Oscar Hammerstein: "Something Wonderful"

Tipping a hat to Oscar Hammerstein, who is currently "buzzy" because of Gavin Creel.

Sondheim said Hammerstein's best song was "What's the Use of Wond'rin," but I think the winner is "Something Wonderful," from "The King and I."

This isn't really an empowering or triumphant song; it's about being with an occasionally-disappointing man, and living with ambivalence.

He may not always do

What you would have him do.

But now and then he'll do--

Something wonderful.

It's possible that the King's wife is trying to persuade herself of her own argument, even as she presents the argument:

He'll always need your love--

And so he'll get your love.

A man who needs your love

Can be wonderful.

It's a sad and painful song, and I can imagine young Sondheim, the future "Dark Prince of Broadway," studying the words. "You're sorry, grateful. Regretful, happy. Why look for answers where none occur?"

You can see a clip of Gavin Creel -- swinging for the fences, with Hammerstein -- below.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jQqH5ta0ie4

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