Songs and Lyrics (Lehrer)/Scenery

3413840Songs and Lyrics — SceneryThomas Andrew Lehrer

SCENERY

words by Tom Lehrer
music by James van Heusen
tune: "Harmony" (from Variety Girl - 1947)
written for and used in shows at Camp Androscoggin

(Enter in front of curtain)

If it is not exactly clear
Why I'm here,
You may think it's part of the plot,
But it's not.
This song I bring
Is just a silly thing,
Which I will only sing,
You see,
To give them time to change the scenery.

Scenery, scenery,
The only reason that there is for this here song
Is to help the guys along.


(turning upstage) Tell us now, are you ready for us?
(all backstage yell:) NO!
(to audience) Well, in that case, I will sing another chorus.


If you should ask me why this song
Is so long,
All I can say is just that I'm
Killing time.
As you must know,
I didn't write this show,
And so you mustn't go
Blaming me.
I'm here to let them change the scenery.

Scenery, scenery,
And if you think this song is silly as can be,
I admit that I agree.


(turning upstage) Tell us now, are you ready for us?
(all backstage yell:) YES!
(to audience) Well, in that case, you are spared another chorus.


(Exit)

Note: Can be done as a solo or by a small group (changing "I" to "we," etc.) A dance interlude may be inserted if the song still isn't long enough to accommodate the scene change.