Sondheim's "I Never Do Anything Twice"

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Sondheim's "I Never Do Anything Twice"

Posted: 4/29/20 at 12:58pm

I'm familiar with the Sondheim song "I Never Do Anything Twice" by the LuPone recording on 'Matters of the Heart'. I fell in love with that song and Lupone's version.

This past week I came across the Millicent Martin, Judy Kaye and Jeremy Taylor Hall versions - love them all, but the Kaye version is the best (IMO).

The only history I have found on this song is that it was written for the movie 'The Seven Percent Solution' from 1976. Does anyone have any more information on this delightful song ? Any other versions you recommend ?

I'm surprised he didn't save this for a Broadway musical - such a great, fun song!

Thanks for any info !

Sondheim's "I Never Do Anything Twice"

Posted: 4/29/20 at 1:08pm

There’s a page about it in Sondheim’s book “Look, I Made a Hat” if you happen to own a copy.

Sondheim's "I Never Do Anything Twice"

Posted: 4/29/20 at 1:12pm

"I'll get in the habit but not in the habit" is one of my favorite Sondheim lyrics.

Sondheim's "I Never Do Anything Twice"

Posted: 4/29/20 at 1:19pm

For me Millicent Martin's rendition is unsurpassed

Sondheim's "I Never Do Anything Twice"

Posted: 4/29/20 at 1:21pm

I saw a production of Side by Side by Sondheim in which Hermione Gingold did it. That was 1978. I can still see and hear her very clearly.

Sondheim's "I Never Do Anything Twice"

Posted: 4/29/20 at 4:26pm

TotallyEffed said: ""I'll get in the habit but not in the habit" isone of my favorite Sondheim lyrics."

Mine, too! It's such a wonderful, fun song - he should have kept it for a musical. I'll pick up his book at some point in the Library. I'm so intrigued by this song. (I've also ordered the DVD of the movie from the library - I work in a library, so it's pretty easy for me to get access of these items like books and DVDs from other libraries). I was 12 when the movie came out, but never saw it. I did see a few Sherlock Holmes movies at the time - I remember Holmes was quite a 'hot property' in the 70s and 80s at the cinemas. Mostly comedies were made about him.

Thanks everyone!

Sondheim's "I Never Do Anything Twice"

Posted: 4/29/20 at 4:47pm

I think my favorite thing about this song is how it shows Sondheim's skill at using the delay of a musical phrase to create a suggestive joke. The pauses after "Yes, I know that it's hard", "Came at my command", and "by fingering" linger just long enough to let you make the wrong connection that Sondheim wants you to make. Also, the fact that it opens with the suggestion of bestiality is pretty bold.

Sondheim's "I Never Do Anything Twice"

Posted: 4/29/20 at 5:23pm

Charley Kringas Inc said: "I think my favorite thing about this song is how it shows Sondheim's skill at using the delay of a musical phrase to create a suggestive joke. The pauses after "Yes, I know that it's hard", "Came at my command", and "by fingering" linger just long enough to let you make the wrong connection that Sondheim wants you to make. Also, the fact that it opens with the suggestion of bestiality is pretty bold."

Not to mention the final joke at the end! He’s sly, that Steve.

Sondheim's "I Never Do Anything Twice"

Posted: 4/29/20 at 5:37pm

My first exposure to the song was the CD of Sondheim: A Celebration at Carnegie Hall, with that female trio BETTY. I remember thinking it was a hoot, but I vaguely recall their version getting a cool reception.

"Hey little girls, look at all the men in shiny shirts and no wives!" - Jackie Hoffman, Xanadu, 19 Feb 2008

#10

Sondheim's

Posted: 4/29/20 at 8:09pm

Lupone gave a concert here on Long Island which I took my then 8 yr old granddaughter to. There was no listing of the musical numbers in the program and Elizabeth was enjoying herself until Patti sang "I Never Do Anything Twice" using a prop riding crop. Elizabeth looked very puzzled but knew better than to talk during a performance.

After the concert we went backstage to meet Patti and when Patti asked her how she enjoyed herself, Elizabeth blurted out, "Why were you cracking that whip when you sang the song about the hammer and three nails?" Patti and I exchanged "The Look" and I hastily told my pride and joy that we had to get going if we were going to have the ice cream I'd promised her.

The next time I saw Patti, she remembered the incident.

"Long live God!" (GODSPELL)

Updated On: 4/29/20 at 08:09 PM

#11

Sondheim's

Posted: 4/30/20 at 12:07pm

I’m not familiar with Jeremy Taylor Hall, but love his rendition. He’s a very sexy performer in the video. Is he a Broadway actor? I’ve never heard of him.

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