One of the hardest things about writing lyrics is to make the lyrics sit on the music in such a way that you're not aware there was a writer there.

Quote by Stephen Sondheim

Topics: Stephen Sondheim Quotes

In the Rodgers and Hammerstein generation, popular hits came out of shows and movies.

In the Rodgers and Hammerstein generation, popular hits came out of shows and movies.

One difference between poetry and lyrics is that lyrics sort of fade into the background....

One difference between poetry and lyrics is that lyrics sort of fade into the background....

When you know your cast well and their strengths and weaknesses, you can start writing...

When you know your cast well and their strengths and weaknesses, you can start writing...

The more restrictions you have, the easier anything is to write.

The more restrictions you have, the easier anything is to write.

I prefer neurotic people. I like to hear rumblings beneath the surface.

I prefer neurotic people. I like to hear rumblings beneath the surface.

Musical comedies aren't written, they are rewritten.

Musical comedies aren't written, they are rewritten.

Nowadays, there are sometimes more producers than there are people in the cast, because it...

Nowadays, there are sometimes more producers than there are people in the cast, because it...

The nice thing about doing a crossword puzzle is, you know there is a solution.

The nice thing about doing a crossword puzzle is, you know there is a solution.

Musicals are, by nature, theatrical, meaning poetic, meaning having to move the audience's imagination and...

Musicals are, by nature, theatrical, meaning poetic, meaning having to move the audience's imagination and...

My personal life and my artistic life do not interfere with each other.

My personal life and my artistic life do not interfere with each other.

I played the organ when I went to military school, when I was 10. They...

I played the organ when I went to military school, when I was 10. They...

A close-up on screen can say all a song can.

A close-up on screen can say all a song can.

It ain't just a question of misunderstood, Deep down inside him, he's no good

It ain't just a question of misunderstood, Deep down inside him, he's no good

Oscar Hammerstein was a surrogate father during all those many days, and weeks and months...

Oscar Hammerstein was a surrogate father during all those many days, and weeks and months...

Nice is different than good.

Nice is different than good.

So many good songs get written fast, because you know exactly what has to work.

So many good songs get written fast, because you know exactly what has to work.

Math and music are intimately related. Not necessarily on a conscious level, but sure.

Math and music are intimately related. Not necessarily on a conscious level, but sure.

Every writer I've ever spoken to feels fraudulent in some way or other.

Every writer I've ever spoken to feels fraudulent in some way or other.

Wherever there is possession of marks, there is fraud ; wherever there is no-possession of...

Wherever there is possession of marks, there is fraud ; wherever there is no-possession of...

I think I felt that I was very well known for my figure and needed...

I think I felt that I was very well known for my figure and needed...