Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman
Don’t Be a Stranger
[PAULA, spoken]
So Frankie made a little mistake, tant pis
Tell me how much he owes, I'll write you a check
[HANRATTY, spoken]
So far it's one-point-four-million dollars
[PAULA, spoken]
It sounds like Frankie's good at this
[HANRATTY, spoken]
If you're hoping to raise a crook, you should be very proud
[PAULA]
I always knew I'd see this day
I can't say it's a shock
What's that expression?
Qu'est-ce que c'est?
He's "a chip off the old block"
But if you see him
Please pass on this plea
Don't be a stranger
Tell him that for me
My Frankie had a clever mind
He could spend hours all alone
I wouldn't have been surprised to find
He changed his diaper on his own
Could I have been there more?
Well, c'est la vie
Don't be a stranger
Tell him that for me
Though I tried, I couldn't hide
When love had flown away
Children close their eyes
But still they see
I took a chance, a new romance
Is it a crime to say I made a choice
And chose what's best for me
His father had a head for dreams
But not the Midas touch
His father had a million schemes
But dollars? Not so much
You want the apple
Go look for the tree
And don't be a stranger
Tell him that for me
[FRANK SR.]
I used to have what made her smile
But now, it's all been spent
I've tons of charm, I'm lousy with style
But that don't pay the rent
So if you spot her out there on a spree
Tell her don't be a stranger
Tell her that for me
I used to be a prince to her
This prince had lost his crown
I brought her laughs, she wanted fur
No wonder love fell down
Arrest the clown who said
The best things in life are free
Then, don't be a stranger
Tell her that for me
One more round at the lost and found
That's if you've got the dough
Happy hour is suddenly last call
[PAULA]
My eyes are dry, I said goodbye
So many tears ago
[BOTH]
The past is just a photo on the wall
[FRANK SR.]
I guess to you I seem a schmuck
Well, I'll just bide my time
[PAULA]
In love, all's fair
[FRANK SR.]
'Cause I believe that lady luck
Can still turn on a dime
[PAULA]
Comme a la guere
[FRANK SR.]
And maybe one
Will once again be three
[PAULA]
C'est c'que j'ai toujours dit
[FRANK SR.]
Don't be a stranger
Tell them that for me
[PAULA]
Don't be a stranger
Tell him that for me
[BOTH]
(No) Don't be a stranger
Tell him (them) that for me