Sincere
The Music Man Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Quartet:
How can there be any sin in sincere
Where is the good in goodbye?
Your apprehensions confuse me dear
Puzzle and mystify (Mystify)
Tell me what can be fair in farewell, dear
While one single star shines above
How can there be any sin in sincere?

Aren't we sincerely in love?

Oh, we're in love!

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to The Music Man's song Sincere, as sung by the quartet, seem to be questioning the concept of sincerity and its relation to sin and farewell. They ask how there can be any sin in sincerity, implying that being genuine and truthful cannot be considered a wrongdoing. They also question where the good is in goodbye, suggesting that leaving someone or saying goodbye is never truly a positive thing. The line "your apprehensions confuse me dear, puzzle and mystify" further emphasizes the confusion and mixed emotions that often come with farewells. The quartet then wonders how there can be any fairness in saying farewell, as they gaze upon a single shining star above them. They ultimately come to the conclusion that, despite any doubts or hesitations, they are sincerely in love with each other.

Overall, the song seems to be exploring the difficult emotions surrounding the act of saying goodbye to someone you care about deeply. The quartet questions whether being sincere in their emotions could ever be considered sinful, and suggest that saying goodbye is never truly a good thing. However, they ultimately reaffirm their love and commitment to each other, despite any negative thoughts or uncertainties.

Line by Line Meaning

How can there be any sin in sincere
What wrongdoing could possibly exist in pure and genuine intentions?

Where is the good in goodbye?
What positive outcome could come from parting ways?

Your apprehensions confuse me dear
Your uncertainties and doubts perplex me, my love

Puzzle and mystify (Mystify)
Leave me in a state of bewilderment and confusion

Tell me what can be fair in farewell, dear
Explain to me what could justly come from saying goodbye, my love

While one single star shines above
Even with only one star visible in the sky

How can there be any sin in sincere?
How is it possible for there to be any fault in honest and genuine emotions?

Aren't we sincerely in love?
Our love is truly authentic and sincere, isn't it?

Oh, we're in love!
Our affection for each other is undeniable and pure

Contributed by Austin W. Suggest a correction in the comments below.

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Comments from YouTube:

@tadimaggio

4y↑114

It's delightfully ironic that, in the very act of ducking the School Board's demand for his (nonexistent) credentials, Harold does exactly what he claims he'll do with the River City students: turn a group of non-musical people into a harmonious musical ensemble. "The Music Man" isn't just a classic -- it's a PERFECT show. And, like all great musicals, it has moments that are as deeply moving, affecting, and just plain TRUE, as any in the greatest drama. When his seeming fraudulence has been exposed, and Winthrop asks him, "Professor, why did you say that you'd start a band?", Harold gets thoughtful, and then replies quietly "Kid, for me, there's always a band." A life is in that line.

@robertwheeler4068

1y↑2

I was 8 years old, and saw this great musical with my family, 2 weeks in a row! This "Barbershop" style of harmonized singing truly knocked my socks off! I had never heard anything like this before, and became completely immersed in the sound!!🎵🎶☺❤

@loge10

45w↑2

I've been a fan of this movie for 50 years (I'm 68) but I don't think I've ever caught that until now. His ability to see the capability of those four and then show them how to do it shows that he has an innate musicality and can guide others to express their own.

@jordyboy321

6y↑179

That first ice cream from the high tenor makes me chuckle every time.

@John-ps6ce

4y↑7

You make me giggle every time...

@bwlove25

12y↑119

"MMMMMMMMAKE him put up a bond!" haha

@ExtremeUnction1988

3y↑2

HAHAHHAHAHA so good

@MarcKoenig

3y↑4

MMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMAYKE HIM

@geomcgonigle

Oops no

@juco13

10y↑218

The Buffalo Bills were just amazing--so wonderful to hear their impeccable harmonies. I was enthralled with them....may they live forever on youtube!

@johnbockelie3899

4y↑1

They soon found.a job singing as an 1890"s barber shop quartet.,

@poetcomic1

2y↑4

@John Bockelie They WERE a famous quartet from Buffalo NY

@LassannnfromImgur

2y↑10

This harmony will never be matched again. You are listening to the absolute pinnacle of barbershop blending.

