Story Behind The Song

A girl I liked auditioned for a starring part in a musical. It was obvious she'd be good in the part, and this was her make-or-break moment. But the director kept her waiting for months for a decision. During that time I saw her often, at rehearsals for another show, and kept asking her if she'd heard yet. Her name wasn't really "Belle". The last few (instrumental) bars give a clue as to what it really was, and what the part was.

Song Description

I hope you'll achieve stardom - but will I be left behind?

Lyrics

Tomorrow I'll see Belle again; tomorrow she'll be there;
Again, I'll hear her golden voice, and see her golden hair.
I'll learn her news; I'll take along a Kleenex just in case;
And hope that if she cries she'll choose my shoulder as the place.

But if I learn her news is good, I'll brace myself and say;
"Congratulations and good luck! It had to come some day!"
And smile as in the coming months she climbs beyond my reach,
And I shrink to become another cipher at her feet.

But when you're famous, Belle:
If ever you should doubt you're fit for stardom and high place,
Remember your effect when first my eyes fell on your face.

And when I hear your golden voice and see your golden hair
Entrance the millions, as that day you held me spell-bound there,
I'll turn from the TV, and tell my kids, "I knew her once!
I really did - I did, quite well! I found her very nice."

I'll leave out all your glares and smiles, your sudden gentle taunts,
Our shy, polite and wary chats, the dreams your image haunts;
And all the months I've tried so hard to make you like me too;
But felt my chances fading in their race against your fame.

But come tomorrow, Belle:
If I should learn you didn't get the starring part you sought;
That all your dreams and years of work have crashed again to naught;

Oh Belle, I pray for your success; I long to see you great;
To see you rise to wealth and fame, and soar to high estate.
But if you don't - just if you don't - remember, in your tears,
A shoulder and a Kleenex both are waiting for you here.