Discover the Chilling Cell Block Tango Lyrics Today!

Have you ever heard the eerie tune of the Cell Block Tango and wondered about its chilling lyrics? Look no further! Today is the day to discover the meaning behind this iconic song featured in the hit musical Chicago.

With lines such as he had it comin', he took a flower in its prime, and popped his bubble gum, the Cell Block Tango tells the tales of six women who have murdered their partners in cold blood. The lyrics are unapologetic, thrilling and oh-so dark, leaving listeners with a haunting impression.

The song's popularity has spawned various covers, parodies, and tributes in pop culture, cementing its place in history as one of the most legendary musical numbers ever. So dive deep into the lyrics, listen to the tune, and join us in uncovering the chillingly captivating story behind the Cell Block Tango.

By the end of this article, you will understand the motivation behind each character's crime and appreciate the intricate details of the song's production. So don't miss out on this opportunity to experience the gripping world of Chicago's Cell Block Tango.

The History of Cell Block Tango

The Cell Block Tango was written by Fred Ebb and John Kander as part of the musical Chicago, which premiered on Broadway in 1975. The show was based on a 1926 play of the same name written by Maurine Dallas Watkins, a journalist who covered the real-life trials of women accused of murder in Chicago during the Prohibition era. The original production of Chicago received mixed reviews but was nominated for multiple Tony Awards, and it has since become a beloved classic.

The Story of the Six Women

The Cell Block Tango tells the stories of six women who have all killed their partners. Each woman sings a verse that describes the circumstances of the crime and implies whether she feels guilty or not. The six women are Hunyak, Velma Kelly, Roxie Hart, Liz, Annie, and June. Although they are all murderers, each character has a unique background, motivation, and perspective.

Hunyak

Hunyak is a Hungarian immigrant who speaks little English and is awaiting trial for killing her husband. She insists that she is not guilty and says Uh uh, not guilty throughout her verse. Her limited communication skills and foreignness make her an easy target for prejudice, and she is ultimately hanged for her alleged crime.

Velma Kelly

Velma Kelly is a vaudevillian who achieved fame before being arrested for killing her husband and sister. Her verse is the most elaborate, complete with a dance number and chorus of backup girls. She describes finding her husband and sister together and shooting them both, but she also suggests that her betrayal was just the latest in a pattern of abuse and infidelity. Despite her horrific crime, Velma remains charismatic and confident.

Roxie Hart

Roxie Hart is a chorus girl who dreams of becoming a famous vaudevillian like Velma. She shoots her lover, furniture salesman Fred Casely, when he threatens to leave her and take her dreams with him. Unlike Velma, Roxie is not a seasoned criminal, and her verse is full of nervous stammering and repetition. She believes that getting arrested and becoming a celebrity prisoner will help her career, and her case becomes a media sensation.

Liz

Liz is a burlesque dancer who killed her husband in self-defense after years of physical and emotional abuse. Her verse is more subdued than the others, with a mournful trumpet accompaniment. She expresses regret at having to kill her husband but also suggests that it was the only way to escape his violent behavior. Her story resonates with many domestic violence victims and illustrates the difficulty of proving self-defense in court.

Annie

Annie is a housewife and mother who killed her husband for money. Her verse is sung in a sly, mocking tone, complete with a jazzy clarinet solo. She reveals that she poisoned her husband gradually with arsenic and manipulated doctors into thinking he had typhoid fever. She collected his life insurance and used the proceeds to live a lavish lifestyle. Unlike the other women, Annie is completely unrepentant and even proud of her actions.

June

June is a woman from Salt Lake City who killed her husband in a fit of rage. Her verse is sung in a western style, complete with twangy guitars and sound effects of gunshots. She describes how her husband killed her lover and then taunted her with the murder weapon. Fed up with his emotional and physical abuse, June grabs the gun and shoots him dead. She celebrates her crime as one of revenge and justice.

