Susan “Dr. Sue” Horowitz Sings her funny original song: “Matzo Ball Romance” Teddly Bear Puppet plays Matzo Box Tambourine!
(Positive Humor & Songs)
Susan Horowitz is a Speaker and Author of “Queens of Comedy” (Interviews with Comedy Legends: Lucille Ball, Joan Rivers, Carol Burnett, Phyllis Diller)!
Susan “Dr. Sue” Horowitz Sings Funny Original Passover Song “Matzo Ball Romance”
Susan “Dr. Sue” Horowitz Sings Funny Original Passover Song “Matzo Ball Romance”
DrSue Passover Comedy! Here’s the link to DrSue performance of “Matzoh Ball Romance” at the legendary @Don’t Tell Mama Cabaret in New York City! (“Matzo” and “matzoh” are alternative spellings.)
Please scroll down for lyrics and Dr. Sue’s Contact information!
Dr. Sue Sings “Matzoh Ball Romance”
Dr. Sue Sings “Matzoh Ball Romance” @ Don’t Tell Mama Cabaret
Dr. Sue Sings “Matzoh Ball Romance”
"Matzo Ball Romance" by Susan "Dr. Sue" Horowitz
I was sittin' at a seder
In a temple of worship
When a cute guy sat right next to me
He said, "I am single, and I am a doctor
I have an Ivy degree."
My Mama said, "Girl, meet a man at a temple
It's better than a barroom or dance.
Don't keep your heart locked or
Miss out on a doctor
A beautiful Matzo Ball Romance."
I was lookin' at my cell phone
When I saw a text message
From my romance so kosher and nice
He said, "I am lonely, visit my office
I'll give you a discounted price."
My Mama said, "Girl, when you go to a temple
Keep your eye out for someone in pants."
Don't know what to call it:
His eye on my wallet
Not a beautiful Matzo Ball Romance."
Yeah, I went back to the temple.
He saw me but he ran away (Like a chicken)
So I looked 'round the room I made a new friend.
There's something that I'd like to say:
"Fellas and girls, when you go to a temple
Don't be afraid, take a chance
Some folks are chicken
But true friends are rib-stickin'
Like a beautiful Matzo Ball Romance.
Music and Lyrics
by Susan "Dr. Sue" Horowitz
copyright 2022
Enjoy “Songwriting Sisters” Dr. Sue’s Solo Show of Songs & Comedy
I’m Susan Horowitz a.k.a. DrSue, and I’m a great admirer of Stephen Sondheim’s work. When I was invited to perform “Send in the Clowns” in a Talent Showcase, I gladly accepted. However, we are currently in a pandemic, and group singing is known to be a high-risk activity. When the producer assigned a group song, I decided to cancel my live participation.
I still love Sondheim’s songs, so I’d like like to share my research, my thoughts, and my funny parody “Send Me a Brownie” (Scroll down for song video and lyrics.)
“Send in the Clowns” by Stephen Sondheim
“Send in the Clowns” is beautiful and touching. The song offers the performer and audience a poignant, dramatic moment of irony, rueful sadness, dignity, and at last, hope.
Popularity of “Send in the Clowns” by Stephen Sondheim
“Send in the Clowns” is one of the few songs from his theatre works that also achieved popular acclaim as an independent song. Some of the famous singers who recorded their own versions include: Frank Sinatra, Bernadette Peters, Judy Collins, Barbra Streisand, Bobby Short, and Sarah Vaughan. It also has become a beloved standard in concerts, piano bars (especially those that feature show tunes), and cabaret shows.
What is the secret of the success of “Send In the Clowns”? There are a few reasons: the sentiment (the heartbreaking disappointment of losing romantic love) is universal. The singer is relatable and appealing – in and out of the the story of A Little Night Music.
The language takes us into the elegant world of educated nineteenth century society. We may not use phrases like “Isn’t it rich?” but we understand them. We also enjoy the theatrical references, which are natural to the character, who is an actress. Sondheim’s rhymes are perfect (as always) but don’t distract with cleverness.
On a practical level, “Send In the Clowns” (compared to other Sondheim songs), is relatively easy to sing and can be performed by many popular singers. The melody has a limited vocal range, and it can stay well within the singer’s comfortable chest voice.
The words are easy to pronounce, without the tongue-twisting, breathless patter of some other Sondheim songs, for example, “I’m Not Getting Married Today” from Sondheim’s current Broadway show Company. http://www.companymusical.com
Sondheim composed “Send In the Clowns” for the character “Desiree Armfeldt” in A Little Night Music. The role was originated by actress-singer Glynis Johns, who had a limited vocal range but was an excellent actress. It can be performed by many singers who can act a song without Broadway musical training or vocal chops.
Lovers of American Popular Music can visit and/or join American Popular Song Society https://www.apssinc.org/
“Send in the Clowns” musical A Little Night Music by Stephen Sondheim
The lyric for “Send In the Clowns” is in fact, a tremendous platform for an acting driven song performance. The lyric (which you can scroll down to read) is sung by the character “Desiree Armfeldt”. Desiree is a touring actress, who had previously rejected a marriage proposal from the lawyer Fredrik. But she has now returned to his hometown and realizes that she wants to commit to their future together. Fredrik, however, is newly married to a much younger bride, who dotes on him (though she refuses to have sex with him).
After Desiree and Fredrik consummate their own reunion in her bed, Fredrik tells Desiree that he is infatuated with his childlike wife and unavailable. Desiree realizes that her dream of commitment with Fredrik is over. She looks at her own theatrical career and love life with rueful irony as she struggles to let him go and maintain her own dignity.
The phrase “Send in the Clowns” refers to the moment in a play where everything is falling apart and somebody makes jokes to divert the audiences. The “clowns” are also the two former lovers, especially Desiree, who feels like a fool.
Clowns are one aspect of comedy, another is parody. Hope you enjoy my parody of “Send in the Clowns” I call it: “Send Me a Brownie” (Scroll Down for Parody and Original Lyric.)
DrSue Sings Sondheim parody Send Me a Brownie
DrSue Sings Sondheim parody Send Me a Brownie
Send Me A Brownie (parody lyric by Susan Horowitz/DrSue)
Isn't it rich?
Chocolate and square
Soon as the light goes on
You will be there
Send Me A Brownie
Brownies are bliss
Some won't approve
I'll put on pound after pound
Till I can't move
I'm getting round
Send Me A Brownie
Romantic love, knocking on doors
I need what's in refrigerators
Don't need no make-up not even a smidge
Brownies are here
Inside my fridge
No ifs ands or buts
Chocolate and nuts
Chewy and gooey with milk
I don't need beer
Don't need to spread
Cream cheese on bread
Don't need a schmear
Isn't it rich?
Chocolate and square
So deep inside
My fridgidair
Who needs a clown?
I hate a clown
Send Me A Brownie
Parody Lyric by Susan Horowitz/Dr. Sue
Switch the Musical by Susan Horowitz/DrSue Singer-Songwriter
“Queens of Comedy” by Susan Horowitz (DrSue)
As you can see, I love to perform and write about comedy! Here’s a link to my book “Queens of Comedy” based on my interviews with legendary female comedians!
In my previous appearance Seth Bisen-Hersh Talent Showcase at Don’t Tell Mama, I sang songs from my original show Switch the Musical. Hope you enjoy!
https://drsue.com/ssswitch/
Here’s the video of my singing “Switch the Musical” songs!
DrSue /Susan Horowitz Singer-Songwriter “Switch the Musical” at Don’t Tell Mama
Dr. Sue/ DrSue Sings “Switch the Musical” www.SwitchtheMusical.com
Contact DrSue /Susan Horowitz
Contact DrSue/Susan Horowitz through my Social Media Upper Right of Website, or Email drsue at drsue dot com.
“Send in the Clowns” Lyric by Stephen Sondheim
"Send In the Clowns"
Isn't it rich?
Are we a pair?
Me here at last on the ground
You in mid-air.
Where are the clowns?
Isn't it bliss?
Don't you approve?
One who keeps tearing around
One who can't move
Where are the clowns?
Send in the clowns.
Just when I stopped opening doors
Finally knowing the one that I wanted was yours
Making my entrance at last with my usual flair
Sure of my lines, no one is there.
Don't you love farce?
My fault I fear
I thought that you'd want what I want
Sorry, my dear
And where are the clowns?
Send in the clowns
Don't bother, they're here
Isn't it rich? Isn't it queer
Losing my timing this late in my career
And where are the clowns?
There ought to be clowns
Well, maybe next year
Disclaimer:
"Send in the Clowns" Words and Music by Stephen Sondheim is quoted for educational purposes only.
Susan (“Dr. Sue”) Horowitz, Ph.D. Entertaining Motivational Speaker-Author-Educator-Singer/Songwriter.
DrSue Sings Funny Original Thanksgiving song “Life is Just a Bowl of Gravy: Tale of a Turkey-Pilgrim Dinner Date!” (Scroll down for Lyric, Thoughts about Self-Esteem, Diversity, Inclusion, American History, and my Life In-and-Out of the Performing Arts!)
My Song-Video Performance was recorded at Church Street School for Music and Art, 41 White Street New York City. Here’s their website: https://churchstreetschool.org/
Photo is from my performance at Singers Space, presented by D’Ambrose Boyd, BarThalia, Symphony Space New York City https://www.facebook.com/groups/143560185778318
Video DrSue Singer-Songwriter @Church Street School Music Party
Susan Horowitz/DrSue Sings her Original Funny Thanksgiving Song!
“Life is Just a Bowl of Gravy” – Song Lyric by Susan Horowitz/DrSue
Life is Just a Bowl of Gravy Words and Music by Susan Horowitz/DrSue Copyright 2021
This is a tale of a turkey bird
Who went to a turkey trot
When anyone said, "May I have this dance?"
She answered, "You may not.
I'll only dance with a gentleman
Who makes our country great
If he's got money, then he'll be my honey
And I will be his date!"
Life is Just a Bowl of Gravy
Saucy and surprising
Life is Just a Bowl of Gravy
Very appetizing!
Suddenly somebody stepped on in
Who came from Pilgrim stock
He said, "I'll be candid
My boat has landed here on Plymouth Rock.
Turkeys are dumb, but drumsticks are yum
And you look mighty fine
Please do not stall, my Butterball
Come with me to dine!"
Life is Just a Bowl of Gravy
Saucy and surprising
Life is Just a Bowl of Gravy
Very appetizing!
They went to a fabulous restaurant
She was his dinner date
But when they got there the table was bare
Except for an empty plate
The rest of the story is terribly gory
I'll leave out the end
Let me just say have a fine Turkey day
And share it with a friend.
Life is Just a Bowl of Gravy
Saucy and surprising
Life is Just a Bowl of Gravy
Very appetizing!
Contact Susan Horowitz/DrSue Social Media (Website Upper Right)
Songwriting and Meaning, Popular Song History, Self-Esteem Tips
Hope you enjoyed my original song “Life is Just a Bowl of Gravy: Tale of a Turkey/Pilgrim Dinner Date.” (Lyric is slightly revised to my latest version.) As you can see, the song is designed for fun, with a catchy, easy-to-sing melody and a sing-along chorus that includes the audience. The story (told in the verses) has two main characters: the Turkey Bird and the Pilgrim, who interact with dialogue and action, and the other turkeys, who don’t get to dance with the Turkey Bird.
The story also has a Narrator, the Singer (in this case, myself, the Singer Songwriter) who tells the story and articulates the theme in a humorous, ironic chorus. I encourage the audience to sing the chorus with me, and in fact, they do!
Why does my audience sing along? Because I give them an easy, catchy melody, with a repetitive refrain “Life Is Just a Bowl of Gravy” which probably reminds many audience members of the optimistic, popular song “Life is Just a Bowl of Cherries.” But cherries have pits, and life has pitfalls – especially for snobbish birds.
“Life is Just a Bowl of Gravy” sounds cheerful, but in fact, it’s a cynical (though perky) comment on the demise of the Turkey Bird! The self-deluding bird rejects her real friends, misunderstands her real situation, and will only dance with a rich “Pilgrim” who (like Donald Trump) promises to “make our country great.” The “Pilgrim” views the Turkey as an appetizing fool suitable for his main course. The story spares the listener the gory details, but ends with a bit of advice – enjoy Thanksgiving (“Turkey day”) and share it with a friend.
The advice – know who you are, don’t try to be who you are not, and value and enjoy your life – applies to many situations. The word “turkey” has become slang for an inept loser, a bird who can’t fly like the eagle. But in fact, the wild turkey (unlike its domesticated cousin, bred for the dinner table) is a native American bird, who can fly and run fast and is traditionally prized by Native Americans, whose own story is part of the real history of Thanksgiving
“Life is Just a Bowl of Gravy” is an original song rooted in a few song genres, including traditional story songs. The ongoing narrative is told in the verses, and the theme shows up in the chorus. The form is verse-chorus, and the repeating chorus makes it easy to learn and sing along.
I also draw inspiration from theatre/revue songs, which often became popular standards. “Life is Just a Bowl of Cherries” by Ray Henderson/Lew Brown (published in 1931) comes from a Broadway revue (George White’s Scandals, modeled after the Ziegfeld Follies). The easy-to-remember, positive refrain and catchy tune made it a song standard with many recordings. You can learn and enjoy more great song standards by visiting the American Popular Song Society American Popular Song Society (apssinc.org)
Some songwriters and musical theatre writers experiment and challenge traditional song forms. But even the most radical do well to learn their craft and tradition – even if what they want to do is rebel against it.
Singer-Songwriters, Popular Songs, and Musical Theatre
My life in-and-out of the Performing Arts reflects who I am as a Singer-Songwriter, Musical Theatre Creator, Educator, and Person.
Singer-Songwriters create a personal, intimate art form, which directly connects to audiences. The audience often includes other musicians or singers. If the songs are simple or well-known, the audience can sing or play along and build community.
Musical theatre is much more elaborate, with an emphasis on unusual talents, professional collaboration, production values – and substantial funding. The effect can be thrilling!
Autumn Photo by Suzen http://www.suzennyc.com/
I also love the melodic sweep and wit of musical theatre – especially my own show “Switch the Musical” www.switchthemusical.com – and the intimacy and freedom of singing-songwriting, where I can immediately connect with my audience. I consider everything I (and we) create to be aspects of our talents and personal values. And unlike the foolish turkey, we don’t need to seek validation from fake “Pilgrims.” We can do it for ourselves.
Comedians as “Wild Turkeys” Book: “Queens of Comedy”
Great comedians are like wild turkey chicks who have landed among the domesticated breed. They don’t look as plump and juicy as the ones bred for the dinner table. But if they embrace their own talents, they can fly! Here’s a link to some of my favorite “birds” – the legendary comediennes I interviewed for my book “Queens of Comedy”
Contact Susan Horowitz/DrSue Social Media (Website Upper Right)
I hope you enjoy my blog about life in-and-out of the performing arts. You can contact me by clicking the Contact Links and Social Media on this website. (www.DrSue.com)
Susan (“Dr. Sue”) Horowitz, Ph.D. Entertaining Motivational Speaker-Author-Educator-Singer/Songwriter.
DrSue New Word Sustainable Chile Wine, Food, Travel, Environment Education, Fun!
DrSue New Word and Sustainable Chile share Wine, Food and the Joy of International Travel at Brooklyn Grange Farm – a rooftop garden in Brooklyn Navy Yard, New York City! www.brooklyngrangefarm.com Scroll down to enjoy 1 Minute Song-Video with Magical Sunset Views of Manhattan! Find Susan Horowitz (DrSue) onInstagram @horowitz30
We wend our way through the wine stations – a journey through the gorgeous geography of Chile www.prochile.gob.cl , a south-western Latin-American country, bordered by the Pacific Ocean and the Andes Mountains – and through time. Chilean wines (originally from in Spain) have a five-hundred year old tradition – and blend handcraft and modern technology. Wine varieties that became extinct in Europe still grow in Chile (85% certified sustainable) and are exported internationally. www.prochile.gob.cl
Christophe Desplas, Trade Commissioner of Chile, and Dr. Sue say “Salud” (Health) as we toast Sustainable Chile!
