Show Synopsis:
This song cycle shows stories of different people in all different situations deciding things, taking control of their lives, and entering new stages of life.
Character:
Woman #2
Song Context:
In this scene, a rich, privileged, and slightly neurotic woman is standing on a window ledge and trying to frighten her husband into giving her everything she wants, including a declaration of love and commitment.
Fun Facts:
1) This musical was Jason Robert Brown's first produced show in 1995.
2) Brown has described this musical as "a summation of the first 25 years of his life, and especially the first five years he spent in New York."
3) On the original cast recording of Songs For A New World, Jessica Molaskey, a well-known jazz singer and musical theatre actor, sings this song.
"Murray,
I am out here Murray,
And I am not discussing this anymore.
You don't want to buy me the fur?
Well, that's just fine Murray.
It's not like I'm asking for much,
Since you won't buy me the dog
Or the beach house in Quogue.
As if you didn't have the money!
What else is new?
I'm not gonna fight for a coat
So never mind, Murray.
If that's what's important to you,
At least I know where I stand,
So, Murray, strike up the band
Because the time has come for action.
Here's what I'll do.
Clearly, I'm not wanted anymore
Now I'm not so young and beautiful.
That's okay, I've faced defeat before.
I'm not gonna kvetch
And I'm not gonna cry
It's not gonna get me what I wanted
So I'm simply gonna take one step,
One tiny step,
And Murray,
Just one step, I'll be free.
One small step,
Just so you shouldn't worry.
I'll be free
And you'll be rid of me.
Isn't that easy, Murray?
Watch me!
You think this is maybe a joke?
Well, it's no joke, Murray!
Murray!
It looks like they're forming a crowd,
Like eighty-five at the most.
Still, front page of the Post!
Ma, I think it's Maury Povich
And Connie too.
Oh, hi Connie!
Now you'll finally make your mother proud
Since she never liked me anyway.
Look, she's throwing diamonds to the crowd!
Just say the word and I'll come back inside
But until then I'll be happy just to know
That I can always go and take
One step,
One tiny step, and Murray,
One small step, adios.
Just one step,
Honey you'd better hurry.
Oh, yes sir,
Better give up that fur
Take it from, Old Murray
Here I...
Whoops, almost fell Murray.
The mother of your children
Splattered across Fifth Avenue
In a bloody heap, Murray,
And it's all your fault!
Yes, it's you who made the money
?Cause it's you who owns the store,
So if you don't want to spend it
That's your right.
But it's you who bought the penthouse
On the fifty-seventh floor,
So goodnight, cheapskate, goodnight!
You think I don't know about her?
Well, I do, Murray!
You think I don't know about that
Or the things that you say
To your friends every day!
I'm embarrassing,
I'm fat,
I'm demanding
And controlling
And whatever.
Perhaps it's true.
Here's the place where I get what I've earned.
Why keep trying?
Why be miserable?
Lookit, Murray,
Somebody's concerned!
Trust in the wind
And I'll land in the crowd.
No more complaining
I'm trashy and loud.
What a sensational fucking experience!
Finally, Murray, I'm getting attention
And just one step.
Look at where one step leads you.
One small step takes you high!
Hey, just one step
Down from the man who needs you.
Fuck the fur!
Just send it down to her!
Oh, fair thee well
And Murray, watch me fly!
Murray,
Oh, I'm serious Murray!
Murray!"