Don't Say Yes Until I Finish Talking
SMASH Cast feat. Christian Borle Lyrics

A studio executive has no beliefs
Studio executives are willing to change their beliefs to satisfy the studio system

That's the way of the studio system
The studio system requires executive compliance

We bow to every rear of all the studio chiefs
Executives submit to the desires of all studio chiefs

And you can bet your ass we've kissed 'em
Executives will do anything to please studio chiefs

Even the birds in the Hollywood Hills
Everyone knows the secret to success in Hollywood

Know the secret to our success
The ability to say yes to everything results in success

It's those magical words that pay the bills:
Saying yes is what keeps the money flowing

Yes, yes, yes, and yes
The answer is always yes

Today the trades are all aglow
The media is filled with buzz about the latest release

With grosses for our Miss Monroe
The financial profits from Marilyn Monroe's latest movie are impressive

The things those vermin mustn't know
The public should remain unaware of the difficulties working with Monroe

Is what she puts us through
Dealing with Monroe causes stress and frustration for executives

She makes directors wait all day
Monroe is extremely difficult to work with and wastes time on set

One line per hour is all she'll say
Monroe is slow and uncooperative on set

And still, she thinks we're gonna pay
Despite her poor performance, Monroe expects to receive her full salary

She needs a talking to
Monroe needs to be disciplined for her actions

Tomatoes like her must be put in their place
Actresses like Monroe need to be controlled

If she don't shape up soon, she'll soon be walking
Monroe will be fired if she does not improve her attitude and performance quickly

'Cause the buck stops with me
The executive has the final say in all decisions

(Yes you're right, we agree!)
Executive assistants and colleagues are quick to agree with their boss

Uh, don't say yes until I finish talking
The executive wants to make their point before anyone agrees or disagrees

She's got them all tied up in knots
Monroe's behavior is causing problems for everyone around her

Makes each producer faint and plotz
Monroe's behavior is causing producers to become overwhelmed

She thinks she's queen and calls the shots
Monroe believes she is in charge and can make the final decisions

As she sits on a throne
Monroe's behavior and attitude is reminiscent of royalty

She needs to learn she's only skin
Monroe should realize that she is replaceable

The next girl's waiting for a spin
There are plenty other actresses waiting to take Monroe's place

I made a star of Rin Tin Tin and paid him with a bone
The executive has a history of creating successful stars and rewards them accordingly

Tomatoes like her
Actresses like Monroe

Well, they're easy to find
There are many actresses like Monroe

We throw them out as soon as they start squacking
Actresses who are difficult are quickly fired

So, get me some younger dish
Find me a younger, more obedient actress

(We concur, as you wish!)
Executive assistants and colleagues agree without objection

Hey! Don't say yes until I finish talking
The executive wants to be heard before anyone agrees or disagrees

And while you've got me on a roll
The executive is on a roll and wants to keep talking

Let's find a role for Nat King Cole
The executive is considering giving singer Nat King Cole a new role

Tell Mankiewicz his script is trite
The executive thinks the script is poor and wants it rewritten

A little lower, to the right
The executive is making a hand gesture to show where changes need to be made

I think that Brando is miscast
The executive believes that Marlon Brando is poorly cast in the film

That television just won't last
The executive believes that television is not a viable form of entertainment

That I'm the King of Hollywood
The executive believes that they are the ultimate authority in Hollywood

(All hail the king!)
Employees and colleagues praise and recognize the executive's authority

Oh, that feels good
The executive enjoys being recognized and praised

Which brings me back to that dumb blonde
The executive returns to discussing Marilyn Monroe

To her demands, I now respond
The executive will no longer comply with Monroe's demands

Some buy your act, but I'm not conned
The executive knows that Monroe's behavior is not genuine

You'd better fall in line
Monroe should start following orders and stop causing problems

Your two bazooms are nuts to boot
Monroe's physical appearance is not enough to excuse her poor behavior

I'll keep you in a bathing suit
The executive will use Monroe for her sex appeal

When you stop bringing in the loot
If Monroe stops being financially successful, she will be replaced

Well, go back to the vine
Monroe will be fired and can return to obscurity

Tomatoes like you
Actresses like Monroe

They all whither and die
Actresses who are difficult and disobedient quickly lose their success

My powers, though, will never be diminished
The executive's authority will never be weakened

So don't bring me to my boiling point
Monroe should not push the executive to their limit

You're just a broad, I own the joint
The executive has complete power over Monroe and the industry

I'm in control, you're just a face
The executive has all of the power, and Monroe is just a pawn

So allow me to cut to the chase
The executive wants to get to the point and make decisions quickly

I'll make another movie star
The executive will create more successful stars in the future

Could someone light my damn cigar?
The executive wants a cigar and expects it to be given to them

And then say "yes"
Everyone is expected to say yes to the executive's decisions

Cause yes, men
The people around the executive always say yes

I'm finished
The executive is done speaking

(YES!)
Everyone around the executive agrees and praises their authority