you are locked in county jails! In your pursuit of pleasure, you Have mistresses who treasure you
In my homeland, men like you would be imprisoned for your actions. Your pursuit of pleasure leads to women who treasure you.
They have no ken of other men Beside whom they can measure you
The women who surround you are unaware of other men who could compare to you.
I'll not forget the children, No matter where I go I'll always see Those little faces looking up at me...
I cannot forget the impact the children have had on me, their faces always stay with me.
That Prince Chululongkorn Is very like his father. He's stubborn-but inquistitive and smart...
Prince Chululongkorn resembles his father in many ways, being both stubborn and intelligent.
Shall It tell you what I think of you? You're spoiled! You're a conscientious worker But your spoiled.
Shall I be honest with you? You are spoiled, although you work hard.
By your Buddha you are blessed By your ladies you're caressed, But the one who loves you best is the King.
Despite your blessings from Buddha and adoration from ladies, the one who truly loves you is the King.
Crawling around on your elbows and knees. Eating the dust of the road!...
Imagine if you, as a man, were forced to crawl like a toad, subservient and degraded.
Oh, That was good, Your Majesty!
It brings pleasure to your subjects to grovel and praise you, Your Majesty.
Lyrics © CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC
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