I just listened to some recordings of Being Alive, like the Cleo recording, It is just terrilble. These people don't realize that the song is not just to be sung as some swing hit. They sing it without realizeing what they are singing. I think it is just sick....like singing it without knowing the show or the song.

Omguh triple posted.

Anyway, I agree. I think most renditions of the song are really poorly done.

I semi-agree... but I semi-don't.

See, in the show's context, the song is very specific in its style, but outside of the show, it's a cabaret tune or a standard. They're not singing it to "be Bobby," they're singing it to show off the song, their voice and their style. That's the way standards work, and they don't really write too many of them anymore. The last standard I can think of was "Memory" from Cats.

So, outside the show I don't mind stylized versions at all- in fact, I think stylized versions are one of the joys of standards! Sondheim himself agrees- have you ever heard Harry Chapin's cover of "Marry Me A Little," which he recorded at Sondheim's own request?

I did not triple post on purpose.

I LOVE when Bernadette sings it....she's awesome!