@suekrusejones4277

11y↑47

My Dad was a good friend of these guys & sang with them from time to time. I grew up on this music, was a tenor by the time I was 4 - I'll always love this music!

@allenjones3130

2y↑4

Great barbershop harmonizing by the Buffalo Bills!

@MelissaCouch

8y↑115

One of the best musicals I've ever seen. I watched this on constant repeat when I was a little girl, and I still love it!!

@LexHeroux

5y↑1

I did, too!!! Nice to meet someone who did the same thing!

@ianboard544

5y↑5

I'm not a fan of musicals, in general, but this one I really like.
You can tell Meredith Wilson drew on a lot of personal experiences when he wrote it. Gently poking fun at characters (like the mayor), nothing edgy and always with love and affection. It's a vision of the best of America - small town in the midwest, ca 1910 with summer band concerts in the park, ice cream socials, barbershop quartets. A place where we all knew our neighbors and their foibles, and managed to get along.

@michaelraymer7798

2y↑10

"Your apprehensions confuse me dear"
Professor Hill was so smooth lmao

@SirWinstonBeech

9y↑360

High tenor Vern Reed completely steals this scene. There are plenty of people who can sing that high, but his voice is completely unique and this song showcases it like no other. I've got several Buffalo Bills albums - and you still don't get to hear him like you do in this clip. Makes the hair stand up on your neck. I suppose someone who is studied in voice could explain why Vern/Jacey's voice stands out. No autotune here. I love every minute of this movie, but the moment Harold turns the school board in his favor is just jaw dropping. Don't forget to check out "Rock Island", the first "rap" ever recorded.

@Megatwilightwarrior

9y↑21

Winston Beech The most beautiful thing about singing is that the human voice can be so unique...everyone sounds different when talking, if you keep it all natural, you will sound original. No trying to copy or toying or enhance, just you

@smlx4

6y↑64

Vern Reed is my dad and he would have turned 100 TODAY!!

@charliesinatra1079

5y↑16

@Karen Way he and the " bills"were terrific!!!!!! loved em

@mikephoenix1992

5y↑5

@Karen Way Love it! Have you seen this clip of your dad? Looks like he was really enjoying himself... :) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UYXaWl2gAKs

@gregstickler3798

5y↑4

And he never moves into head voice all in his diaphragm
And your correct his voice isn’t very high for a tenor but his ability to blend that sound with the others is the art not every singer can do
There are a couple of points where he does a move and so stands out but in general I don’t see him standing out over the others
Love this movie

6 More Replies...

@liversuccess1420

1y↑10

My favorite parts of this movie were the ones where Harold Hill continuously distracts the school board from investigating him by getting them to sing in quartet, always to the frustration of the mayor.

@heatherkelly2580

23w↑3

The greatest musical film ever made

@tyrssen1

10y↑118

I'm a rocker from the 60's -- but I'll never forget the first time I saw this movie. The Buffalo Bills really stole the show, with their magnificent vocals!

@SkullCrusher757

6y↑2

ive seen bits and pieces of this and im from the 2000s

@tyrssen1

3y↑2

I'm back again in 2021, and am always stunningly impressed with these guys.

@ericpalacios920

1y↑22

each of their voices is so distinct, it makes the harmonies so much better ironically enough

@shannon3714

3y↑6

:55 idk why but the way he says "what am i hearing?!" cracks me up

@earlefrost5512

5y↑50

This wonderful movie was my introduction to Barbershop harmonies... it was INSTANT love at first sound wave, lol!! I was in the Halifax, Nova Scotia chapter for only 7 years, but they were some of the very best times of my entire life so far. The Buffalo Bills were the PERFECT quartet for the job, and Robert Preston was PURE GENIUS. They truly don't make musicals like this anymore.

@rmbjr60

I wonder were there any Marchands there chirping away during practices?

@HolyMotherofGrid

5y↑18

One of the BEST musicals of all time - and these gentlemen were a huge part of that!!! I think they were the reason i got into Barbershopping at the age of 16 - simply inspirational!!

@curtcloud8741

10y↑71

The first tenor is unreal

@williamstenberg1590

5y↑8

Vern Reed.

