Tuesday, February 24, 2009

State of the Union - The Musical!
"Chicago" Edition

Welcome to the 3rd Annual DWSUWF coverage of the Presidential Address to Congress aka State of the Union - The Musical!

In 2007, as a blogging infant, DWSUWF despaired at finding a unique or interesting angle to add to the SOTU commentary when so many other bloggers would be walking the same ground. The answer came from Bob Woodward. I asked Bob (and yes I do feel we are on a first name basis), in an on-line Washington Post forum, whether the SOTU had any real relevance. He responded by saying it was "mostly theater." Genius. That was the answer. What better way to frame the SOTU, media and blog reactions than within the lyrics of a Broadway show tune?

In 2007 it was "Comedy Tonight" from A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum. In 2008 it was the 1966 hit "Georgy Girl Boy". Tonight there is only one possible choice - "Razzle Dazzle" from the musical Chicago.

The game is to find blog posts and news stories that can vaguely be referenced by the lines of the song and link them to the lyrics. I'll post the lyrics now, and then update with links to live-bloggers, references, analysis and reviews before, during and after the speech. Ok, I am easily amused. It'll be over when I get tired of it or too drunk to type.

I'll kick this off pre-speech by linking the dialog leading into the number.

As always, DWSUWF welcomes any and all suggested links, for any and all lines anywhere in the lyric, from all who accidentally stumble across this post, at any time.

If you want to sing along, this should help you hold a tune.

Music up... Raise the Curtain...




Razzle Dazzle
from Chicago - The Musical

It's all a circus, kid. A three ring circus.
These trials- the whole world- all show business.
But kid, you're working with a star, the biggest!

Give 'em the old razzle dazzle

Razzle Dazzle 'em
Give 'em an act with lots of flash in it
And the reaction will be passionate
Give 'em the old hocus pocus
Bead and feather 'em
How can they see with sequins in their eyes?

What if your hinges all are rusting?
What if, in fact, you're just disgusting?
Razzle dazzle 'em
And they'll never catch wise!

Give 'em the old Razzle Dazzle
Razzle dazzle 'em
Give 'em a show that's so splendiferous
Row after row will crow vociferous
Give 'em the old flim flam flummox
Fool and fracture 'em

How can they hear the truth above the roar?
Throw 'em a fake and a finagle
They'll never know you're just a bagel,
Razzle dazzle 'em
And they'll beg you for more!

Give 'em the old double whammy
Daze and dizzy 'em
Back since the days of old Methuselah
Everyone loves the big bambooz-a-ler

Give 'em the old three ring circus
Stun and stagger 'em
When you're in trouble, go into your dance

Though you are stiffer than a girder
They'll let you get away with murder
Razzle dazzle 'em
And you've got a romance
Give 'em the old
Razzle Dazzle



Divided and Balanced.™
Now that is fair.



3 comments:

andersunny said...

This is hilarious. While I enjoyed Obama's speech, and feel he delivered yet again in tip-top form, I completely agree that this is a fitting song for this presidential address. He got up there and “Razzle Dazzled” the audience with words of hope, courage, and inspiration. I enjoy the comedy you have brought to this topic. In my blog I posted about his “Prince Charming” ways. I feel that this angle is definitely related to razzling and dazzling?! Tell me if you think this fits!
http://www.politicalcocktail.wordpress.com

mw said...

Liz,
Thanks for the comments and the kind words. Yes, anyone who compares the president to Prince Charming deserves a spot in this musical linkfest. I have given you the highly coveted "...sequins in their eyes" line. You are in good company as you are sharing that line with Andrew Sullivan.

Anonymous said...

hose maniken ?