“They hear drums, we hear music.”

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

“Music straightjackets a poem and prevents it from breathing on its own, whereas it liberates a lyric. Poetry doesn't need music; lyrics do.”

“One difference between poetry and lyrics is that lyrics sort of fade into the background. They fade on the page and live on the stage when set to music.”

“Music blows lyrics up very quickly, and suddenly they become more than art. They become pompous and they become self-conscious ... I firmly believe that lyrics have to breathe and give the audience's ear a chance to understand what's going on. Particularly in the theater, where you not only have the music, but you've got costume, story, acting, orchestra. There's a lot to take in.”

“We lose things.And then we choose things.And there are Louis'sAnd there are Georges-Well, Louis'sAnd George.”

“My FriendTodd: These are my friendsSee how they glistenSee this one shineHow he smilesIn the lightMy friend!My faithful friend!Speak to me, friendWhisper, I'll listenI know, I knowYou've been lockedOut of sightAll these years!Like me, my friend!Well, I've come homeTo find you waitingHomeAnd we're togetherAnd we'll do wondersWon't we?You there, my friendMrs. Lovett: I'm your friend too, Mr. ToddTodd: Come, let me hold youMrs. Lovett: If you only knew, Mr. ToddTodd: Now, with a sighMrs. Lovett: Ooh, Mr. Todd!Todd: You grow warm in my handMrs. Lovett: You're warm in my handTodd: My friend!Mrs. Lovett: You've come home!Todd: My clever friend!Mrs. Lovett: Always had a fondness for you, I didTodd: Rest now, my friendMrs. Lovett: Never you fear, Mr. ToddTodd: Soon I'll unfold youMrs. Lovett: You can move in here, Mr. ToddTodd: Soon you'll knowTodd and Mrs. Lovett: Splendours you'd never have dreamed all your daysMrs. Lovett: Will be yours!Todd: My lucky friend!Mrs. Lovett: I'm your friend! And you're mine!Todd: Till now your shineMrs. Lovett: Don't they shine beautiful?Todd: Was merely silver!Mrs. Lovett: Silver's good enough for me, Mr. TTodd: FriendYou shall drip rubiesYou'll soon drip preciousRubiesAt last, my arm is complete again!”