@aaronmoody7408

1y↑2

Brings back memories watching this with my father. Such memories and memorable melodies. Today's musicals are no comparison and are just pop garbage.

@TomBarrister

11y↑16

From left to right at 2:45, tenor Vern Reed, lead Al Shea, baritone Scotty Ward, and bass Bill Spangenberg. The Bills also performed the Broadway run of this musical from 1957 to 1961.

@Femsa2012

6y↑44

When the show was slated for Broadway the producers went out and got the Buffalo Bills who were national barbershop champions. They could teach them to act later, they could already do all the quartet numbers

@DavidVT23

Meredith Wilson was already a fan of theirs.

@roberthaworth8991

3y↑11

Acting is just sustained not-singing.

@awesomeangelala

11y↑33

Man, that tenor at 2:22! Just AMAZING! We watched this in school today, and all of my favourite parts were whenever these guys came in, just singing away. The harmony between them is absolutely gorgeous.

@flyingmerkel6

9y↑65

One of the last and best big musicals.

@jc4388

9y↑9

Can u believe Bob Preston was not even nominated for best actor?

@CLASSICALFAN100

9y↑3

+John Croyle And, he was just as good in drama! He starred on Broadway in the original production of "The Lion in Winter" (not Peter O'Toole!)

@derricawright8810

Ha ha ha

@tessieoshea6904

I miss the musicals. You always cane out of the theatre with a happy feeling!

@werksdesign

If there was a Grand Finale of musicals, this was certainly the one. I was ten years old when it came to the theaters...... still watch it today.

@jrc99us

9y↑64

Their finale still gives me goosebumps, they were that good!

@rosebyanyname

8y↑79

2:22 “Now you're just showing off!”

@mariannesouza8326

4y↑2

Rose Weldon 😂🎶

@benfrodyma6091

6y↑20

They made that movie. As a matter of fact, I can't think of any other movie that has given me goosebumps...pure talent and perfection

@steveperry1344

15w

my mom used to blast this and other musicals and records on her record player in the morning when we were getting ready for school to get us going. we would all sing and march around the house, it was kinda fun.

@dr_robrt6454

10y↑25

... It's great to hear the flawless harmonies but I was in love with Shirley Jones!

@johnprovince5304

6y↑23

The best American musical ever done, bar none!

@jessicaspading6712

2y↑7

I especially love watching professor hills face at 2:24 with the high tenor.Love watching this group in this amazing musical gem.Such a favorite movie that’s been part of my whole life.No remake can top this masterpiece.🥰💕❤️

@qtippjohnson1

8y↑34

Holy crap the face the guy makes when he get the Tenor 1 to slur up so that he is in tune is HILARIOUS. 3:03.

@RToni

8y↑3

simply: GREAT ENTERTAINMENT = HARD WORK

@ZeskoWhirligan

10y↑199

The movie was FAR better than the Broadway presentation. Even Robert Preston said so.

@oleflogger6828

4y↑4

I disagree completely. The Broadway production concentrated on the music, NOT fancy uniforms, marches, and glitter. I'll never forget that show. It was the first time I saw and heard ANYTHING on Broadway. WOW!

@tintinsnowyful

3y↑14

They're both good. Just different. I was 10 years old when I saw Robert Preston do this on Broadway. His performance was so remarkable that I still have strong images of him bouncing around the stage like a Mexican jumping bean. I have never seen anyone give that much energy to a performance. Decades later I was fortunate to perform in an orchestra with Barbara Cook who was also in the production I saw. I was able to talk with her briefly about the strong effect she and Robert had on my desire to enter the world of music performance.

@skelemberry3810

3y↑1

I do prefer the movie but I must say the Broadway production's still pretty good

@kade82

3y↑5

I've never seen a stage production of THE MUSIC MAN, but I imagine Preston's preference for the movie may be because his dancing would have likely been more restrained on a theatrical stage versus that of a Hollywood soundstage. He seemed to be all over the place in the movie; I'm not sure that would have been possible in the same way on Broadway. I wish Broadway productions had been filmed for posterity. There are so many classic shows I'd enjoy seeing -- musicals and plays.

@tyrssen1

3y↑1

My late mom was a "musical nut," so of course we had the LP record of the Broadway production. That, and the movie, were both great.

3 More Replies...

@thesnakeman8006

5y↑18

3:31. The movie could have ended right here. Fireworks going off, fade to black, "the end", roll credits. LMFAO

@bigeasy1950

8y↑22

Haven't heard this in 18 years. This is the kind of stuff that made me into the musical minded person I am today. So good to hear it

@BigLou5959

2y↑1

After watching this clip, I am going to rewatch the movie.

@patburneson7848

10y↑35

A fantastic movie with fantastically talented artists.

@tomjones2348

Superb casting of every part.

@rickchapman4240

5y↑10

I love Barbershop, it's so much fun, I was bass in a mixed quartet in Montrose, Colorado

@ikmarchini

14y↑16

this for me is one of the great scenes of all musical theater- opera included. We cross the line from spoken and earthbound to singing and dreaming in an instant. Would that our world was more like this. Not to mention my Dad, a fanatic Barbershopper, had me singing this number when I was 8 years old on various parts. Magic!

@Rainmaker65

3y↑2

I can't tell how many times I've been back here to listed to this one song...always fawning over their mix and singing. OFTEN IMITATED - NEVER DUPLICATED.

@VAXHeadroom

3y↑3

We did this my sophomore year in HS - 1977 (Catonsville MD). The quartet was played by 4 'gentlemen of color' to use the current phrase. They used to climb up into the auditorium catwalks and practice. They were terrific, I hope they're all still singing!

@winstonbeech3418

37w↑1

In my high school four guys just happened to get together as a barbershop quartet. They were actually quite good. My school was full of talented musicians but most went on to become lawyers, doctors, business owners, scientists... a few had long professional musical careers. Don’t know what became of the barbershop guys. Tom, Steve, Alonzo, and Bob. They were really pretty damn good.

@rgfisher21

12y↑4

I sang on stage with them in Burlington, Vermont in (I believe) 1962. I was only twelve at the time, but my Father was such a obsessive barbershopper that we practically lived it. They were, at the time the quartet that everyone wanted to be. After they broke up Vern Green bought a shop in Burlington. He had a booth at the Fair and I would talk for as long has he let me about the days of Music Man. He passed away in Vermont of complications of Alzheimers.

@richardbrucegraham1642

Reed. Yes, I've seen a note from his daughter somewhere about his passing and suffering from Alzheimers. Looking forward to angelic chord busting when I do!

@rgfisher21

@Richard Bruce Graham Reed is correct... I do not know how that got to be Green on my post. He was 74 when he passed. My wife worked at the Alzheimer facility were he spent his last days. She told me that he had no clear memory of those glory days but, he did tend to occasionally head for the door to meet the boys for rehearsal. It's so sad, I think that is the worse illness ever. You lose all your past, good memories and bad. When I first started singing with the barbershopper's my voice hadn't changed yet, so I strived to be a tenor like him. As nature would have it, shortly after my voice changed from tenor to baritone.

@melfuller8282

2y↑1

One of my favorite musicals

@ripjaw105

8y↑22

When the 4th guy can't get the pitch and the third guy keeps pointing down XD. Best part of the whole movie. Love this scene.

@HegemonWiggi

8y↑14

+Ripjaw105 on the contrary, that's a very common Barbershop trick and 101% on pitch, but still definitely the best part of the movie

@soakupthesunman

5y↑2

Barbershop quartet is: Bass, Baritone, Lead Tenor, and First Tenor (preferably sharp.). He is not off pitch here. A sharp Tenor is highly thought of. I'm sure BBSQ members & fans appreciate this scene very much.

@JPurvis10

5y↑2

Its was more about resolving the chord. Another great chord to listen to is the last chord from "Notre Dame Melody by Ring Masters". The tenor is a full step down until he resolves up to complete the final chord.

@martinpatrick8964

This is one of my ten favourite Broadway Musicals of all time, that was brought to the screen. I love it dearly! Martin of London

@thefabulousthomasj

4y↑3

Personal Opinion: "The Music Man" is the best film adaptation of a Broadway musical, period. "1776" is a very tight second. You "West Side Story" and "Rent" fans, keep scrolling.

@liberte5847

3y↑1

Amazing voices ever in stereophonic soundtrack, TechniColor and CinemaScope widescreen ! Thanks from Paris France and take care.

