Act I Scene 4: I need a couple of men (Grandpa, Top, Martin, Laurie, Ma) Lyrics by Aaron Copland
The Tender Land
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[GRANDPA] I need a couple of men But I don't know I keep shy of strangers They bring no good somehow [MARTIN] A stranger may seem strange that's true But did it ever occur to you That you seem strange to a stranger Seem strange to a stranger Seem strange to a stranger too? [MARTIN, TOP] We've come quite a ways Through these wide lands We've worked with our backs And worked with our hands [TOP] They're not strangers to harvestin' grain To diggin' up potatoes or plantin' in the rain [MARTIN, TOP] We hope that you can See it our way We're not strangers to work now what do you say: Will you take on a stranger? Take on a stranger? Takе on a stranger today? [GRANDPA] When you put it like that I'll havе to admit You're right for the work and besides bein' fit You're not such a stranger Not such a stranger Not such a stranger any more [MARTIN, TOP] We've two strong backs And four strong hands And that's what you need to work these lands [GRANDPA] I'm getting' old while you're both young Your song's beginnin' while mine's `bout sung Are you willin' to work for your pay? [MARTIN, TOP] Sure, we're willin' to work For our pay [GRANDPA] Then I'll make a special `ception this day And hire a stranger [MARTIN, TOP] Will you hire a stranger? You mean you'll hire a stranger? Will you hire a stranger Hire a stranger today? [GRANDPA] Yes, I'll hire a stranger Hire a stranger today! [MARTIN, TOP] Okay? [GRANDPA] Okay! (Interlude - The boys make horseplay Ma and Laurie come out on the porch.) [GRANDPA] If you boys work as smooth as you talk We'll make good time in the fields Ma, put on supper for two more [LAURIE] And can they come to my party tonight? [GRANDPA] The party! The party I'd almost forgotten the party [LAURIE] Grandpa please [GRANDPA] Can't be no harm in fellers To help with the dancin', eh Ma? [MA] I guess not. I guess not [GRANDPA] What's that, Mother? [MA] O nothing, nothing Been around these parts long, boys? [TOP] Long enough to look over the land and work up an appetite [MA] Know the Grays? Or Jessie Kane? She's a pretty girl they say [GRANDPA] They said they just come here, Mother [TOP] Knowed lots of Jessies in my time And pretty ones too But I don't place the name Jessie Kane (Ma turns away, seeming to ignore the boys.) [MA] C'mon Laurie. I need your help.] (Laurie goes with her into the house. Grandpa follows.) [MARTIN] Missus Moss doesn't like us Why do you suppose she ast those questions? [TOP] Don't get excited We ain't done nothin' wrong. Least not lately That Laurie sure is pretty [MARTIN] Don't start gettin' too int'rested We'll want to move soon as this job is done [TOP] Look who's tellin' me You're the one that's still got to learn A kiss ain't a ball and chain Listen, tonight keep the old man busy So's I can get acquainted with that girl Hear me? [MARTIN] Careful, Top! Her Grandpa has an eye in the back of his head Where his girl's concerned [TOP] Leave that to me You just drink him under the table I've handled girls before and their pas (to Grandpa, who reappears on the porch) So there's gonna be a party tonight Ain't we in luck? [GRANDPA] C'mon. I'll show you where To put your bundles You'll both sleep over here (indicating the shed) It promises to be a fine night (Top and Grandpa enter the shed. Martin remains.)
About “Act I Scene 4: I need a couple of men (Grandpa, Top, Martin, Laurie, Ma)” by Aaron Copland
Read the complete lyrics to "Act I Scene 4: I need a couple of men (Grandpa, Top, Martin, Laurie, Ma)" by Aaron Copland from the album "The Tender Land". On Lyrks you can follow along with the full text, explore the artist's discography, and discover related songs. The track is often categorized under Opera, Modern Classical, Pop.
"Act I Scene 4: I need a couple of men (Grandpa, Top, Martin, Laurie, Ma)" is performed by Aaron Copland. from the album "The Tender Land" This page provides the full lyric text for fans who want to sing along, study the songwriting, or compare versions across releases. Lyrks organizes lyrics by artist and song slug so you can bookmark and share a stable URL.
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"Act I Scene 4: I need a couple of men (Grandpa, Top, Martin, Laurie, Ma)" is credited to Aaron Copland. Songwriting credits may include additional writers listed on the release; check the credits section on this page for linked collaborators.
"Act I Scene 4: I need a couple of men (Grandpa, Top, Martin, Laurie, Ma)" appears on "The Tender Land".
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