I thought the song was very moving all three times I saw the show (and once was with Matt Farnsworth as Aaron... excellent, btw). But I think I mostly like it because of the whole deeper meaning thing with Kander writing about Ebb and all that. Without the double meaning, I don't think the song is that strong, and I usually really enjoy ballads like this. I mean, let's face it: there's a good reason Kander was a composer, not a lyricist. In this circumstance, I kind of thought the weak lyrics and structure made the song better and more meaningful in a way because you can actually see Kander struggling without his partner, and you're like, "Yeah, if you asked me which I'd prefer, I'd choose the music I wrote with her too." But notice how I keep talking about Kander and Ebb here...I think that's the value of the number. Without that context, it's definitely not a great song, and it didn't do much to interest me in the problems between Aaron and Georgia.
Jason Danieley is a pleasure to listen to, though. Too bad I didn't remember to watch the Drama Desk Awards.
"I just want a story and a few good songs that will take me away. I just want to be entertained. I mean, isn't that the point?"