Cabaret Songs: All the Songs from Cabaret the Musical (2025 Guide)
The songs from Cabaret are more than just catchy tunes; they tell a story of survival, love, and change in 1930s Berlin. Written by John Kander and Fred Ebb, each song from the musical gives us a glimpse into the lives of the Kit Kat Club’s characters as they navigate a world full of both glamour and danger.
With songs like “Maybe This Time” and “Money,” the cabaret music adds layers of meaning to this rich story, reflecting the characters’ deepest fears and dreams. The clanking sound of coins in “Money” symbolizes the power and influence money has over people’s lives and decisions.
Whether you’re a fan of musical theatre or just discovering Cabaret, this guide goes through each song in order, explaining what makes each one special and how it fits into the story.
Key Takeaways
- Songs from Cabaret’s Unique Style: Explore the full cabaret song list and see how each track adds depth to the story’s characters and themes.
- Key Moments in Cabaret: Discover songs from the Kit Kat Club, sung by Sally Bowles, the Emcee, and others, showing life in Berlin as the Nazi threat looms.
- Meaning Behind Cabaret’s Songs: Learn how songs like Tomorrow Belongs to Me and Money reflect the struggles and hopes of characters trying to find meaning in tough times.
The Music in Cabaret
The music in “Cabaret” is more than just a backdrop; it’s a driving force that propels the narrative and deepens the emotional impact of the story. Composed by the legendary duo John Kander and Fred Ebb, the score is a vibrant mix of jazz, cabaret, and musical theatre styles.
From the moment the Emcee welcomes us with “Willkommen,” we are transported to the seedy yet captivating world of the Kit Kat Club. The cabaret music, performed by the Emcee and the cabaret girls, is both alluring and unsettling, reflecting the duality of life in 1930s Berlin.
Songs like “Maybe This Time” and “Money” are not just performances; they are windows into the characters’ souls, revealing their deepest fears, desires, and dreams.
All the Songs from Cabaret
Here’s a guide to every song in Cabaret, giving you insight into the musical’s characters, themes, and the atmosphere of Berlin’s nightlife during a dark time in history.
Willkommen
“Willkommen” sets the scene in the bustling Kit Kat Club, where the Emcee invites us into a world of mystery and allure. With a lively greeting in multiple languages, the song introduces the atmosphere of Berlin nightlife, where anything goes and the lines between fantasy and reality blur.
So What?
In “So What?,” Fräulein Schneider shares her practical outlook on life. Living in tough times has made her resilient, and with her coat’s thin, she’s learned to take what she can from life without expecting much in return. This song shows the quieter, everyday struggle of survival that runs alongside the club’s glamorous facade.
Don’t Tell Mama
“Don’t Tell Mama” introduces Sally Bowles with her cheeky, rebellious attitude as she asks the audience to keep her antics a secret from her mum. This upbeat tune shows Sally’s carefree spirit, drawing the audience into her world of fun and mischief.
Mein Herr
Sally’s independence shines in “Mein Herr,” where she tells off a man who tried to control her. With the cabaret girls backing her up, Sally asserts her autonomy, showing she’s determined to live life on her own terms. It’s a powerful song that highlights her strong personality.
Perfectly Marvellous
In “Perfectly Marvellous,” Sally and Cliff sing about their unlikely decision to live together. Cliff is initially hesitant, but Sally’s charm and wit win him over. This playful duet adds warmth and a sense of fun, revealing a budding connection between them.
Two Ladies
The Emcee brings humour and a touch of risqué charm in “Two Ladies,” performing with two backup singers in a scene that captures the freewheeling nature of the Kit Kat Club. This lively song reflects the unconventional relationships that thrive in Berlin’s nightlife.
It Couldn’t Please Me More (A Pineapple)
In this tender tune, Herr Schultz expresses his affection for Fräulein Schneider with a pineapple, a rare treat at the time. It’s a sweet, innocent moment that shows the purity of their relationship in contrast to the darker themes around them.
Tomorrow Belongs to Me
This song starts innocently but turns haunting as it represents the rise of nationalism and Nazi ideology. “Tomorrow Belongs to Me” symbolises the dangers creeping into Berlin, hinting at the looming political threat that will affect every character.
