Song of the day: "Free" by Stephen Sondheim

I love the wit and thoughtfulness of this song. It was written in the 1960s just when Sondheim was starting to write his own musicals. The quality of this song shows what a genius Sondheim was, even back then.

From A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum

PSEUDOLUS:
I often thought,
I often dreamed how it would be--
And yet I never thought I'd be--
Once again.

HERO:
Free!

PSEUDOLUS:
But when you come to think of such things,
A man should have the rights that all others--
Can you imagine what it will be like when I am--
Can you see me?
Can you see me as a Roman with my head unbowed?
Sing it good and loud!

HERO:
Free!

PSEUDOLUS:
Like a Roman having rights and like a Roman proud?
Can you see me?

HERO:
I can see you.

PSEUDOLUS:
Can you see me, a reformer fighting graft and vice?
Sing it soft and nice!

HERO:
Free!

PSEUDOLUS:
Why, I'll be so conscientious that I may vote twice!
Can you see me?
Can you see me?
When I'm free to be whatever I want to be,
Think what wonders I'll accomplish then!
When the master that I serve is me and just me--
Can you see me being equal with my countrymen?
Can you see me being Pseudolus the citizen?
Can you see me being--give it to me once again--

HERO:
Free!

PSEUDOLUS:
Yes!

HERO:
Free!

PSEUDOLUS:
That's it!

HERO:
Free!

PSEUDOLUS:
Now, not so fast!
I didn't think--
The way I am,
I have a roof, three meals a day,
And I don't have to pay a thing.
I'm just a slave and everything's free.
If I were free, then nothing would be free!
And if I'm beaten now and then, what does it matter?

HERO:
Free!

PSEUDOLUS:
Can you see me?
Can you see me as a poet writing poetry?
All my verse will be--

HERO:
Free.

PSEUDOLUS:
A museum will have me pickled for posterity.
Can you see me?

HERO:
I can see you.

PSEUDOLUS:
Can you see me as a lover, one of great renown?
Women falling down--

HERO:
Free?

PSEUDOLUS:
No.
But I'll buy the house of Lycus for my house in town.
Can you see me?
Can you see me?
Be you anything from king to baker of cakes,
You're a vegetable unless you're free.
Such a little word, but oh, the difference it makes!
It's the necessary essence of democracy,
It's the thing that every slave should have the right to be,
And I soon will have the right to buy a slave for me.
Can you see him?
Well, I'll free him!
When a Pseudolus can move, the universe shakes,
But I'll never move until I'm free.
Such a little word, but oh, the difference it makes!
I'll be Pseudolus, the founder of a family,
I'll be Pseudolus, the pillar of society,
I'll be Pseudolus the man, if I can only be--

HERO:
Free!

PSEUDOLUS:
Sing it!

HERO:
Free!

PSEUDOLUS:
Spell it!

HERO:
F-r- double--

PSEUDOLUS:
No, the long way!

HERO:
F-r-e-e!

PSEUDOLUS and HERO:
Free!