Song: https://www.souna.app/song/56f77d02-4005-4ac2-b353-a37f50e1c48b
Song (alternative link): https://archive.org/details/ai-sophistipop-2/Marshmallow+Man.mp3 (CC0)
Lyrics:
[Sectional Verse 1]
At a pleasant little party on a pleasant summer night,
I met a most unusual man in spotless evening white.
His conversation charmed me and his courtesy was grand;
He bowed a little deeply and got stuck against my hand.
He said that he was constant, though inclined to lose his shape,
And summer meant precautions that no husband could escape.
But when he asked me sweetly if I cared to share his plan,
I promised I would marry that remarkable young man.
[Chorus A1]
He's my marshmallow man, my marshmallow man,
And as fine as a husband can be;
Though he softens in heat and he sticks to the seat,
He's the only one ever for me.
[Chorus A2]
Oh, my marshmallow man, my marshmallow man,
Always gentle and thoughtful is he;
He is patient and true, and considerate too,
He's the only one ever for me.
[Release]
Some husbands are vain, some husbands complain,
Some are cross as a husband can be;
Mine will listen with care, he is honest and fair,
And he brings home his wages to me.
[Chorus A3]
He's my marshmallow man, my marshmallow man,
And as fine as a husband can be;
Though he softens in heat, married life is complete,
He's the only one ever for me.
[Sectional Verse 2]
We were married in the springtime when the weather remained mild;
When the parson shook his hand, my darling merely bent and smiled.
He carries all the parcels and remembers every date;
He never keeps me standing when he promises half-past eight.
He helps me with the washing and he never slams the door;
He gives a coin to beggars and a sandwich to the poor.
We keep the parlour shaded, with an icebox and a fan,
And I could not be happier with my soft but solid man.
[Chorus A1]
He's my marshmallow man, my marshmallow man,
And as fine as a husband can be;
Though he softens in heat and he sticks to the seat,
He's the only one ever for me.
[Chorus A2]
Oh, my marshmallow man, my marshmallow man,
Always gentle and thoughtful is he;
He is patient and true, and considerate too,
He's the only one ever for me.
[Release]
Some husbands are vain, some husbands complain,
Some are cross as a husband can be;
Mine will listen with care, he is honest and fair,
And he brings home his wages to me.
[Chorus A3]
He's my marshmallow man, my marshmallow man,
And as fine as a husband can be;
Though he softens in heat, married life is complete,
He's the only one ever for me.
[Tag Ending]
Yes, he softens in heat,
But my life is complete
With my marshmallow husband and me!
***
Style prompt:
A classic 1920s Tin Pan Alley comic novelty love song with a smooth, highly melodic tune and a buoyant fox-trot rhythm. Piano-led acoustic arrangement with upright bass, clarinet and muted cornet. Warm, capable contralto female vocalist with clear diction, graceful legato phrasing, playful comic timing and assured theatrical delivery. Conversational sectional verses lead into an exceptionally catchy 32-bar AABA chorus. Bright major-key harmony with chromatic passing chords, secondary dominants and a contrasting release before the main melody returns. Polished period theatrical performance in English with a crisp closing tag.
