Lawrence had success on the record charts in the late 1950s and early 1960s with such hits as "Go Away Little Girl" (U.S. No. 1), "Pretty Blue Eyes" (U.S. No. 9), "Footsteps" (U.S. No. 7), "Portrait of My Love" (U.S. No. 9), and "Party Doll" (U.S. No. 5). "Go Away Little Girl" sold over one million copies and was awarded a Gold record. Much of Lawrence's musical career centered on nightclubs and the musical stage.
The Lady Is A Tramp
Steve Lawrence Lyrics
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She likes the theater and never comes late
She never bothers with people she'd hate
That's why the lady is a tramp
Doesn't like crap games with barons or earls
Won't go to Harlem in ermine and pearls
Won't dish the dirt with the rest of the girls
She likes the free, fresh wind in her hair
Life without care
She's broke, and it's okay
Hates California, it's cold and it's damp
That's why the lady is a tramp
She gets too hungry to wait for dinner at eight
She loves the theater but never comes late
She'd never bother with people she'd hate
That's why the lady is a tramp
She'll have no crap games with sharpies and frauds
And she won't go to Harlem in Lincolns or Fords
And she won't dish the dirt with the rest of the broads
That's why the lady is a tramp
She'd love the free, fresh wind in her hair
Life without care
She's broke, but it's okay
Hates California, it's so cold and so damp
That's why the lady
That's why the lady
That's why the lady is a tramp
The song "The Lady is a Tramp" is a classic tune that was originally from the Rodgers and Hart's musical Babes in Arms. Sung by Steve Lawrence, the lyrics describe a free-spirited, independent woman who is not constrained by societal expectations of a lady. She is hungry for dinner early and loves the theater but never arrives late. She does not bother herself with people who she might dislike, which is why she is considered a "tramp". The term "tramp" does not, in this instance, signify a person who behaves in a particularly risqué or disreputable manner, but rather a person who refuses to be constrained by the view of what is acceptable or fashionable.
The singer goes on to describe further characteristics of the "Lady." She dislikes participating in games with conventional aristocrats and won't travel uptown to shuffle with the Harlem elite. She never gossips with other women and is content with living a life without care, as long as she has the fresh wind in her hair. Even though she is broke, she is okay with it. She similarly hates the weather in California, finding it too cold and damp, which she finds annoying.
In conclusion, the singer of the song is someone who prioritizes her independence and the freedom to live on her terms, without conforming to societal expectations of what a "lady" should be. She does not crave material items and instead values living a life filled with simplicity.
Line by Line Meaning
She gets too hungry for dinner at eight
She has an immense appetite that cannot wait for dinner at a later time.
She likes the theater and never comes late
She has a fondness for the theater and makes a point of arriving on time.
She never bothers with people she'd hate
She avoids interaction with individuals who elicit negative feelings in her.
That's why the lady is a tramp
These qualities lead her to be perceived as unconventional and self-sufficient, often referred to as a tramp.
Doesn't like crap games with barons or earls
She does not enjoy playing undesirable games with people of high social rank.
Won't go to Harlem in ermine and pearls
She refuses to travel to Harlem while outfitted in expensive clothing and jewelry.
Won't dish the dirt with the rest of the girls
She chooses not to engage in gossip with other women.
She likes the free, fresh wind in her hair
She enjoys the feeling of the wind blowing through her hair, symbolizing her love for freedom and independence.
Life without care
She lives a carefree life, unburdened by responsibilities and obligations.
She's broke, and it's okay
She is financially struggling but is content with her current circumstances.
Hates California, it's cold and it's damp
She has a strong dislike for California due to its cold and humid climate.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC, Downtown Music Publishing, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Lorenz Hart, Richard Rodgers
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind