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!
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 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 Sings Funny Parody “Rudy the Red-Nosed Lawyer” Positive Entertainment
You’re invited to Sing Along to “Rudy the Red-Nosed Lawyer” – a funny parody for the 2020 holiday – and political season! The tune (and part of the title) are based on a favorite holiday song: “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” by songwriter Johnny Marks based on a 1939 story by Robert L. May.
Here’s my Song-Video – Scroll down for Lyrics!
Rudy The Red-Nosed Lawyer
Has a client known as Trump
Rudy was once a mayor
Now he runs the city dump
Rudy, he loves his garbage
And he thinks collection's sweet
But he forgot one detail
You can't collect from a deadbeat!
On a bright November night
Kamala and Joe
Turned most of the country blue
And said, "Trump, you gotta go!"
Donny said, "I'm gonna sue ya.
Rudy is my legal brain."
Rudy the Red-Nosed Lawyer
And Trump are going down the drain!
"Rudy the Red-Nosed Lawyer"
Parody Lyrics by Susan "Dr. Sue" Horowitz
Copyright 2020
Please ask permission to use or share.
Susan (“Dr. Sue”) Horowitz, Ph.D. Entertaining Motivational Speaker-Author-Educator-Singer/Songwriter.
Dr. Sue Sings Original Funny Song about Voting & Thanksgiving Turkey! Positive Entertainment
Every Thanksgiving, I give thanks that I am not a turkey!
This popular holiday celebrates the arrival (and survival) of European immigrants on the North American continent with a Thanksgiving feast. Virginia and Massachusetts boast about hosting the first Thanksgiving. You don’t hear as much from the Native Americans, who were already here. Turkeys are prominently featured on most American Thanksgiving tables and greatly admired – but they are not available for comment.
Why not? What wisdom can we glean from the fate of turkeys? Surely we should learn something after hundreds of years… or at least four years after the 2016 election!
If you think that someone who looks rich and claims to be a “real American” because his ancestors got here a few generations ago, will Make America Great for You, consider the fate of the foolish turkey…who gets plucked!
Enjoy my Song Video “Life is Just a Bowl of Gravy!” Scroll down for song lyrics.
"Life is Just a Bowl of Gravy"
This is a tale of a turkey bird who went to a turkey trot
When anyone asked her "Will you dance?" She answered, "I will not"
I'll only dance with a gentleman who makes my country great
If he's got money I'll call him my honey, and he will be my date.
Life is just a bowl of gravy - saucy and surprising
Life is just a bowl of gravy - and very appetizing!
Suddenly somebody stepped on in who came from pilgrim stock
He said "I'll be candid, my boat has just landed nearby on Plymouth Rock
I sail the Mayflower and I got the power and you look mighty fine
Please do not stall my sweet Butterball and come with me to dine
Life is just a bowl of gravy - saucy and surprising
Life is just a bowl of gravy - and 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 - her fate we still recall
If you didn't get here by the Mayflower dear
We're in the same boat - so get out and Vote!
And dance at your own Turkey Ball!
Life is just a bowl of gravy - saucy and surprising
Life is just a bowl of gravy - and very appetizing!
Copyright 2020 Susan "Dr. Sue" Horowitz (Words and Music)
Written Music is Available on Request
Susan "Dr. Sue" Horowitz is available as an Entertaining, Motivational Speaker, Educator, Singer-Songwriter, and Teaching Artist. Please Use Contact Form on Website
Susan (“Dr. Sue”) Horowitz, Ph.D. Entertaining Motivational Speaker-Author-Educator-Singer/Songwriter.
Dr. Sue Song-Video “Wear a Mask Show You Care” with Teddly!
Dr. Sue & ShakesBear (Shakespeare) Funny Video “MacBear”
Dr. Sue visits Battery Park NYC (Virtual Tour) with Teddly!
Susan "Dr. Sue" Horowitz is available as an Entertaining, Motivational Speaker, Educator, Singer-Songwriter, and Teaching Artist. Please Use Contact Form on Website
Susan (“Dr. Sue”) Horowitz, Ph.D. Entertaining Motivational Speaker-Author-Educator-Singer/Songwriter.
