About
Written by Richard Rodgers and Lorenz Hart for the 1937 musical Babes in Arms, The Lady Is a Tramp began as a satire of New York high society, mocking those who confuse authenticity with bad manners. The song became a jazz standard through performances by Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald and Tony Bennett. Robbie Williams recorded his version during the Swing When You’re Winning sessions, releasing it as a double A-side with Mr Bojangles in Central and Eastern Europe in March 2002.
Performed live at the Royal Albert Hall, the song allowed Williams to channel the humour and irreverence that defined his stage persona. Introducing it as “a dedication to my last three girlfriends,” he approached it with tongue firmly in cheek, weaving swagger and comedy into his phrasing. Steve Sidwell’s arrangement keeps the rhythm brisk and the brass crisp, echoing the Count Basie style that framed Sinatra’s own definitive version.
I’ve always loved how cheeky that lyric is — it’s not really calling her a tramp, it’s saying she’s real. I can relate to that.Robbie Williams
Williams’ delivery leans into the song’s playful contrasts: “She gets too hungry for dinner at eight, she likes the theatre but never comes late.” The performance builds to a jubilant finale, punctuated by his characteristic grin and comic timing. Both affectionate and mischievous, The Lady Is a Tramp encapsulates Williams’ talent for honouring swing tradition while making it unmistakably his own — a wink to the greats and a celebration of individuality.
Lyrics
And never wished for turkey
As she hitched and hiked and grifted too
From Maine to Albuquerque
Alas, she missed the Beaux Arts Ball
And what is twice as sad
She was never at a party
Where they honored Noel Coward
But social circles spin too fast you see
Her whole bohemia is the place to be
She gets too hungry, for dinner at eight
She likes the theater, but never comes late
She never bothers, with anyone she hates
That is why this lady is a tramp
She don't like crap games, with barons and earls
Won't go to Harlem, in ermine and pearls
Won't dish the dirt, with the rest of those girls
That is why this lady is a tramp
She likes that free, fresh wind in her hair
Life without care
She's broke, no joke
Hates California, too cold, too damp
That's why this lady is a tramp
She gets too hungry, for dinner at eight
She likes the theater, but never comes late
She never bothers, with anyone she hates
That is why this lady is a tramp
She don't like crap games, with barons and earls
Won't go to Harlem, in ermine and pearls
Don't dish the dirt, with the rest of those girls
That is why this lady is a tramp
She likes the free, fresh wind in her hair
Life without care
I'm broke, no joke
Hates California, too cold, too damp
That's why this lady
That's why the lady
That's why this lady is a tramp
Credits
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Vocalist
Robbie Williams -
Songwriter
Lorenz Hart, Richard Rodgers -
Original Artist
Frank Sinatra