It Depends On What You Pay

Album: The Fantasticks (1960)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • The musical The Fantasticks was released in 1960; although still being performed by amateurs half a century and more later, it is difficult to believe this song was not cut. Written by lyricist Tom Jones (not the singer) and composed by Harvey Schmidt, it is a song about rape, or more specifically a staged but failed attempted rape which is designed to make someone look like a hero. Instead, with lines like:

    The rape by coach; it's little in request
    The rape by day, but the rape by night is best


    It makes the lyricist look like a dork.

    "It Depends On What You Pay" is performed by the characters El Gallo, Hucklebee and Bellomy. >>>
    Suggestion credit:
    Alexander Baron - London, England

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Jesus Thinks You're a Jerk: Rock vs. Televangelists

Jesus Thinks You're a Jerk: Rock vs. TelevangelistsSong Writing

When televangelists like Jimmy Swaggart took on rockers like Ozzy Osbourne and Metallica, the rockers retaliated. Bono could even be seen mocking the preachers.

Jonathan Cain of Journey

Jonathan Cain of JourneySongwriter Interviews

Cain talks about the divine inspirations for "Don't Stop Believin'" and "Faithfully."

Gentle Giant

Gentle GiantSongwriter Interviews

An interview with Ray and Derek Shulman of the progressive rock band Gentle Giant to discuss counterpoint, polyrhythms, and... Bon Jovi.

Deconstructing Doors Songs With The Author Of The Doors Examined

Deconstructing Doors Songs With The Author Of The Doors ExaminedSong Writing

Doors expert Jim Cherry, author of The Doors Examined, talks about some of their defining songs and exposes some Jim Morrison myths.

Album Cover Inspirations

Album Cover InspirationsSong Writing

Some album art was at least "inspired" by others. A look at some very similar covers.

Artis the Spoonman

Artis the SpoonmanSong Writing

Even before Soundgarden wrote a song about him, Artis was the most famous spoon player of all time. So why has he always been broke?