Robert Meredith Wilson (May 18, 1902 – June 15, 1984) was an American composer, songwriter, flutist, conductor and playwright, best known for writing the book, music and lyrics for the hit Broadway musical The Music Man. He wrote three other Broadway musicals, composed symphonies and popular songs, and his film scores were twice nominated for Academy Awards.
Meredith was a friend of mine in 1957 during the Music Man production. I was fortunate to have been what they call an angel, having borrowed $500. to invest. That investment sure paid off but more than the financial gain was the friendship, opening night, house seats, and excitement in general.
Today’s lyrics are not from the Music Man. It’s almost Xmas so I selected the following:
Lyrics
It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas
Ev’rywhere you go,
Take a look in the five-and-ten, it’s glistening once again
With candy canes and silver lanes that glow.
It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas,
Toys in ev’ry store,
But the prettiest sight to see is the holly that will be
On your own front door.
A pair of hop-along boots and a pistol that shoots
Is the wish of Barney and Ben,
Dolls that will talk and will go for a walk
Is the hope of Janice and Jen,
Mom and Dad can hardly wait for school to start again.
It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas
Ev’rywhere you go,
There’s a tree in the Grand Hotel, one in the park as well,
It’s the sturdy kind that doesn’t mind the snow.
It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas,
Soon the bells will start,
And the thing that will make them ring is the carol that you sing
Right within your heart.
It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas
Toys in ev’ry store,
But the prettiest sight to see is the holly that will be
On your own front door.
Sure it’s Christmas, once a-more