@JeevesReturns

5y↑2

There’s a barbershop group here at Disney World in Orlando(the Dapper Dans)... one day I’m gonna walk up to them and croon “how can there be... 🎵 “ and see if the catch on. 😊.

@thesnakeman8006

5y↑3

Make sure you film the reaction, ok? LOL

@charbora

4y↑2

I interviewed Vern in 1985 - this introduction of the school board by Preston was finalized in the Broadway show only a week before the Buffalo Bills left the show and went to the west coast to be in the movie.

@bobbydavis888

2y↑1

Greatest Musical...Dick Grapes's Birthday would've been today! Original Buffalo Bill!

@johnakaoldguy3158

4y↑3

My all time favorite musical. Robert Preston was amazing. I am looking forward to Hugh Jackman to playing Howard Hill. Another amazing talent. 👏👏

@greasy_night_rat9102

3y↑7

I've rewatched this video many times but am only just Now making this (what was most likely not intended) connect.
3:15 I understand the song's original context, but I like to think that this specific line in the song is making note of the quartet's bond.
Love doesn't always have to be romantic mind you, love can be platonic.
In this case, love would be the Buffalo Bills's shared joy in singing and just being together. :)

@xebatansis

8y↑31

Damn, the second Buffalo from the right is a stud!

@Chequers99

8y↑1

+Sebastian Brinkmann
This comment made my day, lol.

@hackgilliam7744

8y↑1

Sebastian Brinkmann

@amandagiordano982

7y↑1

Sebastian Brinkmann His name is Oliver

@dmbirkeland

7y↑9

If you are refering to the lead, he is Al Shea. The others are Vern Reed, Scotty Ward filling in for Dick Grapes, and Bill Spangenberg. The Buffalo Bills were the 1950 International Quartet Champions of the SPEBSQSA.

@krimsworld

I think you're referring to the baritone, Wayne "Scotty" Ward.

@tictac4949

5y↑3

brings a tear to my eye no joke

@ianboard544

6y↑4

For my money, the best musical movie. So many great tunes.

@syeofficial2351

7y↑14

The Tenor's modal voice is so damn different than his singing voice. Falsetto makes a difference when you're so gifted! I wish to be a Tenor in a quartet. By the way, in case you don't know what I'm talking about, it's the part when he says "Just a minute, Professor Hill..."

@peteratkinson922

50w

I sang barbershop for about a year. Tuning ok but struggled with the words and presentation. The enthusiasm and dedication is truly awesome.

@michaelfernandez5900

21w↑1

Gets me everytime...

@nahkohese555

3y↑4

We did this musical in high school and the 4 guys cast in these parts had never sung together like this. They, like their characters, really did form a barbershop quartet and went off to college together, still competing in barbersop quartet competitions.

@bassetthound1234

10y↑29

Ice Cream does make the world go around

@louislightstar7774

Amen brother

@miffy1950

3y↑2

What a joy to watch!!! Great singing!!

@daviesgarden

13y↑3

I think the message here is that music calms the savage beast...or beasts. Music is something that digs down into our innermost being. Music unites. Thank the dieties for music. Music, harmony, art, evalates us into a space where we can unite with the beauty of it...that's why I love music. that's why I love art. They lift us up, out of the douldrum of our everyday existance into another realm. Please excuse the spelling...artists are not very good spellers.....

@richardbrucegraham1642

"...music is a a ladder for the soul to ascend..." I know I've read that somewhere...

@williamjones7163

I was in the Music Man presented by Billings Studio Theater in Billings Montana in the late '70s. (A few years ago...) the barber shop quartet was good but nearly as good as these guys. What do you talk? What do ya talk? What dya talk? He doesn't know the territory!

@orangeblossoms88

11y↑2

Forget Marian or Harold... The Buffalo Bills are the stars of this play.

@georgesoros6415

10y↑36

This scene made for many a divorce, I'm afraid.
God bless the Buffalo Bills.

@libbysingscontrezzo8419

3y↑1

The baritone is smoking. I sang barbershop for many years. Great fun, and you really learn how to sing in tune and stay on pitch.

