Song Character Analysis Worksheet - The University of North ...
Song Character Analysis Worksheet - The University of North ...
Song Character Analysis Worksheet - The University of North ...
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“Can’t Help Lovin’ ‘dat Man”<br />
As suggested in Chapter Four, this melody is a unifying leitmotiv for the entire<br />
musical (second only to “Ol’ Man River”). <strong>The</strong> first appearance <strong>of</strong> the complete song is<br />
during the second scene, set in the Cotton Blossom’s kitchen pantry. <strong>The</strong> song’s function<br />
is as a “prop” song for Julie, in the strictest sense <strong>of</strong> the term. She sings it to Magnolia as<br />
one <strong>of</strong> her favorite childhood songs. Queenie is surprised to hear that “Miss Julie” knows<br />
this particular “colored” song and joins in on the second verse to describe her relationship<br />
with Joe. <strong>The</strong> duet becomes an ensemble number for the African-American chorus as an<br />
accompaniment for Magnolia while she practices her “shuffle” dance steps. <strong>The</strong> lyrics <strong>of</strong><br />
this song are revelatory for both Julie and Queenie’s characters. It anticipates the mis-<br />
cegenation scene <strong>of</strong> Julie’s mixed racial heritage and it shows her vulnerability as a<br />
strong woman trapped by her love for Steve, who is not worthy. <strong>The</strong> song also provides<br />
insight for Queenie’s true affection for Joe, even when she harasses him and calls him<br />
“worthless.”<br />
Similar to “Make Believe,” the song begins with an introductory version <strong>of</strong> the<br />
Refrain, followed by dialogue underscoring, then Verse and Refrain. I will chart the<br />
lyrics <strong>of</strong> the Refrain first.<br />
Refrain: Fish got to swim, [’] birds got to fly, (✓)<br />
I got to love one man til I die. (✓)<br />
Can’t help lovin’ ‘dat man <strong>of</strong> mine. (✓)<br />
Tell me he’s lazy, tell me he’s slow, (✓)<br />
Tell me I’m crazy [’] (maybe [’] I know), (✓)<br />
Can’t help [’] lovin’ ‘dat man <strong>of</strong> mine. (✓)<br />
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