Songs about the theatre

Joe Penhall’s Mood Music sees the worlds of theatre and the music business collide with a wry look at the dark side of the music industry.

Not only is this a recipe for ‘fascinating’ (The Guardian) theatre, it has also generated a niche pool of inspiration for song writers – take a look at some of the artists who have paid homage to the theatre.

You’re my Waterloo, The Libertines

Written by Carl Barat, Gary Powell, John Hassall, Peter Doherty

And you see I’ve brought you flowers
I’ve brought you flowers all collected from The Old Vic stage
Well I’ve been sitting here for hours, baby
Just chasing these words across the page

I Was Meant For the Stage, The Decemberists

Written by Colin Meloy

I was meant for the stage,
I was meant for the curtain.
I was meant to tread these boards,
Of this much I am certain.

Take a bow, Rihanna

Written by Mikkel Eriksen, Tor Erik Hermansen, Shaffer Smith

But you put on quite a show
You really had me goin’
But now it’s time to go
Curtains finally closin’
That was quite a show
Very entertaining
But it’s over now
Go on and take a bow

Where’s the orchestra? Billy Joel

Written by Billy Joel

Where’s the orchestra?
Wasn’t this supposed to be a musical?
Here I am
In the balcony,
How the hell could I have missed the overture?

The Show Must Go On (Queen)

Written by Brian May, Freddie Mercury, John Deacon, Roger Taylor

Ooh, I’ll top the bill, I’ll overkill
I have to find the will to carry on
On with the show

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