Liza Minnelli

Lyrics

3 ContributorsCabaret (Live) LyricsWhat good is sitting alone in your room?
Oh, come hear the music play
Oh, life is a cabaret, old chum
So come to the Cabaret

Put down the knitting, the book and the broom
It's time for a holiday
I tell you life is a cabaret, old chum
So come to the Cabaret

Come taste the wine
And listen to that band
Come blow your horn, start celebrating
Right this way, your table's waiting

What good's permitting some prophet of gloom
To wipe every smile away
I tell you life is a cabaret, old chum
So come to the Cabaret!

I used to have a girlfriend known as Elsie
With whom I shared four sordid rooms in Chelsea, she's a scream
Come to think of it
As a matter of fact, she rented by the hour

The day she died the neighbors came to snicker
"Well, that's what comes from too much pills and liquor!"
But when I saw her laid out like a Queen
She was the happiest corpse I'd ever seen
You might also likeI think of Elsie to this very day
I remember how she'd turn to me and say
"What good is sitting all by yourself in a room?"
Oh, you speak English
"Come hear the music play
Oh, life is a cabaret, old chum
Come to the Cabaret!"

And as for me, ha!
And as for me
I made my mind up back in Chelsea
When I go
I'm going like Elsie

Start by admitting from cradle to tomb
It isn't that long a stay
Oh, life is a cabaret, old chum
It's only, what, a cabaret, old chum
And I love a cabaret!Embed

If you're a fan of Broadway musicals and iconic performances, then you're in for a treat with Liza Minnelli's live rendition of "Cabaret." This timeless classic takes you on a journey to the glamorous world of 1930s Berlin, where love, desire, and decadence collide in a mesmerizing spectacle of music and dance.

Cabaret" is a song that captures the essence of the acclaimed musical of the same name, immersing listeners in the vibrant atmosphere of the Kit Kat Klub. Liza Minnelli's electrifying performance brings a new level of energy and passion to the stage, making this live version an unforgettable experience.

In this iconic song, Minnelli embodies the character of Sally Bowles, a captivating singer and dancer who finds solace and freedom in the thrilling nightlife of the cabaret. With her powerful vocals and impeccable showmanship, she effortlessly transports the audience to a world where inhibitions are abandoned and boundaries are pushed.

About Cabaret (Live)

Released as part of the album "Liza with a Z: A Concert for Television," the live version of "Cabaret" showcases Minnelli's undeniable talent as a performer. Recorded during a groundbreaking one-woman show filmed for television in 1972, this rendition captures the excitement and intensity of a live theatrical production.

The song itself was originally written by John Kander and Fred Ebb for the 1966 Broadway musical "Cabaret," which was based on Christopher Isherwood's semi-autobiographical novel "Goodbye to Berlin." The musical follows the story of American writer Cliff Bradshaw and his relationship with the enigmatic British singer Sally Bowles, set in the politically turbulent era of pre-World War II Germany.

One of the highlights of the show, "Cabaret" serves as both an anthem of freedom and a commentary on the social and political climate of the time. Through its evocative lyrics and catchy melody, the song encapsulates the contradictions and dangers that lurk beneath the seemingly glamorous facade of the cabaret.

In this live version, Minnelli's performance is nothing short of captivating. Her voice resonates with raw emotion as she effortlessly navigates the ups and downs of Sally Bowles' tumultuous journey. From the moment Minnelli steps onto the stage, the audience is held spellbound by her charisma, talent, and sheer presence.

What truly sets this live rendition apart is the dynamic energy that Minnelli brings to the performance. Each note is infused with a sense of urgency and passion, as if she is pouring her heart and soul into every lyric. The audience can't help but be swept up in the whirlwind of emotions that Minnelli conveys, from the fierce determination of Sally Bowles to the vulnerability that lies beneath her seemingly carefree exterior.

Accompanied by a talented ensemble of dancers and musicians, Minnelli's performance is a feast for the senses. The choreography is vibrant and energetic, perfectly complementing the pulsating rhythm of the song. As the lights dim and the curtains rise, the audience is transported to a bygone era, where the boundaries between reality and fantasy blur.

But what truly makes this live version of "Cabaret" stand out is the unparalleled connection between Minnelli and her audience. With her expressive face, powerful voice, and magnetic stage presence, she effortlessly draws in the crowd, making each listener feel as if they are part of the performance. The energy in the room is palpable, as the audience becomes one with the music and the story unfolding before them.

As the final notes of "Cabaret" fade away, leaving the audience breathless, it becomes clear that Liza Minnelli's live rendition of this iconic song is a true testament to her status as a musical legend. Her performance is a masterclass in storytelling, captivating audiences and leaving an indelible mark on the world of music and theater.

So, if you're ready to be transported to the mesmerizing world of 1930s Berlin and experience the magic of live performance, then Liza Minnelli's rendition of "Cabaret" is an absolute must-listen. Get ready to be enthralled, enchanted, and swept away by the sizzling energy of this timeless classic.

• Release Date: None
• Artist: Liza Minnelli