Isn't This Better?

Thinking of Kander & Ebb’s songs this morning, because that is what I do, arise very early in the morning, have coffee & consider the great songwriting teams, I wanted to dig deep for a Kander & Ebb song that I held in high regard, but that readers might not know. There are platinum tunes from even their biggest flops, I can name so many. But, were they ever involved in any project as stinky as Funny Lady, the totally unnecessary 1975 film sequel to Funny Girl. This mess is a highly fictionalized account of the later life & career of comedienne Fanny Brice & her marriage to songwriter/empresario- Billy Rose. The film does feature a few well staged musical numbers & a fair share of absurd production numbers, but several top-notch songs. I always have been drawn to this torchy tune. I would like to do it in my act, in a single pool of light, in a tux with the tie undone:

I loved the man

Truly I did

When he would touch me

I’d act like a love-hungry kid

Isn't this better?

Somebody nice somebody new

Someone who lets me react as I normally do

Isn't this better?

Better

Passion is fine but passion burns fast

Passions design seems never to last

Better a match

Better a blend

Who needs a lover?

I need a friend

Now I am calm save & serene

Heartache & hurt

Are no longer a part of the scene

Isn't this better

The way it should be?

Better for him

Much better for him

& also much better for me

Kander/Ebb

1975