Gussie’s Opening Number

Song Meaning

Gussie opens with a stark self-assessment, questioning the sincerity of a younger man's affection. The lyrics immediately establish a tension between her perceived reality and a hopeful, perhaps naive, possibility. She wonders if his interest is transactional, tied to what she can offer, or if something genuine is stirring beneath the surface. This internal debate is framed by a sudden, almost absurd, interjection: "Maybe the moon is cheese!" This phrase acts as a lightning rod for her doubt, a nonsensical assertion that mirrors the irrationality she suspects in her own feelings or the situation. The central conflict emerges as Gussie grapples with her marital obligations versus her burgeoning feelings. She acknowledges the man she is married to "needs me near," a clear statement of duty and responsibility. Yet, she admits, "I love the guy I shouldn't / And I don't the one I should." This direct contradiction highlights her emotional turmoil, suggesting a deep dissatisfaction with her current life and a dangerous attraction to the forbidden. The phrase "love is blind" is invoked not as an excuse, but as an observation of her own flawed judgment, leading her to a man she ultimately finds "no good." The lyrics masterfully use repetition and contrast to underscore Gussie's regret. The ensemble's echoing "Is no good" amplifies her self-recrimination. The poignant contrast between "kept on growing" and "just kept on" reveals a profound sense of missed opportunity in her marriage. What was once a "good thing going" has devolved into stagnation, a slow decay rather than a shared evolution. The final, sharp "Gone!" delivered by both Gussie and the ensemble, seals the fate of what could have been, leaving a lingering sense of loss and finality.