Little-known Introductions to Well-known Songs

YouTube link

Many famous songs that originated in movies or Broadway musicals were preceded by an introduction that was sung rather than spoken.  These verses, properly considered part of the lyrics, are often omitted when the song is covered by other artists or presented outside the setting of the movie.  Barbra Streisand's original rendition of "People," embedded above, began with these words:

We travel single-o,
Maybe we’re lucky, but I don’t know.
With them just let one kid fall down and seven mothers faint
I guess we’re both happy, but maybe we ain’t . . .

In a column at MinnPost, Don Effenberger has assembled the introductions to "When You Wish Upon a Star," "Getting to Know You," "Hello, Young Lovers," "Night and Day," "Someone to Watch Over Me," and 10 others, and has arranged them in a quiz format, inviting you to match the introductory phrases with the famous song.  Links are provided for video or audio versions which include the introduction.  Some of pairs in the quiz are quite difficult; others - such as this one - you must remember:

This day and age we`re living in
Gives cause for apprehension
With speed and new invention
And things like third dimension
Yet we get a trifle weary
With Mr. Einstein’s theory
So we must get down to earth at times
Relax, relieve the tension
And no matter what the progress
Or what may yet be proved
The simple facts of life are such
They cannot be removed . . .

Quiz link.

Newest 3
Newest 3 Comments

Login to comment.
Email This Post to a Friend
"Little-known Introductions to Well-known Songs"

Separate multiple emails with a comma. Limit 5.

 

Success! Your email has been sent!

close window
X

This website uses cookies.

This website uses cookies to improve user experience. By using this website you consent to all cookies in accordance with our Privacy Policy.

I agree
 
Learn More