The Lady is a Tramp

Album: Babes in Arms (1937)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • Lorenz Hart and Richard Rogers penned this show tune for their 1937 musical Babes In Arms, which spoofs New York high society. Originally sung in the Broadway show by former child star Mitzi Green, it has subsequently been covered by numerous stars including Frank Sinatra, Lena Horne, Ella Fitzgerald and Peggy Lee.
  • Frank Sinatra recorded a version of the song in 1968 as a favor to Ringo Starr with revised lyrics by Sammy Cahn. He recorded it on Beatles' Apple label and its claim to fame is that it was the first song to be catalogued by the newly set-up record company. Only one copy was made and since Sinatra and the Beatles were both involved, it is among the most valuable records in the world.
  • The song featured in the Glee episode "Laryngitis," when it was performed by Noah "Puck" Puckerman and Mercedes Jones. Puck referenced it as Sammy Davis Jr's biggest hit song.
  • Tony Bennett teamed up with Lady Gaga to perform a playful version for the veteran crooner's 2011 album, Duets II.
  • Sinatra performed this in the 1957 film musical Pal Joey, in which he played nightclub singer Joey Evans, alongside bombshells Kim Novak and Rita Hayworth. The song would become part of his classic repertoire.

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Art Alexakis of Everclear

Art Alexakis of EverclearSongwriter Interviews

The lead singer of Everclear, Art is also their primary songwriter.

La La Brooks of The Crystals

La La Brooks of The CrystalsSong Writing

The lead singer on "Da Doo Ron Ron" and "Then He Kissed Me," La La explains how and why Phil Spector replaced The Crystals with Darlene Love on "He's A Rebel."

Trans Soul Rebels: Songs About Transgenderism

Trans Soul Rebels: Songs About TransgenderismSong Writing

A history of songs dealing with transgender issues, featuring Pink Floyd, David Bowie, Morrissey and Green Day.

Lajon Witherspoon of Sevendust

Lajon Witherspoon of SevendustSongwriter Interviews

The Sevendust frontman talks about the group's songwriting process, and how trips to the Murder Bar helped forge their latest album.

Jon Anderson of Yes

Jon Anderson of YesSongwriter Interviews

From the lake in "Roundabout" to Sister Bluebird in "Starship Trooper," Jon Anderson talks about how nature and spirituality play into his lyrics for Yes.

Angelo Moore of Fishbone

Angelo Moore of FishboneSongwriter Interviews

Fishbone has always enjoyed much more acclaim than popularity - Angelo might know why.