Don't Forget Me is an original song first featured in Bombshell, the fifteenth episode of the first season of Smash. It was written by Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman.
Background[]
The version featured in the season finale of the first season features Katharine McPhee (Karen Cartwright) on lead vocals. It was later reprised by Megan Hilty (Ivy Lynn) in Opening Night, the twelfth episode of Season Two. Both versions were released as singles.
Use in Bombshell[]
In the context of Bombshell, the number acts as the finale to the musical, in which Marilyn posthumously reflects on her life and begs the audience not to let her trials and tribulations be forgotten. More than anything, she wants her legacy to live on, even in the little things of everyday life. It was written by Tom Levitt and Julia Houston and was first performed at the Boston previews with Karen Cartwright as Marilyn Monroe.
Lyrics[]
Marilyn:
They thought they could dispose of me
They tried to make me small
I suffered each indignity
But now rise above it all
Yes, the price I paid was all I had
But at last I found release
And if something good can come from bad
The past can rest in peace
So if you see someone's hurt and in need of a hand
Don't forget me
Or hear a melody crying from some baby grand
Well, don't forget me
When you sing "Happy Birthday" to someone you love
Or see diamonds you wish were all free
Please say that you won't
I pray that you don't forget me
But forget every man who I ever met
'Cause they all only lived to control
For a kiss they paid a thousand, yet
They paid fifty cents for my soul
They took their piece: the price of fame
That no one can repay
Ah, but they didn't buy me when they bought my name
And that is why I pray
That when you see someone's hurt and in need of a hand
You don't forget me
Or hear a melody crying from some baby grand
You don't forget me
When you sing "Happy Birthday" to someone you love
Or see diamonds you wish were all free
Please say that you won't
I pray that you don't forget me
There are some in this world who have strength of their own
Never broken or in need of repair
But there are some born to shine who can't do it alone
So protect them and take special care
Take care
And don't forget me
Please take care
And don't forget me
When you look to the heavens with someone you love
And a light's shining bright from afar
Hope you see my face there
And then offer a prayer
And please, let me be
Let me be that star!
Later Reprisals[]
- Ivy Lynn as Marilyn Monroe (Opening Night)
Videos[]
Smash - Don't Forget Me (Lyrics)
Don't Forget Me - SMASH Cast
