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!