I Am Here to Stay (from Nunsense II): Piano/Vocal/Chords

This songbook captures the irreverent humor and musical craft that made Nunsense a phenomenon, offering pianists and singers access to the full catalog of material beyond just the original show. The piano/vocal/chords format makes these songs accessible for recitals, auditions, classroom performance, or casual sing-alongs, with arrangements that preserve the theatrical humor while remaining playable at various skill levels.

These songs radiate warmth beneath their comedy. Whether you're wrestling with faith, family, or identity, there's a wink and a genuine emotional undercurrent that keeps the material from ever feeling mean-spirited. The melodies stick with you, and the lyrics make you laugh and think at the same time.

Singers preparing audition material or looking for comedic repertoire that audiences recognize and enjoy; pianists accompanying theater students or developing a collection of show songs for recitals; choir directors and music teachers seeking performance pieces that engage audiences through humor and heart.

• Lean into the comedic timing. These songs are written for laughs, so honor the pauses and reactions built into the melodic phrasing rather than rushing through the lyrics.
• Use the chord symbols as a guide for harmonic color. Many of these songs sit comfortably in simple keys with straightforward progressions, which means subtle touches (dynamic shaping in the accompaniment, slight tempo flexibility) register strongly.
• Match your vocal tone to the character of each song. 'I Left Him There' needs a different emotional weight than 'Play a Country Enut,' so let the lyrical content guide your performance energy.

This songbook works beautifully as a source for individual audition selections or as a complete theatrical revue if you want to program multiple numbers from the same composer. It also serves as an excellent resource for schools producing Nunsense itself, offering access to songs beyond the main show score.

• Interpreting comedic timing and character expression through song
• Reading and executing piano/vocal/chord arrangements
• Balancing lyrical clarity with melodic phrasing in uptempo material
• Accompanying singers with sensitivity to theatrical context