Let's Be Bad is an original song featured in Let's Be Bad, the fifth episode of the first season of Smash. Being an original song, it was written by Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman. The version released as a single features Megan Hilty (Ivy Lynn) on lead vocals.
In the context of Bombshell, the number sees Marilyn begrudgingly heading back to Hollywood to film Some Like It Hot, but is so unhappy about still having to play the dumb blonde that she begins spiraling down, keeping the crew waiting more than ever, as she drinks and takes pills.
The number earned Smash choreographer Joshua Bergasse a 2012 Primetime Emmy nomination for Outstanding Choreography.
This in turn is Ivy's signature Bombshell number and dress because as Derek was choosing which Marilyn elect to star in the show in "Bombshell" he immediately sees Ivy in this performance.
Lyrics[]
Show Girls:
When we're feeling down and low
Then our favorite word is no
'Cause it points the way to go
Let's be bad!
Who knows what will come tomorrow?
Neighbor, lose the sobs and sorrow
We've some sugar you can borrow
Let's be bad!
Assistant #1:
(spoken) Does anyone think she'll actually show up? Is she even on set?
Assistant #2:
(spoken) Ms. Monroe is in her dressing room.
Director:
(spoken) What kind of shape is she in?
Assistant #1:
(spoken) Her shape ain't the problem. Where is she? We're gonna be stuck here all night!
Show Girls:
Don't want to be boring
Our twenties are roaring
Let's punish the flooring
Yeah, drummer man, do what you can
Tonight the (whoo!) will hit the fan!
Director:
(spoken) How many takes did we do yesterday? Sixty?
Assistant #1:
(spoken) You know, someone should fire her!
Assistant #2:
(spoken) Fire Ms. Monroe?!
Show Girls:
If you need some more enticing
Here's a girl with twice the spicing
We're the cake, but she's the icing!
Let's be bad!
Let's be bad!
Director:
(spoken) Arthur, where is she?
Arthur:
(spoken) She's in her dressing room. She's not feeling well.
Director:
(spoken) I'm not feeling well either! Get her out here, now!
Marilyn:
(spoken) Here she is, boys. Marilyn Monroe in the flesh, all ready to film yet another thrilling movie about a dumb blonde.
Arthur:
(spoken) Marilyn, you look wonderful.
Marilyn:
(spoken) And that's all that matters, isn't it?
Arthur:
(spoken) Darling, so many pills...
Marilyn:
(spoken) How do you expect me to keep going? You're not bringing in any dough. Somebody has to support us.
Director:
(spoken) Let's take it from her entrance!
Marilyn:
(spoken) Where's my mark?
Assistant #2:
(spoken) Right this way, Ms. Monroe. Follow me.
Director:
(spoken) Action!
Show Girls:
Let's be bad!
Let's be bad!
Marilyn:
If you say something is taboo
Well, that's the thing I wanna do
Do it 'til we're black and blue
Let's be bad!
Guns and gangsters suit me fine
Al Capone is a buddy of mine
He's my big-shot valentine
Let's be bad!
If spirits are sagging
If feet are a-dragging
Fall off-a that wagon
The piano hums to the bass and drums
And I'll be dancing when Hoover comes
Don't care if you've tied the knot
Most folks want what they ain't got
Melt the ice, some like it hot
Let's be bad!
Marilyn with Company:
Here's my whistle, make it wetter
Let me wear that Scarlet Letter
Marilyn:
When I'm bad, I'm even better
Marilyn with Company:
Let's be bad!
Director:
(spoken) What a mess! She's so doped up, I can't use any of this!
Marilyn with Company:
Say "bye-bye, propriety!"
No polite society
Marilyn:
Give me notoriety!
Marilyn with Company:
Let's be bad!
Assistant #2:
(spoken) You're fabulous, Marilyn!
Arthur:
(spoken) The whole world adores you!
Assistant #1:
(spoken) Keep dancing! You're gorgeous!
Marilyn:
Bring on the vices
Don't care what the price is
I'll add the right spices
When the stand-up bass slaps you in the face
Well, it ain't my husband I'll embrace
Marilyn with Company:
I can't see the use in waiting
Your lips are intoxicating
Marilyn:
Do my hips need some translating?
Marilyn with Company:
Let's be bad!
Marilyn:
If I drown in bathtub gin
Notify my next of kin
They might grieve or might jump in
Marilyn with Company:
Let's be bad!
Marilyn:
Who wants plays and O'Neill dramas?
Gershwin is the cat's pajamas
I'm the queen of the red-hot mamas
Marilyn with Company:
Let's be bad!
Each crook and G-Man
Each fop and he-man
Marilyn:
Just stick with me, man
Every joint's a juke with my red-hot uke
And just like Judas once said to Luke...
Marilyn with Company:
Here's the key for my ignition
Hit the gas to my transmission
Marilyn (Company):
When you hear the things I'm wishing
You won't offer opposition
Let's prohibit prohibition!
Let's! (Let's!) Be! (Be!) Ba-a-ad! (Bad!)
Marilyn:
Some like it hot, and that ain't bad!
Videos[]
Smash - Let's Be Bad HD
SMASH - Let's Be Bad