Why "Don't Rain On My Parade" is Such A Banger

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[@kacichristian]

Loved this analysis, Mateo!! You mentioned the choice of the word, “fanned” in the lyrics, and wondered if it was somehow a reference to Fanny herself. The lyrics prior to “fanned out” are related to the musical metaphor of a band (a marching band), then switch to a baseball metaphor, with the use of terms, “fanned out” and “at bat”… and continuing the baseball metaphor of Fanny stepping to the plate (“home plate”) for her turn “at bat” and going for it “full swing”- no faking it, as in bunting a baseball or making a minimal effort, but instead, taking her best shot- I'll march my band out I'll beat my drum And if I'm fanned out Your turn at bat, sir At least I didn't fake it Hat, sir, I guess I didn't make it! The phrase, “fanned out,” has several meanings, one of which is “to strike out” a baseball player, in which the hurtling baseball functions as a fan, stirring up the breeze as it zooms past the batter, and possibly the bat serving as a fan, as well, as it slices through the air, missing the ball and creating a of air… and then the next batter is “up” for his turn “at bat”… sir… Source URL: www.thefreedictionary.com/fanned+out (Reference numbers 1, 3, 6, 7, 11, 12, 14 from the definition below of “fanned out.”) 1. a device for producing a current of air by the movement of one or more broad surfaces. 2. an implement of feathers, leaves, paper, etc., often in the shape of a triangle or a semicircle, for waving lightly in the hand to create a cooling current of air about the body. 3. anything resembling such an implement, as the tail of a bird. 4. any of various electrical or mechanical devices consisting of vanes radiating from a central hub that revolves, producing a current of air. 5. a series of revolving blades supplying air for winnowing or cleaning grain. v.t. 6. to move or agitate (the air) with or as if with a fan. 7. to cause air to blow upon, as from a fan; cool or refresh with or as if with a fan. 8. to stir to activity; incite: to fan emotions. 9. to blow upon: A cool breeze fanned the shore. 10. to spread out like a fan. 11. (of a baseball pitcher) to strike out (a batter). v.i. 12. to strike, swing, or brush lightly at something. 13. to spread out like a fan: The forest fire fanned out in all directions. 14. (of a baseball batter) to strike out.

[@MusicTheatreTheory]

Thank you for this long and thoughtful comment, Kaci! I didn't know "fanned out" was also a baseball term -- that ties it in so well with the line afterwards! Brilliant!

[@jnewmark41]

@@MusicTheatreTheory Hi Mateo....I am not sure who you are, but the algorhthem (sp?) sent you to me and I really enjoy your content. I LOVED your Lea Michele FG video and really got some insight from it. I never make comments on KZbin but as a musical theater nerd and singer, I really appreciate these videos. I just saw FG recently and Lea was a revelation (esp. with THIS song). There is another lesser-known song called THE MUSIC THAT MAKES ME DANCE that really had the entire theater in tears. Lea's vocals and emotionality were insane. I found a small clip and will put it here for you to see: kzbin.info/www/bejne/pJuWkKGKfrmjmsU

[@barbraarchives5604]

Mateo, this is MOST EXCELLENT. I just Tweeted it out to my Streisand followers. Love, love, love your analysis. One more story about "fanned out" (LOL): Some singers covering the song sing (incorrectly) "if I'm FOUND out." Thanks again for this video!

[@waymanwong6899]

Mateo, props for saluting ''Don't Rain on My Parade,'' but any analysis of this classic anthem is incomplete without mentioning its lyricist, Bob Merrill. Jule Styne is a genius for writing the propulsive melody, but Merrill's sly rhymes and savvy lyrics go hand-in-hand for the song's success.

[@benbaines2583]

It's an absolute MASTERPIECE

[@jmcdonald7867]

You and Seth Rudetsky should do a video with a deconstruction off! He'd love you! You're talented and spot on! Where did you go to school? Anyway! Keep it up!

[@gareman]

Loved this - and loved that you reached back to 1964 to bring this epic moment in musical theatre. I was lucky enough to be in a production of FUNNY GIRL in my younger years, and this song brought down the house every night! Keep up the good work!!!

[@lilybee809]

You are amazing! You should be a teacher! I have zero musical training but I love musical theater and you made this so accessible for someone like me to understand and appreciate on a deeper level. ❤️

[@alexs.3383]

Absolutely enjoyed this video :~) Your skills & personality shine through. I will gladly carry these points with me the next time I listen to the song

[@ryan-tm4mm]

i love this

[@RandyMan2661]

Congrats on surpassing 5K subscribers!!!!

[@ladydunkis]

I'm kind of surprised that you didnt mention ragtime or jazz in your explanation of syncopation.

[@gregorykollarus8190]

This is so interesting. Ty

[@stephaniestanley8041]

This video is amazing 🤩

[@carlosvillaseca7928]

this kid is great!

[@stephenhoover7610]

Great analysis. Was going to point out "fanned out" is a baseball reference (means 'to strike out'; so if she strikes out she'll hand the bat to the next person) but see someone already has. "Rose's Turn" also has baseball references: "They take bows and you're battin' zero" (meaning no hits) and "Starting now I bat a thousand" (meaning perfect bat/hit ratio). The syncopation in the opening stands out and is a great attention grabber. I enjoyed the version from Judy Kuhn from My Favorite Broadway: The Leading Ladies.

[@williampoole4786]

Hi have you got another to build a show planned or was the last on the end of the series

[@robbriner9575]

Nice work (if you can get it). You have it.

[@secondaryactons]

Would love your thoughts on the cast recording versus the film soundtrack recording.

[@denroleonard5345]

can you please analyze I'm The Greatest Star

[@rodolfocoronel487]

Completely off topic but are you latino? And if so from which country?

[@MusicTheatreTheory]

Yes! My family is from Chile 🇨🇱🇨🇱🇨🇱

[@rodolfocoronel487]

@@MusicTheatreTheory yas! A south american brother! Yo soy argentino 👋🏻

[@jnewmark41]

@@MusicTheatreTheory mucho gusto!!

[@TheJohnGent1]

Good content -- but we could all do without anymore (by now very tired) Woke virtue signaling. It's called "The Golden Age of American Musicals" because it was an apogee of the art form.