The Meaning Behind The Song: Cabaret by Liza Minnelli
Cabaret is one of Liza Minnelli’s most renowned songs, which was released in 1972 for the movie with the same name. It depicts the hedonistic, nocturnal environment of Berlin in the early 1930s, where the Nazi Party’s dark shadow was creeping upon the city’s vibrant nightlife. The song’s lyrics, composed by Fred Ebb and John Kander, were written to portray a cautionary tale about the dangers of unrestricted living and to highlight the rise of fascism in Europe. Through this article, we will explore the meaning behind the song, the context it was created in, and the impact it had on popular culture.
The Context in which Cabaret was Written
The 1972 film adaptation of Cabaret was based on the 1966 stage musical of the same name. The musical was set in Berlin in the 1930s and followed the life of young English cabaret performer Sally Bowles while highlighting the rise of the Nazi Party. Joel Grey played the iconic character of the Master of Ceremonies, and Liza Minnelli played Sally Bowles in the quintessential film adaptation.
Cabaret, the movie, painted the picture of the city’s nightlife in the years leading up to the Nazi Party’s ascent to power, and Liza Minnelli’s performance in the movie was considered groundbreaking for the time. The lyrics by Fred Ebb and John Kander were written to highlight the murky, hedonistic atmosphere that characterized Berlin’s nightlife at that time. The song is a poignant reminder that things might be fun and exhilarating in the moment but that eventually, reality catches up with us.
The Meaning behind Cabaret
At its core, Cabaret is a song about escapism, set against the backdrop of a rapidly changing Germany. The song’s chorus, “Come to the Cabaret,” invites listeners to abandon their worries and indulge in the pleasures of the night. For Sally Bowles, the cabaret was a place where she could forget about her problems and the dangers brewing outside.
The song’s second verse, “I used to have a girlfriend known as Elsie/With whom I shared four sordid rooms in Chelsea/She wasn’t what you call a blushing flower/As a matter of fact, she rented by the hour,” aptly captures the elements of darkness and desperation that were typical of Weimar-era Berlin’s nightlife. The song seeks to capture the moral decline of the city as it headed towards political and social upheaval.
The song’s third verse, “And the boys upstairs, they loved a bit of laughter/They loved a bit of sport, and they loved a bit of jazz,” highlights how the nightlife had something for everyone. The boys upstairs, presumably Sally Bowles’ cabaret patrons, were hedonistic and enjoyed the party lifestyle. Ironically, the emergent Nazi Party also had a soft spot for jazz music, as it highlighted its opposition to traditional music that was considered too Jewish.
Overall, the song’s powerful lyrics and delivery by Liza Minnelli make Cabaret an unforgettable masterpiece. It is a reminder to us that sometimes, the things that seem most fascinating and alluring could have dire consequences.
The Impact of Cabaret on Popular Culture
Cabaret is widely regarded as one of the most influential movies of the 20th century. Liza Minnelli’s performance in the movie won her an Oscar. The music used in the film has since become iconic, and Cabaret has influenced popular culture to this day. The movie’s themes, including sexual liberation and freedom, have also inspired other movies over the years, such as Moulin Rouge.
In 2014, Cabaret was revived on Broadway, and Alan Cumming reprised his role as the Master of Ceremonies alongside Michelle Williams as Sally Bowles. The revival was lauded for its strong performances and adherence to the original production’s themes and message.
Cabaret continues to be celebrated by many as a powerful piece of political and social art that is neither timely nor timeless but, instead, both.
FAQs
1. What inspired Liza Minnelli to take on the role of Sally Bowles in Cabaret?
Liza Minnelli’s parents, Judy Garland and Vincente Minnelli, had both been influential figures in Hollywood in the 30s and 40s. Therefore, Liza Minnelli had an inbuilt appreciation for classic Hollywood movies. Additionally, the role of Sally Bowles had been originated by Jill Haworth on stage, but she was deemed unsuitable for the movie adaptation. Liza Minnelli was the perfect fit for the role, having previously performed in stage adaptations of the show.
2. Who wrote the lyrics for Cabaret?
The lyrics to Cabaret were written by Fred Ebb. The music was composed by John Kander.
3. What is the meaning behind the phrase “Come to the Cabaret”?
The phrase “Come to the Cabaret” is an invitation to abandon oneself to escapism and pleasure. The line is suggesting that the cabaret is a haven where one can forget their worries and indulge in the pleasures of the moment.
4. What is the movie Cabaret about?
The movie Cabaret is set in Berlin in the 1930s and follows the life of young English cabaret performer Sally Bowles. The movie highlights the rise of the Nazi Party and portrays the hedonistic, nocturnal environment of Berlin’s nightlife in contrast to the specter of fascism creeping up on the German city.
5. What is the significance of the song Cabaret?
Cabaret is widely regarded as one of the most iconic songs of the 20th century. It highlights the hedonistic, Bohemian lifestyle that typified Berlin’s nightlife in the early 1930s. At the same time, it is a cautionary tale about the dangers of unbridled living and an acknowledgment of the dark, ominous shadow of Nazism creeping up on the world.
6. What was the impact of Cabaret on Liza Minnelli’s career?
Cabaret is considered a career-defining role for Liza Minnelli. Her performance went beyond acting to include original renditions of timeless classics. She won an Academy Award for her role in the Cabaret movie, which cemented her place in Hollywood history.
7. Has Cabaret left a mark on popular culture?
Yes, Cabaret has left a significant mark on popular culture. It is still considered a groundbreaking film, and its themes have inspired other movies like Moulin Rouge. Cabaret has become an iconic work of political and social art that continues to inspire people to this day.
8. What was the impact of Cabaret on the LGBT+ community?
The movie Cabaret is considered to have made a significant impact on the LGBT+ community. The cabaret scene in Berlin was a thriving community for LGBTQ+ people, and the movie features lesbian characters such as Sally Bowles. Additionally, the movie’s themes of sexual freedom and liberation were particularly resonant with the gay community at the time.
9. How did Cabaret impact the music industry?
Cabaret revolutionized musicals by highlighting that musicals could be more than just a collection of set-piece songs and dance routines. In Cabaret, songs were used to drive the narrative and provide deeper insight into the character’s emotions.
10. What were the critics’ opinions of Cabaret?
Critics widely praised Cabaret for its bold and daring take on Weimar-era Berlin. The movie featured unforgettable performances and powerful music that resonated with audiences. It won multiple Academy Awards and is widely regarded as a classic of American cinema.
11. What inspired the music for Cabaret?
The music for Cabaret was composed by John Kander. The music was largely influenced by the music of the time, which had a distinctly jazz and cabaret influence. Additionally, the music was composed to reflect the characters’ emotions and drive the narrative forward.
12. What was the reception of the 2014 Broadway revamp of Cabaret?
The 2014 Broadway revival of Cabaret starring Michelle Williams and Alan Cumming was well-received critically. The show was praised for staying close to the original production’s political and social themes while featuring powerful performances from the leads. It won Tony Awards for Best Revival of a Musical and Best Actor in a Musical for Alan Cumming.