The Making of Cell Block Tango

The Cell Block Tango quickly became a fan favorite in Chicago and beyond, thanks to its catchy melody, clever lyrics, and sensational staging. The song and dance number are designed to mimic the structure of a vaudeville act, complete with exaggerated gestures, costumes, and props. The women wear black leotards, fishnets, and red gloves, while the set features metal bars and a giant neon sign that reads JAIL. The choreography by Bob Fosse is iconic, with its sharp isolations, pelvic thrusts, and finger snaps.

The musical arrangement of the song is also notable, with each woman's verse accompanied by a different instrument and musical style. The song starts with an ominous bass and percussion line, followed by Hunyak's tragic accordion theme. Velma's verse evokes the Charleston era with its peppy horns and syncopated rhythms. Roxie's verse switches to a bluesy piano riff, while Liz's verse features a mournful trumpet solo. Annie's verse is the most instrumentally complex, with a bouncy clarinet solo and playful xylophone accents. Finally, June's verse returns to the western-style guitars and gunshots.

The Legacy of Cell Block Tango

The Cell Block Tango has become one of the most iconic musical numbers of all time, inspiring countless covers, adaptations, and parodies. The song has been performed by everyone from Lady Gaga to the cast of Glee, often with new twists or interpretations. The song has also been referenced or spoofed in various TV shows, movies, and commercials, cementing its place in pop culture. The Cell Block Tango has been criticized for glorifying violence against men and perpetuating harmful stereotypes about women, but it has also been praised for its feminist subtext and powerful storytelling. Whatever your opinion may be, there is no denying the impact and longevity of this unforgettable song.

Thank you for visiting our blog and discovering the chilling lyrics to the Cell Block Tango from the beloved musical, Chicago.

We hope you were able to gain a deeper understanding and appreciation for this iconic song, which tells the story of six women who have murdered their partners and share their justifications for their actions.

From the hauntingly beautiful melody to the clever wordplay, the Cell Block Tango is truly a masterpiece that has captured the hearts of Broadway fans for years. Whether you are a seasoned theatergoer or new to the world of musicals, we encourage you to continue exploring the music and lyrics of this incredibly talented composer.

Once again, thank you for joining us on this journey. We look forward to sharing more insights and behind-the-scenes looks at the world of music, theater, and entertainment with you in the future.

Here are the answers to some common questions people ask about the Chilling Cell Block Tango Lyrics:

Bullet Points:

• What is the Chilling Cell Block Tango?
• Who wrote the lyrics to the Chilling Cell Block Tango?
• What is the meaning behind the Chilling Cell Block Tango Lyrics?
• Are the Chilling Cell Block Tango Lyrics appropriate for all audiences?
• Can I find the Chilling Cell Block Tango Lyrics online?
• Is there a video of the Chilling Cell Block Tango performance?

Numbering:

1. What is the Chilling Cell Block Tango?

The Chilling Cell Block Tango is a song from the hit musical Chicago. It is performed by six female inmates who recount the stories of how they ended up in jail after killing their significant others.

2. Who wrote the lyrics to the Chilling Cell Block Tango?

The lyrics to the Chilling Cell Block Tango were written by Fred Ebb and the music was composed by John Kander.

3. What is the meaning behind the Chilling Cell Block Tango Lyrics?

The Chilling Cell Block Tango Lyrics explore themes of jealousy, betrayal, and revenge. Each of the six female inmates tells her story of how she was driven to murder her partner, often because of infidelity or abuse.

4. Are the Chilling Cell Block Tango Lyrics appropriate for all audiences?

The Chilling Cell Block Tango Lyrics contain some mature themes and language, so it may not be suitable for all audiences. It is recommended for mature audiences.

5. Can I find the Chilling Cell Block Tango Lyrics online?

Yes, the Chilling Cell Block Tango Lyrics can easily be found online with a quick search on any search engine.

6. Is there a video of the Chilling Cell Block Tango performance?

Yes, there are several videos available online of the Chilling Cell Block Tango performance from various productions of Chicago, including the original Broadway cast and the 2002 film adaptation.