Other treats include empanadas (Latin-American stuffed pastries) and desserts from Dulceria, a Harlem-based Bakery-Wine Bar http://www.Dulcerianyc.com and En Boga Magazine www.enbogam.com
We also played a Chilean game of tossing a wine cork into boxes (I got one out of three), and fun photo ops with Chilean style sombreros (hats)! We all felt safe and healthy due to mandated proof of vaccination in New York State. (I have the app for NYS Covid-19 Vaccination proof on my cell phone for easy access.)
Learn more about DrSue New Word Entertaining, Educational Program https://drsue.com/about/drsue-new-word/
Enjoy 1 Minute VideoDrSue New Word Sustainable Chile
Here’s the Lyric to Dr. Sue’s Original Song: “Love is Sweet As Wine”
"Love is Sweet as Wine" Original Song by Susan Horowitz
"...The moonlight shines like chardonnay
And seems to glisten in your eyes
And our reflections in the glass hypnotize...
Oh my love, hear me call
Let yourself fall
Bedazzled and dizzy The feeling's divine
Love is Sweet as Wine, Sweet as Wine"
To hear the entire song (Words and Music)
Contact Dr. Sue on Instagram @horowitz30
or: drsue at drsue dot com
DrSue New Word Lute Music, Shakespeare in the Park New York City. Dr. Sue Positive Entertainment
DrSue New Word Lute. Dr. Sue (Singer/Songwriter) Sings with Troubador/Lutenist/Story Teller Garald Farnham @ Shakespeare in the Park, New York City! Farnham, who is the Musician/Music Director of Ensemble “Good Pennyworths” presents songs that are touching, humorous, and family friendly! Scroll down for 1Minute DrSue New Word Music Video!
DrSue New Word “Lute”
Dr. Sue and TroubadorFarnham invite you to a musical journey back to the time of William Shakespeare, with songs from Shakespeare’s plays and poetry and the flowering of the English Renaissance. Join us in an enchanted forest (Central Park, NYC). Before there were rock stars and electric guitars, there were minstrels and lutes! Our DrSue New Word is… “Lute”!
DrSue New Word Celebrates Learning, Arts, Science, Diversity, Vocabulary, Travel and Fun!
To learn more about DrSue New Word MultiMedia Entertaining Educational Programs (1 Minute Videos and Related Merchandise) Please scroll down.
Enjoy DrSue New Word “Lute” – One Minute Song Video.
DrSue New Word MultiMedia Learning, Diversity and Fun! Dr. Sue Positive Entertainment
Dr. Sue & Teddly New Word Logo for Mug, Notebook, Stickers, Games, Videos & More!
DrSue New Word is a MultiMedia, Entertaining, Educational Program that teaches vocabulary and celebrates inclusion, self-esteem, travel, art, science and fun!
DrSue New Word includes 1 minute videos (for All Social Media) with Dr. Sue’s singing jingle and original logo (for mugs, notebooks, stickers, games and more)! Dr. Sue invites you to travel, make new friends (from diverse backgrounds) enjoy art, music, and science, expand your knowledge, and take a chance – in sports, arts and life!
Themes of Self-Esteem, Fairness, Love, and Persistence remind us of Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood! DRSUE NEW WORD Combines Academics, Creativity, Emotional Learning, and Fun – with Related Positive Merchandise
DrSue New Word One Minute Videos (hosted by Dr. Sue) include a catchy jingle, happy logo, videos, photos, original songs – Perfect for All Media!
DrSue New Word Celebrates Learning, Diversity, Art, Science, Friends & Fun!
