The Meaning Behind The Song: Tomorrow [From Annie] by Andrea McArdle
Tomorrow, the iconic song from the musical Annie, has been a favorite among audiences of all ages since it first premiered on Broadway in 1977. Written by Charles Strouse and Martin Charnin, the song has been sung by countless performers over the years, but one of the most notable performances was by Andrea McArdle, who originated the role of Annie on Broadway. While the catchy tune and inspiring lyrics have made Tomorrow a beloved classic, the true meaning behind the song runs deeper than what meets the ear.
The Lyrics
The lyrics of Tomorrow speak of hope, perseverance, and resilience in the face of uncertainty and hardship. The song starts off with the lines “The sun’ll come out tomorrow, bet your bottom dollar that tomorrow there’ll be sun,” which immediately sets a hopeful tone. The narrator encourages listeners to believe in a brighter future, even when things seem bleak in the present. The song continues, “Just thinking about tomorrow clears away the cobwebs and the sorrow,” emphasizing the importance of a positive mindset in difficult times. The chorus repeats the title, reinforcing the message of looking forward to a better tomorrow.
The Message
The message behind Tomorrow is one of optimism and faith in the future. It reminds us that even when things seem dark and difficult, there is always hope for a brighter tomorrow. This is particularly poignant in the context of Annie, a story about a young orphan girl who is mistreated and neglected, but remains hopeful that one day she will find the loving family she longs for. The song encourages us to adopt this same hopeful attitude in our own lives, even when we face hardships and challenges.
The History
Tomorrow was written by Charles Strouse and Martin Charnin for the musical Annie, which premiered on Broadway in 1977. The show was based on the comic strip Little Orphan Annie, which first appeared in 1924. The song was an instant hit with audiences and has since become one of the most recognizable and beloved songs from a Broadway musical. It has been covered by a variety of artists and has been featured in countless movies, TV shows, and commercials.
The Singer: Andrea McArdle
Andrea McArdle originated the role of Annie on Broadway and was just 13 years old at the time. She won a Theatre World Award for her performance and was nominated for a Tony Award. McArdle’s rendition of Tomorrow is particularly memorable, as she delivers the lyrics with a powerful voice and an infectious energy. McArdle went on to have a successful career in musical theater, starring in shows such as Les Miserables and Starlight Express.
The Legacy
Tomorrow has become an anthem of sorts, inspiring generations of listeners to stay hopeful and remain optimistic in the face of adversity. It has been covered by everyone from Barbra Streisand to Michael Jackson, and has been featured in TV shows like Glee and The Simpsons. The song’s uplifting message has resonated with audiences for over 40 years, and its popularity shows no signs of slowing down.
FAQs
1. What inspired the writing of Tomorrow?
The song was written for the musical Annie, which was based on the comic strip Little Orphan Annie. The writers, Charles Strouse and Martin Charnin, wanted to create a song that would capture the hopeful spirit of the main character and inspire audiences.
2. Who originally performed Tomorrow?
Andrea McArdle originated the role of Annie on Broadway and was the first person to perform Tomorrow. Her powerful rendition of the song helped to solidify its place in musical history.
3. What is the message behind Tomorrow?
The message behind Tomorrow is one of hope and optimism. It encourages listeners to believe in a brighter future, even in the face of hardship and adversity.
4. Why has Tomorrow become such a beloved classic?
Tomorrow has become a classic due to its catchy tune, inspiring lyrics, and powerful message. It has resonated with audiences for over 40 years and has been covered by countless performers.
5. How has Tomorrow been used in popular culture?
Tomorrow has been featured in movies, TV shows, and commercials. It has also been covered by a variety of artists, including Barbra Streisand and Michael Jackson.
6. What is the significance of Andrea McArdle’s performance of Tomorrow?
Andrea McArdle’s performance of Tomorrow is particularly memorable because of her powerful voice and infectious energy. She brought the character of Annie to life in a way that has resonated with audiences for decades.
7. How has Tomorrow influenced musical theater?
Tomorrow has become an iconic song in musical theater history and has inspired countless other songs with hopeful and optimistic messages. Its popularity has also helped to make Annie one of the most beloved musicals of all time.
8. What can we learn from the message of Tomorrow?
The message of Tomorrow reminds us to stay hopeful and optimistic, even in the face of adversity. It encourages us to believe in a brighter future and to never give up on our dreams.
9. What makes Tomorrow such a catchy tune?
Tomorrow’s catchy tune is due to its upbeat tempo, simple melody, and repetitive chorus. Its upbeat energy and positive message make it a song that is easy to sing along to and hard to forget.
10. How has Tomorrow impacted popular culture?
Tomorrow has become a part of popular culture and is often referenced in TV shows, movies, and commercials. Its inspiring message has resonated with people of all ages and backgrounds, making it a timeless classic.
