Sportsong of the Week #55
"The Tennis Song"
Sang by characters Stone and Alaura Kingsley
From City of Angels Musical: music by Cy Coleman; lyrics by David Zippel
1989
Summer has officially started in Amsterdam and everybody is happier and smiling more! So for Sportsong of the Week #55 it was only right to do this funny, cheeky song! It's 'The Tennis Song' from the City of Angels musical, on stage first in 1989. It's about tennis, or is it?
City of Angels is a musical comedy with music by Cy Coleman and lyrics by David Zippel. The musical weaves together two plots, the "real" world of a writer trying to turn his book into a screenplay, and the "reel" world of the fictional film. The musical is an homage to the film noir genre of motion pictures that rose to prominence in the 1940s.
This song is part of a scene where character Stone, angry after the beating, confronts Alaura at her mansion and meets several more unsavory characters, including her lustful stepson, her polio-stricken elderly husband, and his quack doctor. Greed and malice hover like smog, but Alaura's charms and bankroll keep Stone on the case (by singing 'The Tennis Song').
It's impossible to miss the suggestive nature of this particular tennis game, so just sit back, listen, smile and use it if needed in the bar this weekend!
Full Lyrics 'The Tennis Song'
STONE: You seem at home on the court ALAURA: Let's say that i've played around STONE: Well you don't look like the sort ALAURA: My hidden talents abound A competitor hasn't been found to defeat me STONE: I'll bet you're a real good sport ALAURA: Shall we say the ball is in your court STONE: I'll bet you like to play rough ALAURA: I like to work up a sweat STONE: And you just can't get enough ALAURA: I'm good for more than one set But i promise i'll show no regret If you beat me STONE: My backhand is clearly my forte BOTH: Shall we say the ball is in your court ALAURA: No one ever plays with me STONE: I thought your next of kin did ALAURA: My husband never plays with me He's too easily winded. STONE: You leave me breathless too ALAURA: Wait till our match is through STONE: I may lack form and finesse But i warm up in a jiff ALAURA: It's not exciting unless The competition is stiff STONE: I think i understand your racket I'm not in your league ALAURA: But you can hack it STONE: This game commences with love ALAURA: Well i think love is a bore STONE: Let's give the tempo a shove ALAURA: And raise the stakes a bit more BOTH: One thing i'm positive of It's time for someone to score STONE: Tell me how you like to play ALAURA: On grass or clay And ev'ry day STONE: They're both o.k. ALAURA: But time is running short Darling, let's don't dilly dally STONE: Ready for a rousing rally BOTH: Shall we say the ball is in your court ALAURA: Shall we say the ball is in your court