About the song
In the realm of timeless jazz standards, few songs have managed to captivate audiences with the same level of sophistication and playfulness as “The Lady Is a Tramp.” This iconic tune, made famous by the incomparable Frank Sinatra and the First Lady of Song, Ella Fitzgerald, has been a staple of American music for generations. With its clever lyrics, memorable melody, and effortless charm, “The Lady Is a Tramp” continues to delight listeners of all ages, and its enduring popularity is a testament to the genius of its creators.
Written by Richard Rodgers and Lorenz Hart for the 1937 musical “Babes in Arms,” “The Lady Is a Tramp” was originally intended as a satirical commentary on the social conventions of the time. However, it was Sinatra’s 1956 recording, featuring his inimitable phrasing and velvety tone, that truly cemented the song’s status as a jazz classic. Ella Fitzgerald’s subsequent rendition, with her signature scat singing and virtuosic vocal acrobatics, further solidified the song’s place in the pantheon of great American standards.
One of the key factors contributing to the song’s timeless appeal is its clever, tongue-in-cheek lyrics. With lines like “She gets too hungry for dinner at eight / She loves the theatre and never comes late,” Hart’s witty wordplay and clever observations on the social mores of the time continue to delight audiences with their cleverness and humor. Meanwhile, Rodgers’ memorable melody, with its lilting rhythms and soaring crescendos, provides the perfect vehicle for Sinatra and Fitzgerald’s vocal virtuosity.
The chemistry between Sinatra and Fitzgerald on their duet of “The Lady Is a Tramp” is undeniable, with the two vocal legends trading verses and harmonies with effortless ease. Sinatra’s smooth, baritone delivery provides the perfect counterpoint to Fitzgerald’s bright, effervescent soprano, creating a delightful contrast that adds depth and texture to the song. The result is a truly unforgettable listening experience, with the two vocal giants pushing each other to new heights of artistry and expression.
In an era where musical tastes and trends are constantly evolving, “The Lady Is a Tramp” remains a testament to the enduring power of great songcraft and timeless elegance. Whether you’re a longtime jazz aficionado or simply a music lover looking to discover the classics, this iconic tune is sure to captivate and delight. So sit back, relax, and let the incomparable Frank Sinatra and Ella Fitzgerald transport you to a bygone era of sophistication and refinement, where the lady is most definitely a tramp – and we can’t get enough of her.
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Lyrics
I’ve wined and dined on Mulligan stew and never wished for turkey
As I hitched and hiked and grifted too, from Maine to Albuquerque
Alas, I missed the Beaux Arts Ball and what is twice as sad
I was never at a party where they honoured Noel Ca-ad
But social circles spin too fast for me
My “hobohemia” is the place to beI get too hungry for dinner at eight
I like the theater, but never come late
I never bother with people I hate
That’s why the lady is a trampI don’t like crap games with barons and earls
Won’t go to Harlem in ermine and pearls
Won’t dish the dirt with the rest of the girls
That’s why the lady is a trampI like the free, fresh wind in my hair
Life without care
I’m broke, it’s oke
Hate California, it’s cold and it’s damp
That’s why the lady is a trampI go to Coney, the beach is divine
I go to ballgames, the bleachers are fine
I follow Winchell and read every line
That’s why the lady is a trampI like a prizefight that isn’t a fake
I love the rowing on Central Park lake
I go to Opera and stay wide awake
That’s why the lady is a trampI like the green grass under my shoes
What can I lose, I’m flat, that’s that
I’m alone when I lower my lamp
That’s why the lady is a tramp