Tom Sawyer (1973 song)

"Tom Sawyer" is the title song of the movie by the same name "(Tom Sawyer)". It was written by the ubiquitous Robert B. Sherman and Richard M. Sherman. This song is an excellent example of musical counterpoint done in three parts. It is sung by "Aunt Polly" (Celeste Holm), "Cousin Sidney" (Joshua Hill Lewis) and "Cousin Mary" (Susan Joyce). Musically each part reflects the personality of its respective character. Mary's attitude is forgiving toward Tom subsequently her phrasing is legato. Sidney is a "little snitch" who loves to see Tom get into trouble. His musical phrasing is written as a string of "tattle tales". Aunt Polly bursts in rage at each new discovery of Tom's ill begotten mischief. This is also reflected in the phrasing of her lyrics. Seemlessly the three parts come together, both thematically and harmonically.

Trivia

Lyrically, the Sherman Brothers follow the dialogue stylings of Mark Twain very closely. Twain, himself was a student of dialect, making his original book anthropologically and sociologically significant. The film script and lyric offer similar linguistic authenticity.