The song was first performed in the Pilot with Ivy Lynn as Marilyn Monroe. This version, which was released as a single, features Megan Hilty on lead vocals.
The song was featured again in the seventh episode of the first season, The Workshop, where Ivy sang a small snippet.
In the seventh episode of Season Two, Musical Chairs, Karen sings a verse from the song. This comes after Derek's resignation from Bombshell, and therefore the number is staged with new choreography created by Tom.
The number earned Smash choreographer Joshua Bergasse a 2012 Primetime Emmy nomination for 'Outstanding Choreography'.
Context in Bombshell[]
In the context of Bombshell, the number occurs after Joe DiMaggio, famed Yankee slugger, sees Marilyn's picture in a magazine and asks her out. Marilyn goes straight to the ball field for some due diligence and sings this song with the New York Yankees.
It was written by Tom Levitt and Julia Houston and was first performed at callbacks for the New York Marilyn workshop.
Lyrics[]
Marilyn (New York Yankees):
Fellas! (Yeah?)
Fellas! (Is it--?)
Hey, team! (Off the benches, it's Marilyn!)
I just got a date (She just got a date)
With baseball's Joltin' Joe (That lucky so-and-so)
So run me 'round the bases
Put me through my paces
And teach me all the things a slugger's lover
Should know!
What's that there? (That's the pitcher's mound!)
Have you ever seen a shape that is so perfectly round?
(Batter up!) Play ball!
(You better give it your all!)
Marilyn with New York Yankees:
'Cause all men like to play at
Marilyn:
The national pastime
Marilyn (New York Yankees):
Who's that man? (That's the first base coach!)
Have you noticed that he signals every time I approach?
(Kill the ump!) Throw him out!
(Because there isn't a doubt)
Marilyn with New York Yankees:
That all men like to play at
Marilyn:
The national pastime
When I was just a little girl
I liked being dainty and purty
But now that I'm giving sports a whirl
I find I kinda like to get dirty
New York Yankees:
Yeah!
Baby, what's that there?
Marilyn:
That's the team bullpen
And I like the odds I'm seeing: no girls, all men!
New York Yankees:
Hit the deck, look alive!
Beware the lady's line drive!
Marilyn:
Yes, my skill and my passion'll
Elevate the national...
Peanuts!
Hot dogs!
Crackerjack!
I don't care, I don't care if I ever get back!
New York Yankees:
When the season's over, the play won't end
Marilyn:
'Cause a baseball diamond is a girl's best friend
Marilyn (New York Yankees):
Yes, my style and my fashion'll (Yes, her style and her fashion'll)
Marilyn with New York Yankees:
Elevate the national
Pastime!
