![Sondheim, Stephen. (1930–2021) "What Would We Do Without You?" ["Company"] - Autograph Signed Lyrics Manuscript](http://www.schubertiademusic.com/cdn/shop/files/SondheimAS257991.jpg?v=1776537182)
Autograph manuscript, being a modified set of twelve lines of lyrics from the groundbreaking 1970 musical, Company. In pencil, one page, on ruled paper, neatly written out in block letters by the composer and signed at the conclusion "Steve Sondheim / March 4, 1973." Block of toning, tape remnants to edges, else fine. 7 x 7.25 inches; 17.8 x 18.5 cm.
What would we do without you?
How would we ever get through?
Who would I complain to for hours?
Who'd bring all the flowers
When I have the flu?
Who changes subjects on cue?Who cheers us up when we're blue?
Who is so dear and who is so deep?
And who would keep me occupied
when I want to sleep?
What would we do without you?
Just what you usually do!
While the first five lines of the present manuscript correspond to the final published version of the song, we then find jumbled lines from different verses: lines 6 and 7 and 12 here are from final version Verse 6, while our lines 8-11 are from final version Verse 2. The final line "Just what you usually do" is also inscribed in the left margin, "SS," likely a reference to the composer himself.
Rare. While, short autograph musical quotations and typed letters from the composer appear with some regularity on the market, we have located no examples of autograph lyrics having ever appeared in the trade or at auction. Of further rarity, the present manuscript is dated only a few years after the first production of Company.
Company is about a single man, his married friends, and several girlfriends. Robert wrestles with relationships and commitment and the show’s title has multiple facets, all important to appreciating its complexity. In Act II, it’s (still) Robert’s birthday, and (again) he blows out most of the candles, still not making a wish, and the wives finish the task for him. He reflects on being the odd man out, and the couples sing about togetherness (“Side by Side by Side”) and celebrate their friendship with him (“What Would We Do Without You?”), although the answer is “just what you usually do.”
A musical comedy based on a book by George Furth with music and lyrics by Sondheim, the original 1970 production was nominated for a record-setting fourteen Tony Awards and won six. A concept musical composed of short vignettes, presented in no particular chronological order, Company was among the first musicals to deal with adult themes and relationships. As Sondheim puts it, "Broadway theater has been for many years supported by upper-middle-class people with upper-middle-class problems. These people really want to escape that world when they go to the theatre, and then here we are with Company talking about how we're going to bring it right back in their faces."
Autograph manuscript, being a modified set of twelve lines of lyrics from the groundbreaking 1970 musical, Company. In pencil, one page, on ruled paper, neatly written out in block letters by the composer and signed at the conclusion "Steve Sondheim / March 4, 1973." Block of toning, tape remnants to edges, else fine. 7 x 7.25 inches; 17.8 x 18.5 cm.
What would we do without you?
How would we ever get through?
Who would I complain to for hours?
Who'd bring all the flowers
When I have the flu?
Who changes subjects on cue?Who cheers us up when we're blue?
Who is so dear and who is so deep?
And who would keep me occupied
when I want to sleep?
What would we do without you?
Just what you usually do!
While the first five lines of the present manuscript correspond to the final published version of the song, we then find jumbled lines from different verses: lines 6 and 7 and 12 here are from final version Verse 6, while our lines 8-11 are from final version Verse 2. The final line "Just what you usually do" is also inscribed in the left margin, "SS," likely a reference to the composer himself.
Rare. While, short autograph musical quotations and typed letters from the composer appear with some regularity on the market, we have located no examples of autograph lyrics having ever appeared in the trade or at auction. Of further rarity, the present manuscript is dated only a few years after the first production of Company.
Company is about a single man, his married friends, and several girlfriends. Robert wrestles with relationships and commitment and the show’s title has multiple facets, all important to appreciating its complexity. In Act II, it’s (still) Robert’s birthday, and (again) he blows out most of the candles, still not making a wish, and the wives finish the task for him. He reflects on being the odd man out, and the couples sing about togetherness (“Side by Side by Side”) and celebrate their friendship with him (“What Would We Do Without You?”), although the answer is “just what you usually do.”
A musical comedy based on a book by George Furth with music and lyrics by Sondheim, the original 1970 production was nominated for a record-setting fourteen Tony Awards and won six. A concept musical composed of short vignettes, presented in no particular chronological order, Company was among the first musicals to deal with adult themes and relationships. As Sondheim puts it, "Broadway theater has been for many years supported by upper-middle-class people with upper-middle-class problems. These people really want to escape that world when they go to the theatre, and then here we are with Company talking about how we're going to bring it right back in their faces."