DRSUE NEW WORD “DINOSAUR”
DRSUE NEW WORD “DINOSAUR”
DRSUE NEW WORD “CHANCE”
DRSUE NEW WORD “CHANCE”
DRSUE NEW WORD ‘PRIDE”
DRSUE NEW WORD “PRIDE”
Dr. Sue YouTube Channel: www.YouTube.com/drsuecomedian
Please Like, Comment, Subscribe and Follow DrSue New Word 1 Minute Videos on YouTube and Social Media
Contact Form on DrSue.com Website
DRSUE NEW WORD “MUSIC“
DRSUE NEW WORD “MUSIC”
DRSUE NEW WORD “LIGHT”
DRSUE NEW WORD ‘LIGHT”
DRSUE NEW WORD “ART”
DRSUE NEW WORD ‘”ART”
New Word Logo
DrSue New Word Teddly
DrSue New Word Light
DrSue New Word Ferry
DrSue New Word Friend
DrSue New Word Family
Dr. Sue & Teddly New Word Logo for Mug, Notebook, Stickers, Games, Videos & More!
Susan (“Dr. Sue”) Horowitz, Ph.D. Entertaining Motivational Speaker-Author-Educator-Singer/Songwriter.
DrSue New Word “Light” Dr. Sue, Singer-Songwriter Educator, blends Art, Science, Song & Performance in One Minute Video! Dr. Sue Positive Entertainment
Dr. Sue, Singer-Songwriter/Educator, combines Art, Science & Song in One-Minute Videos! DrSue New Word videos blend music, performing arts and dramatic photography/videography (by Daniel Severino) ! Enjoy MultiMedia Exhibit “Creatures of Light” @American Museum of Natural History, NYC. Dr. Sue invites you to experience the magic of “bioluminescence”! Insects, like fireflies emit their own light -as shown in this gigantic model of a firefly! Enjoy Dr. Sue’s exciting video (with speaking, music, dance, drama and dance) to see mushrooms glow with a greenish light and jellyfish wriggle in purplish dance beneath the sea!
DrSue New Word “Light” Video Blends Science and Art!
Please Like, Comment, Subscribe and Follow DrSue New Word 1 Minute Videos on YouTube and Social Media
DrSue New Word “Ferry” Travel Positive Entertainmentand Education
Dr. Sue, Teddly Bear, Jamila & Ja on the Governors Island Ferry
Dr. Sue, Teddly Puppet, and Friends Jamila and Ja ride the ferry from Manhattan to Governors Island, New York. A ferry is a boat (or ship) that carries people and cargo back and forth across a small body of water. A ferry is also the place where you enter and leave the boat. Governors Island is a 172 acre island with an award-winning park, playground, arts center, food trucks, and cultural programs. It is located in New York Harbor near lower Manhattan and Brooklyn. Visiting Governors Island is a fun activity for all ages!
Please Like, Comment, Subscribe and Follow DrSue New Word 1 Minute Videos on YouTube and Social Media
DrSue New Word Song-Video Celebrates Pride, Diversity, and Fun!
Dr. Sue and Gotham Cheer Celebrate Rainbow Pride!
Dr. Sue, Inspiring Educator, Host of DrSue New Word One-Minute Videos interviews Gotham Cheer, adult Cheerleaders in New York City! Gotham Cheer are adult Cheerleaders who offer exciting entertainment and motivational cheers to promote Rainbow Pride – self-esteem and inclusion, especially for the LGBTQ Community! Dr. Sue & Gotham Cheer Celebrate Diversity, Learning, Fun and Positive Entertainment!
DrSue (Dr. Sue) New Word “Pride” Positive Entertainment
DrSue New Word “Pride”
Please Like, Comment, Subscribe and Follow DrSue New Word 1 Minute Videos on YouTube and Social Media
Dr. Sue New Word Song-Videos Celebrate Learning, Diversity & Fun!
60 Second New Word Videos teach vocabulary & diversity with a catchy jingle, happy logo, original songs, virtual travel & new friends – perfect for All Media!
Here is a sample New Word YouTube Video. PleaseLike and Subscribe!
Dr. Sue Sings “Fly like an Eagle” (her original song) with New Word “Freedom” Positive Entertainment
New Word Logo
Dr. Sue Rainbow Bow
Contact Dr. Sue for Music and Lyrics to her original song "Fly like an Eagle"
Susan (“Dr. Sue”) Horowitz, Ph.D. Entertaining Motivational Speaker-Author-Educator-Singer/Songwriter.