Maybe This Time
“Maybe This Time” is one of Sally’s most emotional songs, where she hopes for love that will finally last. It’s a heartfelt ballad that reveals her fears and dreams, making her a relatable character who longs for happiness despite her past disappointments.
Money
“Money” is a satirical piece performed by the Emcee and Sally that explores the power of wealth in a world where cash rules. With its catchy refrain, “money makes the world go round,” this song captures the desperation that defines life for many of Berlin’s residents.
Married
Herr Schultz and Fräulein Schneider sing “Married” with a mix of joy and sadness as they plan their future together, knowing it won’t be easy. Their love story is sweet but tinged with the awareness of the risks they face, making it a bittersweet moment in the show.
Tomorrow Belongs to Me (Reprise)
In this reprise, the song takes on a darker tone as the political tensions build, showing how the outside world is encroaching on the safe space of the Kit Kat Club. The chilling reprise hints at the dangers that lie ahead for everyone in Berlin.
Kickline
The cabaret girls perform a kickline that turns into a goose-step, blending fun choreography with a sense of unease. This number blurs the line between the club’s performances and the rising militarisation outside, foreshadowing the dark turn society is taking.
If You Could See Her (The Gorilla Song)
In this satirical song, the Emcee dances with a performer in a gorilla suit, challenging the audience to “see her as I do.” It’s a bold number that pushes boundaries, using humour to address prejudice and the societal judgment happening outside the club’s doors.
What Would You Do?
Fräulein Schneider contemplates her future with Herr Schultz in this song, questioning if it’s worth the risk to marry him. It’s a heartfelt moment that captures her difficult position, showing how the political situation is impacting even the most personal choices.
I Don’t Care Much
Sally wrestles with her decision to stay in Berlin as Cliff urges her to leave for a safer life in America. This song reflects her reluctance to face the reality of the city’s dark future, preferring to stay in the familiar world of the Kit Kat Club.
Cabaret
“Cabaret” is Sally’s final declaration, where she decides to live life to the fullest, no matter what. In this iconic number, she sings about enjoying the moment, ignoring the dangers around her. It’s a powerful song that sums up her character’s journey and her determination to find happiness despite the circumstances.
Willkommen (Reprise)
The reprise of “Willkommen” is a sombre, haunting end to the musical. The characters reappear, but this time the atmosphere is darker, showing how much has changed. The musical closes with this powerful moment, leaving the audience with a lasting sense of unease.
Overall
The songs from Cabaret take audiences through love, hardship, and survival in a world on the edge of change. From Sally’s carefree numbers to the Emcee’s satirical songs, each piece tells a part of the story, creating an unforgettable musical experience.
The show’s mix of fun, heartbreak, and dark humour continues to resonate with audiences, making Cabaret a timeless exploration of human resilience.
FAQs
What is the main song sung by Sally Bowles in Cabaret?
The main song in Cabaret is “Cabaret,” where Sally Bowles declares her intent to live life fully, despite the chaos around her.
Why is “Tomorrow Belongs to Me” so powerful?
“Tomorrow Belongs to Me” reflects the rise of nationalism in 1930s Germany and hints at the future dangers facing the characters.
Who sings “Money” in Cabaret?
The Emcee and Sally Bowles sing “Money,” a satirical number about the importance of wealth in Berlin’s struggling economy.
What’s the message of “If You Could See Her”?
Also known as the Gorilla Song, this song tackles prejudice, challenging the audience to reconsider their judgments.
Who are the main characters in Cabaret?
Key characters include Sally Bowles, the Emcee, Fräulein Schneider, Herr Schultz, and Cliff Bradshaw.
Where can I watch Cabaret in London?
Cabaret is currently running at the Playhouse Theatre in London, also known as the Kit Kat Club.
How does Cabaret reflect Berlin in the 1930s?
Through its songs and characters, Cabaret shows the mix of glamour and danger in Berlin as the Nazi regime rises.
What is the Emcee’s role in Cabaret?
The Emcee acts as a guide, using humour and satire to reveal the darker side of Berlin’s nightlife and the world outside.
Why is Cabaret still relevant today?
Cabaret’s themes of love, survival, and social tolerance continue to resonate, making it a powerful story for modern audiences.
