Being Alive

Judy Kaye, Stephen Sondheim, Liz Callaway, Angela Lansbury, George Hearn, Cris Groenendaal, Dean Jones, Steven Jacob, Victoria Mallory, Bob Gunton

About Being Alive

"Being Alive" is a song from the musical Company by George Furth with music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim. The song appears at the end of Act II and is sung by the main character, Robert, a 35-year-old bachelor who at the show's end “. . . realizes being a lone wolf isn't all it's cracked up to be . . . he declares that he wants to take the chance, be afraid, get his heart broken - or whatever happens when you decide to love and be loved." "Being Alive" was first recorded by Dean Jones, who originated the role of Robert on Broadway in 1970. "Being Alive" has become popular outside its original musical setting, and although written for a male part is frequently performed by women. The song has been performed in concert, on the stage, or in the studio by Bernadette Peters, Patti LuPone, Barbra Streisand, Margaret Whiting, Lea Salonga, John Owen-Jones, Ute Lemper, Lauren Samuels, Raul Esparza, Chris Colfer, Neil Patrick Harris, Adam Driver among others. “Being Alive” replaced the song “Happily Ever After”, which was cut from Company because it was considered too dark to serve as a closing number. According to cultural critic Jeremy McCarter, Sondheim has never been happy with “Being Alive” as the finale for Company, calling it “a cop-out”. 


Year:
2008
4:51
1,251 
#2

 Watch: New Singing Lesson Videos Can Make Anyone A Great Singer

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.
Being alive.

Somebody need me too much.
Somebody know me too well.
Somebody pull me up short,
And put me through hell,
And give me support,
For being alive.
Make me alive.
Make me alive.

Make me confused.
Mock me with praise.
Let me be used.
Vary my days.

But alone,
Is alone,
Not alive.

Somebody crowd me with love.
Somebody force me to care.
Somebody let me come through,
I'll always be there,
As frightened as you,
To help us survive,
Being alive.
Being alive.
Being alive!

 The easy, fast & fun way to learn how to sing: 30DaySinger.com


Stephen Sondheim

Stephen Joshua Sondheim ( /ˈsɒnd.haɪm/) (born March 22, 1930) is an American composer and lyricist known for his contributions to musical theatre. He is the winner of an Academy Award, eight Tony Awards including the Special Tony Award for Lifetime Achievement in the Theatre, multiple Grammy Awards, a Pulitzer Prize and the Laurence Olivier Award. Described by Frank Rich of the New York Times as "now the greatest and perhaps best-known artist in the American musical theater", his most famous works include (as composer and lyricist) A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, Company, Follies, A Little Night Music, Sweeney Todd, Sunday in the Park with George and Into the Woods. He also wrote the lyrics for West Side Story and Gypsy. more »

0 fans

Written by: Stephen Sondheim

Lyrics © CARLIN AMERICA INC, Round Hill Music Big Loud Songs

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


8 facts about this song

Composer and Lyricist - Stephen Sondheim
The masterpiece song "Being Alive" is a composition of the highly regarded musical genius, Stephen Sondheim. - Sondheim is known for his contributions to musical theatre, with "Being Alive" being one of his most popular musical numbers from his Broadway show "Company" (1970).
Original Broadway Performance - Dean Jones
While Whiting and LuPone have made significant renditions, it’s worth noting that Mr. Dean Jones was the first to perform "Being Alive" on Broadway. - In the original Broadway production of "Company," the character Robert, played by Dean Jones, delivers the song as a heart-wrenching finish to the show.
Performance - Margaret Whiting
Margaret Whiting, a popular American singer of standard pop music, has rendered her version of "Being Alive.” - The song notably features in one of her albums, “Too Marvelous for Words," released in 1995.
Rendition - Patti LuPone
Broadway actress and singer Patti LuPone's rendition of "Being Alive" has earned her critical acclaim. - LuPone performed the song in the 2006 revival of "Company", where she played the character Joanne and received a Tony nomination.
Song Theme
"Being Alive" is a heartfelt song that discusses the complexities of relationships and the intense desire for companionship and intimacy, despite its many difficulties. - As the climactic number of "Company," it symbolizes the protagonist’s transformation from a commitment-phobic bachelor to realizing the need for a meaningful, emotional connection.
Notable Recordings and Performances
The song has captured hearts through various interpretations by several renowned artists like Streisand, Groban, and Bonham Carter, apart from Whiting and LuPone. - Various stagings of "Company" at prestigious venues like the Kennedy Center and the New York Philharmonic have also featured the song.
Recognition
"Being Alive," as part of the "Company," helped Sondheim win the New York Drama Critics' Circle Award and the 1971 Tony Award for Best Original Score. - The song itself has been praised as one of the greatest theatre songs ever.
Cultural Impact
"Being Alive" has permeated into popular culture over time, with its lyrics quoted and referenced in several films, television shows, and books. - It has served as an anthem of hope and loneliness, striking a chord with global audiences.

Discuss the Being Alive Lyrics with the community:

0 Comments

    Citation

    Use the citation below to add these lyrics to your bibliography:

    Style:MLAChicagoAPA

    "Being Alive Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 24 Apr. 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/26151794/Stephen+Sondheim/Being+Alive>.

    Missing lyrics by Stephen Sondheim?

    Know any other songs by Stephen Sondheim? Don't keep it to yourself!

    Browse Lyrics.com

    Quiz

    Are you a music master?

    »
    In which year was the song, "Good 4 U" by Olivia Rodrigo, released as a single?
    A 2018
    B 2021
    C 2020
    D 2019

    Free, no signup required:

    Add to Chrome

    Get instant explanation for any lyrics that hits you anywhere on the web!

    Free, no signup required:

    Add to Firefox

    Get instant explanation for any acronym or abbreviation that hits you anywhere on the web!

    Stephen Sondheim tracks

    On Radio Right Now

    Loading...

    Powered by OnRad.io


    Think you know music? Test your MusicIQ here!