Oscar Hammerstein II
Oscar Greeley Clendenning Hammerstein II was an American writer, theatrical producer, and (usually uncredited) theatre director of musicals for almost forty years. Hammerstein won eight Tony Awards and was twice awarded an Academy Award for "Best Original Song", and much of his work is part of the unofficial Great American Songbook. He co-wrote 850 songs. Hammerstein was the lyricist and playwright in his partnerships; his collaborators wrote the music. Hammerstein collaborated with composers including Jerome Kern, Vincent Youmans, Rudolf Friml and Sigmund Romberg, but his most famous collaboration was with Richard Rodgers.
“Sentiment has never been unpopular except with a few sick persons who are made sicker by the sight of a child, a glimpse of a wedding, or the thought of a happy home.”
Oscar Hammerstein II
“If you don't have a dream, how you gonna have a dream come true?”
Oscar Hammerstein II
“Do I love you because you're beautiful, or are you beautiful because I love you? Am I making believe I see in you, a woman too perfect to be really true? Do I want you because you're wonderful, or are you wonderful because I want you? Are you the sweet invention of a lover's dream, or are you really as beautiful as you seem?”
Oscar Hammerstein II
“A lady known as Paris, Romantic and CharmingHas left her old companions and faded from viewLonely men with lonely eyes are seeking her in vainHer streets are where they were, but there's no sign of herShe has left the SeineThe last time I saw Paris, her heart was warm and gay,I heard the laughter of her heart in every street caféThe last time I saw Paris, her trees were dressed for spring,And lovers walked beneath those trees and birds found songs to sing.I dodged the same old taxicabs that I had dodged for years.The chorus of their squeaky horns was music to my ears.The last time I saw Paris, her heart was warm and gay,No matter how they change her, I'll remember her that way.I'll think of happy hours, and people who shared themOld women, selling flowers, in markets at dawnChildren who applauded, Punch and Judy in the parkAnd those who danced at night and kept our Paris bright'til the town went dark.”
Oscar Hammerstein II
“The last time I saw Paris.Her heart was warm and gay.”
Oscar Hammerstein II
“I'm not going to run, I'm going to stand here and watch. Every blow will cut into my heart, and tell me who and what you are.”
Oscar Hammerstein II
“There is a very real relationship, both quantitatively and qualitatively, between what you contribute and what you get out of this world.”
Oscar Hammerstein II
“Do you love me because I’m beautiful, or am I beautiful because you love me?”
Oscar Hammerstein II