Theatre Top Theatre Picks

My All-Time Favourite Sondheim Songs

The hole left behind by the loss of Stephen Sondheim is immeasurable. In my mind, he was eternal. There’s no other explanation for such beautiful words coming from a mortal man. His lyrics are inspiring, his music is transformative, and the influence he had on reinventing musical theatre will be his incredible legacy. There isn’t a theatre fan out there who hasn’t been somewhat shaped by him. His creations will live on forever in the millions of people he inspired spanning across generations.

I want to dedicate a post on my blog to the man who pioneered the modern day musical, and reflect on some of my favourite songs of his. These are in no particular order – I’m too indecisive for that! We’re lucky I even managed to whittle this down at all.


1. Not A Day Goes By – Merrily We Roll Along

I keep thinking, “When does it end?
Where’s the day I’ll have started forgetting?”
But I just go on
Thinking and sweating,
And cursing and crying,
And turning and reaching,
And waking and dying.

2. Finishing The Hat – Sunday in the Park with George

Mapping out a sky
What you feel like, planning a sky
What you feel when voices that come
Through the window go
Until they distance and die
Until there’s nothing but sky

3. What More Do I Need – Saturday Night

I hear a crane making street repairs
A two-ton child running wild upstairs
Steam pipes bang, sirens clang
And what more do I need?

4. Epiphany – Sweeney Todd

We all deserve to die
Even you, Mrs. Lovett, even I
Because the lives of the wicked should be made brief
For the rest of us death will be a relief

5. I Remember – Evening Primrose

I remember days, or at least I try
But as years go by, they’re sort of haze
And the bluest ink, isn’t really sky
And at times I think I would gladly die
For a day of sky

6. Send In The Clowns – A Little Night Music

Just when I stopped opening doors
Finally knowing the one that I wanted was yours
Making my entrance again with my usual flair
Sure of my lines
No one is there

7. Everybody Says Don’t – Anyone Can Whistle

Sometimes you have to start small
Climbing the tiniest wall
Maybe you’re going to fall
But it’s better than not starting at all

8. Losing My Mind – Follies

Sometimes I stand in the middle of the floor
Not going left, not going right
I dim the lights and think about you
Spend sleepless nights to think about you
You said you loved me, or were you just being kind?
Or am I losing my mind?

9. I Never Do Anything Twice – The Seven Percent Solution

Once, yes, once is a lark
Twice, though, loses the spark
Once, yes, once is delicious
But twice would be vicious
Or just repetitious

10. No One Is Alone – Into the Woods

Sometimes people leave you
Halfway through the wood
Others may deceive you
You decide what’s good
You decide alone
But no one is alone


Bonus Song: You Could Drive A Person Crazy – Company

So here’s the thing, I never cared much for the original version of this song (I’m sorry). But then the gender-swapped production happened back in 2018 and the vocal arrangements are to die for. I firmly believe the West End revival cast recording is mandatory listening and I will die on this hill.

What’s your favourite Stephen Sondheim song or show? Let me know in the comments!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.