SONG 11: THAT'S SHOWBIZ
PHYLLIS
We toil at the mercy of this merciless machine
The almighty dollar, the all-holy green
Creating "content" for a four point five inch screen
With an aspect ratio of nine by sixteen
All these poor saps come to L.A. to chase their dreams
They pour their hearts out on the stage just to be seen
But if the market finds no value in them to redeem
The lights go out when the music goes out. Phyllis changes into a glamourous costume with a sparkly top hat.
PHYLLIS (CONT'D)
We crush their aspirations into smithereens
That's showbiz
When the bass drops, a strobe starts. Phyllis does jazz hands and other dramatic showy gestures.
PHYLLIS (CONT'D)
That's showbiz
All I know is
That's showbiz
Back to a sort of normal stage.
JESSE
I moved here thinking I would find my perfect niche
This job's alright, but it doesn't scratch that itch
I'm not fulfilled, but I guess that I'm content
It's not my calling, but I've gotta pay the rent
PHYLLIS
That's showbiz
EVERETT
Some say I only care about the bottom line
But I'm just trying to keep this company alive
If we want to keep making shows, our business has to thrive
If we don't make money, we won't survive
The strobe is back.
ENSEMBLE
That's showbiz
That's showbiz
All I know is
That's showbiz
Additional lights flash on the stage.
ENSEMBLE (CONT'D)
That's showbiz
PHYLLIS
They turned comedy
Into a commodity
ENSEMBLE
That's showbiz
PHYLLIS
I don't think it oughta be
But it isn't up to me
ENSEMBLE
All I know is
PHYLLIS
Art is more than just a byproduct of business
ENSEMBLE
That's showbiz
PHYLLIS
Somebody save me from this industry!
ENSEMBLE
That's showbiz