Sondheim A Lyricists For the Ages In His Own Words

Stephen Sondheim has passed & many obituaries will surely sing his praises … but, without adding to the artistic admirers’ commentary let’s consider a few samples of lyricist Sondheim’s own words that perhaps reflect his genius for capturing so much of humanity in so few words…

“The most beautiful sound I ever heard: Maria, Maria, Maria, Maria … All the beautiful sounds of the world in a single word Maria, Maria, Maria, Maria . Maria!”

“Someone to hold me too close. Someone to hurt me too deep. Someone to sit in my chair, And ruin my sleep, And make me aware, Of being alive …”

“Hey, old friend What d’ya say, old friend? Are you okay, old friend? Are we, are we unique? … Most friends fade Or they don’t make the grade. New ones are quickly made And in a pinch, sure, they’ll do. But us, old friend What’s to discuss, old friend? Here’s to us, who’s like us? Few.”

Davd Soul