Putting It Together Songtext

von Stephen Sondheim

Bit by bit, putting it together
Piece by piece, only way to make a work of art
Every moment makes a contribution
Every little detail plays a part
Having just a vision's no solution
Everything depends on execution
Putting it together (That's what counts)

Ounce by ounce, putting it together
Small amounts, adding up to make a work of art
First of all you need a good foundation
Otherwise it's risky from the start
Takes a lot of earnest conversation
But without the proper preparation
Having just a vision's no solution
Everything depends on execution
The art of making art, is putting it together
Bit by bit

Note by note, working on projection
Lips, teeth, throat, looking for a moment to inhale
Keeping the emotional connection
Even when your fellow actors fail
Pointing at the subtext by inflection
Helping your director reach perfection
Even though you have a strong objection
To the way he's handling the direction

Art isn't easy
Every minor detail
Is a major decision
Have to keep things in scale
Have to hold to your vision

Even though you're feeling apprehensive
That you're looking bland and inoffensive
And you wish your wardrobe was extensive
Don't forget that Spangles are expensive

The light, Love
A little to the right, Love
It isn't very bright, Love
And must it be so tight, Love
Thank you, he does that every night

Beat by beat, losing inhibition
Head, hands, feet, trying to relax, but not too much
Trying to lay out the exposition
But without exposing it as such
Trying to perform but not audition
Trying to establish recognition
Trying to persuade the electrician
That he should destroy the competition

Art isn't easy
Every word, every line
Every glance, every movement
You improve and refine
And refine each improvement

Bit by bit, putting it together
Piece by piece, working out the vision night and day
What it takes is time and perseverance
Dealing with details along the way
Dealing with Producer's interference
Waiting for the Author's disappearance
Filling up the holes with animation
Covering the flaws in the construction
Wiping all the scenic ostentation
Knowing it's a "Macintosh" production
Working for a tiny compensation
Hoping for a thunderous ovation
The art of making art
Is putting it together
Bit by Bit
Part by Part
Fit by Fit
Start by Start, Stride by Stride
Kick by Kick, Glide by Glide
Schtick by Schtick, Side by Side by Side by Side by Side by Side.
And that is the state of the art.