Marlon Saunders
Don’t Say Yes Until I Finish Talking (SMASH Cast Version)
[STUDIO EXECUTIVES]
A studio executive has no beliefs
That's the way of a studio system
We've bowed to every rear of all the studio chiefs
And you can bet your ass we've kissed 'em

Even the birds in the Hollywood hills
Know the secret to our success
It's those magical words that pay the bills
Yes, yes, yes, and yes!

[DARRYL]
(Spoken) Gentlemen! Take a memo

Today the trades are all aglow
With grosses for our Miss Monroe
The things those vermin mustn't know
Is what she puts us through

She makes directors wait all day
One line per hour's all she'll say
And still, she thinks we're gonna pay
She needs a talking to

Tomatoes like her must be put in their place
If she don't shape up soon, she'll soon be walking
'Cause the buck stops with me
[STUDIO EXECUTIVES]
Yes, you're right, we agree!

[DARRYL]
Uh, don't say yes until I finish talking

She's got them all tied up in knots
Makes each producer faint and plotz
She thinks she's queen and calls the shots
As she sits on her throne

She needs to learn she's only skin
The next girl's waiting for a spin
I made a star of Rin Tin Tin
And paid him with a bone!

Tomatoes like her, well, they're easy to find
We throw them out as soon as they start squawking
So, get me some younger dish

[STUDIO EXECUTIVES]
We concur, as you wish!

[DARRYL]
Hey! Don't say yes until I finish talking!
And while you've got me on a roll
Let's find a role for Nat King Cole
Tell Mankiewicz his script is trite
A little lower, to the right

I think that Brando is miscast
That television just won't last
That I'm the king of Hollywood

[STUDIO EXECUTIVES]
All hail the king!

[DARRYL]
Ooh, that feels good

Which brings me back to that dumb blonde
To her demands, I now respond
Some buy your act, but I'm not conned
You better fall in line

You're two bazooms and nuts to boot
I'll keep you in a bathing suit
When you stop bringing in the loot
We'll go back to the vine

Tomatoes like you, they all whither and die
My powers, though, will never be diminished
So don't bring me to my boiling point
You're just a broad, I own the joint
I'm in control, you're just a face
Allow me to cut to the chase
I'll make another movie star
Can someone light my damn cigar?
And then say "yes"
'Cause yes, men
I'm finished
[STUDIO EXECUTIVES]
Yes!