My musings on the mercurial nature of relationships in the theater, comedy in particular, Mental Floss in very particular, with a few specific people and events in mind.
folk rock
humor
filk
pubsal
zieger
Story behind the song
I spent about 2 1/2 very busy, intense years as the musical director of a now legendary (if defunct) Miami comedy improv group called Mental Floss.
Floss had a brief (6 years) but spectacular run, and although there was much turnover, a core group of performers stayed with the group through its entire lifespan.
At one point, however, two members of the core group left to seek success as a standup duo. They had a great act, and we were sure they on their way up.
Punchline was written in response to this event, and the feeling of being left behind while your peers go on to bigger and better things. It's not about resentment, but more about resignation, and the ephemeral nature of the theatre.
Lyrics
Here's a story, stop me if you've heard it
It's kind of funny but you must know how to word it
Now I can tell a joke and it never comes out right
But some can stand alone and knock 'em dead all night
All night
You take your chances, laughing for a living
The ceiling may cave in or the floor may fall away
But catch the fire and all is forgiven
You wouldn't have it any other way
Between the streets and the boredom of salvation
I'll choose the evil that I know
You set it up with the perfect syncopation
Then it came the time to go
So what's the punchline?
Local heroes with big time dreams
Sometimes the spotlight is not what it seems
Change partners, change of address
Trying to do more with less and less
The kids who think they know all that's worth knowing
They come and go but they do not change a thing
These days I feel the cold change winds blowing
We choose direction and we scatter to the wind
But I'm still hangin' with the same old crowd
Everybody in the old neighborhood it so proud
And I think about a joke you used to tell
Always thought I knew it well
Must have heard it a hundred times...
What's the punchline?
It takes so long just to find the balance
And when it happens it's like magic in the air
You breathe it in and you hold it for a moment
Then it's gone
And you wonder - was it ever really there?
But I'm still thinkin' along the same old lines
Worryin' about the future, jammin' on old times
But I think about a joke you used to tell
Always thought I knew it well
Must have eard it a hundred times...
What's the punchline?
What's the punchline?
Oh won't you tell me tell me what's the punchline?
Won't you tell me?