The Lady is a Tramp

Music by Richard Rogers, lyrics by Lorenz Hart

Sung by Lena Horne


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 honored Noel Coward.

But social circles spin too fast for me.

My Hobohemia is the place to be.


I 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 tramp

I don't like crapgames 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 tramp

I like the free fresh wind in my hair

Life without care

I'm broke, it's oke

Hates California is cold and is damp

That's why the lady is a tramp


I go to Coney-the beach is divine,

I go to ball games-the bleachers are fine,

I follow Winchell and read ev'ry line.

That's why the lady is a tramp.

I 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 tramp.

I like the green grass under my shoes,

What can I lose?

I'm flat! That's that!

I'm all alone when I lower my lamp

That's why the lady is a tramp.


Don't know the reason for cocktails at five,

I don't like flying-I'm glad I'm alive,

I crave affection, but not when I drive.

That's why the lady is a tramp.

Folks go to London and leave me behind,

I'll miss the crowning, Queen Mary won't mind.

I don't play Scarlett in Gone With the Wind,

That' s why the lady is a tramp.

I like to hang my hat where I please,

Sail with the breeze.

No dough-heigh-ho!

I love La Guardia and think he's a champ.

That' s why the lady is a tramp.


Girls get massages, they cry and they moan,

Tell Lizzie Arden to leave me alone.

I'm not so hot, but my shape is my own.

That's why the lady is a tramp!

The food at Sardi's is perfect, no doubt,

I wouldn't know what the Ritz is about,

I drop a nickel and coffee comes out.

That's why the lady is a tramp!

I like the sweet, fresh rain in my face.

Diamonds and lace,

No got-so what?

Listen





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