[SUGAR]
You can't cross the finish line
If you don't run the race
And you can't hit the peak
Without the climb
You can't get to where you want
If you just stand in place
You're never gonna get your fill
With both your drumsticks standing still
You can't hit the other side
Without the trip at sea
The welcome doesn't come
Without the slip
So when you think the work is done
Well, honey, take a tip from me
Yeah, ladies, wake it up and shake it up
And take it up a step!
[TRAIN CONDUCTOR, spoken]
Des Moines!
[PORTER, spoken]
Des Moinеs!
[SUGAR]
‘Cause when the lock won't sеt ya free
Perhaps it's time to change the key
If where you're at ain't soundin' great
Then, doll, it's time to modulate
The devil's right behind ya
Girls, this is no place to stop!
Ladies, take it up a step
So we can take it to the top!
[TRAIN CONDUCTOR, spoken]
Omaha!
[PORTER, spoken]
Omaha!
[SUGAR, JOE (as Josephine) & DAPHNE]
When we were all just little girls
And music called our name
We sat alone, just fingering our
Scales
Ba-do, bah-do, ba-doba-doobie
You can't take a shortcut
On the rocky road to fame
[SUGAR]
Your embouchure must come of age
[JOE (as Josephine) & DAPHNE]
Before you step onto the stage!
[SUGAR, JOE (as Josephine) & DAPHNE]
So when we hit the bandstand
For the time to sink or sail
We all were pros, because we did the prep!
[SUGAR]
‘Cause when the rhythm starts a-callin'
[JOE (as Josephine) & DAPHNE]
And it's time for you to wail
[SUGAR, JOE (as Josephine) & DAPHNE]
Yeah, ladies, wake it up
And make it up
And take it up a step!
[TRAIN CONDUCTOR, spoken]
Wichita!
[PORTER, spoken]
Wichita!
[SUGAR, JOE (as Josephine) & DAPHNE]
Take it up a step!
Now, showbiz is a big prizefight
It hits you with a left and right
Just one false step will take you to the mat!
But if you rise up from all fours
The next big hit just might be yours
You'll be a knockout, kid, in no time flat!
[SOCIETY SYNCOPATORS]
Nobody wants to go ker-splat!
[ALL]
So if you think your swing is swung
Just keep on climbing, rung by rung
[SUGAR]
For when your life shows nothing new
[SUGAR, JOE (as Josephine) & DAPHNE]
The next rung up might change your view
[ALL]
We've got no choice except to prove
Our show ain't gonna flop
[SUGAR]
Yeah! We've got to keep on movin'
[DAPHNE]
Yeah, we've got to keep on movin'
[SUGAR & DAPHNE]
Feel that beat beneath the bop!
[JOE (as Josephine)]
Feel that beat beneath the bop!
[ALL]
Ladies, take it up a step
So we can take it to the top!
Take it to the top!