Sophie Tucker, superstar singer, showbiz innovator and marketing genius – (imagine the founder of Facebook as a fat, fabulous diva) – called herself “The Last of the Red Hot Mamas!” Tucker was an international sensation with a sixty year career – she headlined in vaudeville and Broadway, sold out nightclubs; recorded songs tailor-made for her lusty persona, and guest starred on television (including the top-rated Ed Sullivan Show). She hung out with movie stars/singers (like Judy Garland, Mae West, and Frank Sinatra – all of whom she mentored), mobsters (like Al Capone, who booked her in his club, as did Lew Walters, father of Barbara Walters) and seven US Presidents. Due to her limited exposure in Hollywood films (she appeared in only two, which flopped), Tucker is almost forgotten today, but the documentary film “The Outrageous Sophie Tucker” (opening July 24 at Cinema Village, New York City) aims to change all that.
Susan & Lloyd Ecker & Dr. Sue
The docu-bio (produced by Susan and Lloyd Ecker and directed by William Gazecki) traces Tucker’s rise from goulash – (a family restaurant in Hartford, CT where a teenage, but already zaftig (plump, curvy) Sophie served kosher food) – to glory! She eloped with a handsome ne’er-do-well named “Tuck” and quickly became pregnant. But she was determined to escape her mother’s fate as a kitchen slave. In a move that was outrageous (especially for an early 20th century Orthodox, Jewish girl), she handed the baby to her sister, changed her name to “Tucker,” and took off for New York City. Considered too “fat and ugly” for show business, she was forced to belt out songs in black face as a vaudeville “coon-shouter.” She hated it, and when her make-up failed to arrive in Chicago, she went onstage as herself, brought the house down, and never looked back.
I asked Eckers to share the secrets of Sophie’s success. “It didn’t hurt that she had a voice that could peel the paint off walls.” But mainly it was that combination of warmth (she personally answered all her mail and wrote cards to her fans telling them when she was going to appear in their town) and business. Sophie said, “Friends and fans = box office.” She was one of the first performers to take a percentage of the gate (during her first number, she counted the seats and made sure she wasn’t cheated). If you wanted her autograph, you bought her book – and she didn’t give change, even for a $50 dollar bill. (She would announce, “It all goes to charity.” In fact, she raised huge sums for her favorite charities, including synagogues.
Rabbi Jill & Dr. Sue
Sophie may have been a rebel, but she became a prominent member of The Actors’ Temple (339 West 47th Street, NYC), which features Tucker’s plaque, stairwell photograph, and stained glass window. I interviewed Rabbi Jill Haus, spiritual leader, cantor/singer, and show business supporter. The Actors’ Temple hosts shows, a Hanukah open mike and performance fests (like Midtown International Theatre Festival). I asked Rabbi Jill to share a story about Sophie. She told me the temple was originally Orthodox, with men downstairs and women in the gallery. A woman who was a big contributor to the temple, sat herself downstairs, and Sophie immediately followed. “The Rabbi was smart, and the synagogue immediately changed from Orthodox to Conservative (with mixed seating).”
Sophie was always ahead of her time – especially when it came to sexy self-assertion – for all genders, sizes, and backgrounds. The soundtrack of “The Outrageous Sophie Tucker” includes her top hits: “I Ain’t Takin’ Orders From No One,” “No One Loves a Fat Girl (But a Fat Girl Knows How to Love),” “The Sophie Tucker School for Red Hot Mamas”, “My Yiddishe Momme” (the heart-tugging, unofficial Jewish anthem), and her signature song “Some of These Days.”
So what are you waiting for? Pep up your life with Sophie serum – movie, soundtrack CD, the Eckers’ fictionalized memoir “I Am Sophie Tucker” (friskier and more fun than the official, sanitized 1945 biography). Susan and Lloyd Eckers’ first date was at a Bette Midler concert (Ms. Midler told her version of bawdy “Soph” jokes and belted out songs a la Tucker.) The Eckers married, built and sold a business, and are living their dream of bringing their favorite broad back to Broadway! Stay tuned at www.sophietucker.com . For press reservations, interview requests, or more information, contact Richard Skipper Celebrates at Richard@RichardSkipper.com or 845-365-0720.
In the spirit of Sophie Tucker, here’s a a video of my original, funny song: “A Jewish Girl Named Tex”:
“A Jewish Girl Named Tex” by Sue Horowitz
Creative Living by Dr. Sue: Perk up with Positive Songs!
Long before I ever heard of this film, I used to start my day with Sophie’s songs. Her funny, heartfelt, strong assertion of womanhood, sung in clear, jazzy, melodic voice with perfect articulation, always perked me up!
Support the Arts!: Without the arts, many children have no chance for a better, more fulfilling life! Without the arts, there is no real beauty, joy, or civilization!