@staffsaber534

9y↑5

Oh, man. We did this musical when I was in high school. I played Ewart (the guy in the light grey jacket).

@joker321boom

4y↑2

I love this genre of music

@detsportsfan18

13y↑3

One of the best groups of all time, love them!

@CreamyBone

11y↑2

These dudes kick butt.

@froboythestud

6y↑1

That tenor cracked me up as a kid so much!!!

@CodaMission

1y↑1

In his effort to conning people into thinking he could improve their lives, he accidentally realized he could just improve people's lives

@richardgrant1093

6y↑3

Pure talent..love it

@fluffsquad8658

2y↑2

one can only wonder what this would sound like with modern microphones.

@BluStile3

11y↑1

Thank you for posting this lost treasure. I directed the show in LA in the 80s with a wonderful cast and quartet... But these guys were the finest

@SFKelvin

So unbelievably good. I LOVE male singing. Beautiful. BRAVO!!!!

@jauch0

3y↑2

Back in their time these guys were big stars. Can you imagine a barbershop quartet getting any kind of following today?

@guiguifaitlcon2598

43w↑1

Newfangled four ?

@malcolmdale

4y↑1

I loved this movie :]

@dennisvance4004

5y↑2

Learning to sing barbershop quartet: it’s just that easy.

@kojikondokojikondo

“Singing is just keep talking” Genius

@ErinLovegood

12y↑1

I am in love with the Buffalo Bills and always have been

@shevetlevi2821

3y↑1

Such a happy old timin' sound.

@jimi99colorado

5y↑1

I love posting this clip on FB on 4th of July

@charliejdk

Year I was born; played numbers in band; soundtrack never stops in my mind, or heart.

@heatherkelly2580

23w↑1

ROBERT PRESTON in "THE MUSIC MAN" (1962)

@brendapetersen364

6y↑1

Love these guys!

@MikeBlitzMag

13y↑1

For my money, the greatest film of the 20th century. Love it!

@nancygaston4095

41w

I hated being dragged to barbershop concerts as a kid. Buffalo Bills only ones that seemed to sing in tune although I realise a capella is difficult... 😁

@johnireland6301

Just wonderful

@MrVanAnderson

8y↑80

You see? Singing is just sustained talking.

@oleflogger6828

4y↑3

Yeah! ...... "DOWN HERE"!

@GasCityGuy

11y

One of my all-time favorites

@Veggieman87

14y

That Ice Cream tag is so precise (the baritone part only goes up by half-steps while the rest change more noticeably). One flub and the whole tag is shot. Trust me on that.

@Ari-Zone

There my favorite characters

@TheFranciscibus

11y↑1

2:25 what he does with his voice is just incredible.

@jonathanfunnell4167

3y↑1

CHARLES LANE IS THE BEST CHARACTER ACTOR EVER IN MY OPINION

@StarWarriorCentral

6y↑1

Robert's reaction at 2:22 is priceless!

@funtimenotalongtime6122

7y↑1

that high tenor from 2:16 to 2:27 LMFAO!!!!!!!! so good😂😂😂😂😂

@jedidrummerjake

7y↑4

That is the ear candy!!!!

@326dad

11y

My fathers collegiate quartet, (The College Four) auditioned against the Bills for this part and won. Unfortunately, the top tenor and baritone couldn't get time off from school and the Bills got the part !

@thatlibrarysmell720

8y↑4

The highest one: Poor thing. His voice never changed.

@ec1343

Jellicle Gem he's in falsetto, his voice has changed

@thatlibrarysmell720

Eros Reyes I was joking. we did music man at my school last year and I was making fun of the guy who played that role.

@iainhaukka3583

7y↑4

If you think this is falsetto, you ought to take some private voice lessons and discover how difficult it is to achieve that kind of power with falsetto. This man is an absolute beast and is actually chest voicing all those high notes. You can hear him switch back to something closer to a falsetto register in between the moments where he is featured.

@syeofficial2351

7y↑3

It's falsetto dude. I assure you, his modal voice is in the lower baritone range and his vocal range when you search up the actual Buffalo Bill quartet is high-baritone, which would make it difficult for him to achieve such notes with ease. His modal can be heard when he says: "Just a minute Professor Hill..." at their entry. Please reassure yourself before posting a reply.