Every Now And Then (Runaways 1978): Piano/Vocal

This song carries the theatrical authenticity of Swados's original Runaways score into a contemporary recording context. The arrangement by Kris Kukul honors the song's emotional directness while making it accessible for recital and performance settings. It's the kind of material that reminds singers why songs matter: it has something real to say and doesn't apologize for it.

The song has an intimate, almost conversational quality, as if the singer is sharing a private reflection. Swados's melody moves naturally through the lyric, grounded in the piano's steady harmonic support, creating space for genuine emotional expression. There's a theatrical simplicity here that carries surprising weight.

Singers preparing audition material, recital selections, or contemporary theater repertoire will find this piece rewarding. It suits advanced high school singers and college-level performers seeking music with theatrical depth and social resonance. Pianists accompanying vocalists in musical theater or art song contexts will appreciate the clear, supportive accompaniment.

• Prioritize lyrical clarity over technical display. The melody sits naturally in the voice part, so focus on storytelling and emotional connection rather than demonstrating range.
• Balance the vocal line with the piano accompaniment. Listen carefully to the harmonic foundation Kukul provides; it should support rather than compete with your phrasing.
• Honor the conversational rhythm of the lyrics. "Every Now and Then" has a spoken quality underneath the melody; let that authenticity shape your tempo and phrasing choices.
• Explore dynamic contrast within phrases rather than in big dramatic sweeps. The song's power comes from specificity, not volume.

Include this in recital programs alongside other contemporary musical theater material or art songs addressing social themes. It works well paired with other selections from The Liz Swados Project tribute, or alongside contemporary singer-songwriters. Consider programming it in a concert celebrating women composers or music rooted in theater and activism.

• Connecting lyrical meaning to melodic phrasing in popular/theatrical contexts
• Balancing vocal expression with piano accompaniment
• Interpreting contemporary art song idioms
• Building musical communication between vocalist and pianist