William Finn is a Tony Award-winning composer and lyricist, best known for his work on Broadway musicals such as Falsettos and The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee.
His music blends humor with touching, emotionally complex themes, establishing him as one of the most respected figures in musical theater.
Finn’s compositions have earned him several prestigious awards and nominations for his other works.
About the Song
“Whizzer Going Down” is an upbeat, quirky song from the musical Falsettos. It shows the character of Whizzer dealing with life’s challenges with humor and wit.
The music is fast-paced and fun, making it one of the lively moments in the show. William Finn’s songwriting brings a lot of energy to this track, which contrasts with some of the more serious moments in the musical.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Released | April 28, 1979 |
| Album | In Trousers |
| Writers | William Finn |
| Producers | Original Cast |
Whizzer Going Down Lyrics by William Finn
[MARVIN]
He hates my wife
I hate his food
He thinks I’m rude, but nice
I think he’s nice, but indiscreet
He thinks I’m sweet
But he treats me kinda funny
I say: Whizzer, Whizzer Brown
I see Whizzer going down
Oh Whizzer, Whizzer Brown
Isn’t it delightful playing easy?
Yes, Whizzer, Whizzer Brown, I care
I found your door
We sing out more and more and more and more now
He rubs my neck
I rub his thigh
He asks me why I sweat
I ask him why he bites his nails
And then he takes me in his arms
And then he lights another cigarette
I say: Whizzer, Whizzer Brown
I see Whizzer going down
Oh Whizzer, Whizzer Brown
Isn’t it delightful playing easy?
Yes, Whizzer, Whizzer Brown, I care
I found your door
We sing out more and more and more and more now
Go Whizzer!
How about Whizzer?
Breathe deep Whizzer
Up and he’s going down
[LADIES]
Go Whizzer!
How about Whizzer?
Breathe deep Whizzer
Up and he’s going down
[MARVIN]
He’s on his knees
I’m lying flat
Just like a bad idea
He starts to blow
I start to fight
The room is yellow and the bed is white
He’s going down;
I think I’ll die away
He’s going down;
I think I’ll die, die, die
I say Whizzer, oh Whizzer
Whizzer Brown
I see Whizzer going down
[ALL]
Bah dah yah yup bah buh dah buh dah buh
Yup bah dah yah dah yah
Yup bah dah yah dah yah
Bah duh dah duh dah dah
Bah dah dah dah
(Sounds of bodies slapping.)
(Voices.)
(Marvin screams.)
[MARVIN] [LADIES]
He’s going down
He’s going down
He’s going down
…He’s going down
…He’s going down
…He’s going down
Go Whizzer!
Down!
[ALL]
Down!
Similar Songs Like Whizzer Going Down
If you liked the upbeat, quirky energy of “Whizzer Going Down,” you might enjoy other songs that also feature his signature wit and lively, character-driven music.
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“Year of the Child” – A whimsical yet perfect song that reflects on the innocence and dreams of childhood, with a playful melody that contrasts the deeper message of growing up and facing the world.
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“The Baseball Game” – An upbeat and humorous track capturing the quirky flow between characters as they go through a simple event, revealing the complexity of their relationships in a lighthearted way.
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“Unlikely Lovers” – A charming and witty song that goes through the unexpected nature of love, blending clever lyrics with catchy, rhythmic melodies that keep the listener engaged.
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“What More Can I Say?” – A heartfelt and emotional track where the character’s vulnerability shines through, expressing frustration and yearning in a beautifully melodic way.
Similar Artists Like William Finn
If you’re into character-driven musicals and sharp lyrics like “Whizzer Going Down,” these artists might interest you:
- Stephen Sondheim
Genres: Musical Theatre
Top Albums: Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street (1979), Into the Woods (1987), West Side Story (1957) - Jason Robert Brown
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Top Albums: The Last Five Years (2002), Parade (1998), 13 (2008) - Jonathan Larson
Genres: Musical Theatre
Top Albums: Rent (1996), Tick, Tick… Boom! (2001), Rent: The Broadway Tour (2008) - Lin-Manuel Miranda
Genres: Musical Theatre, Hip-Hop, Pop
Top Albums: Hamilton (2015), In the Heights (2008), The Hamilton Mixtape (2016) - Tom Kitt
Genres: Musical Theatre
Top Albums: Next to Normal (2008), If/Then (2014), Superhero (2019)
Frequently Asked Questions
How Does The Music Reflect the Character’s Personality?
The upbeat, energetic music complements Whizzer’s larger-than-life personality, capturing his chaotic emotions and witty nature.
What Makes Whizzer Going Down Stand Out in Musical Theater?
Its fast-paced, witty lyrics and humorous tone make it unique in musical theater. The song’s clever writing and performance style offer a refreshing break from more dramatic musical numbers.
How Does Whizzer Going Down Compare to Other Songs in Falsettos?
This song stands out due to its lively tempo and comedic tone, providing a contrast to other more serious and emotional songs in Falsettos.
