Lady Is a Tramp, The (1937)
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(w) Lorenz Hart (m) Richard Rodgers (I) Musical: Babes in Arms by Mitzi Green. Recorded by Tommy Dorsey Orchestra. Also by Sophie Tucker (RR) 1948 Film: Words and Music by Lena Horne (RR) 1957 Film: Pal Joey by Frank Sinatra. (CR) Ella Fitzgerald
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 Ca’ad.
But social circles spin too fast for me.
My “hobohemia” is the place to be.

Refrain 1: I get too hungry for dinner at eight
I like the theatre, but never come late
I never bother with people I hate
That’s why the lady is a tramp
I don’t like crap games 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
Hate California, it’s cold and it’s damp
That’s why the lady is a tramp

Refrain 2: I go to Coney, the beach is divine.
I go to ball games, the bleachers are fine.
I follow Winchell and read every line.
That’s why the lady is a tramp.
I like a prize fight 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.