In the Way Lyrics
In the Way
DEB
One p.m. meeting with the staff,
Lecture them on the board's behalf,
And condemn giving workers carte blanche.
WALTER
My job has many factors.
DEB
One fifteen, cut our pension size,
Reconvene with the union guys,
In between, close our Delaware branch.
WALTER
And liquidize our assets.
DEB
Choose a date for the meeting with Global Freight.
WALTER
Try the twenty-fifth.
EMILY
Walter, wait!
ALL
No one works on that day!
WALTER
See?! Christmas always gets in the way.
DEB
Half past two, legal wants a chat.
When you're through, lecture over at
N.Y.U. on outbidding Taiwan.
WALTER
Well, it's my alma mater.
DEB
In the car, meet new sale demands,
Au revoir to your dinner plans.
Tell H.R. they'll be working till dawn.
WALTER
Or else they're in hot water.
EMPLOYEES
Employees under Mr. Hobbs
Learn to please just to keep their jobs.
We know he's more content when we say—
WALTER
All together now!
ALL
Christmas always gets in the way.
EMILY
Walter, Christmas is five days away. We don't even have a tree!
WALTER
What's the big brouhaha over "fa la la la"?
It's a childish ordeal.
I mean flying reindeer? Let's get real!
Old Santa's sleigh just brings more bills to pay.
So I gotta work or feel the squeeze.
Money doesn't grow on Christmas trees!
EMILY
Alright, let me see that calendar! If not today, how about tomorrow?
Let's see...
EMILY
Half past one, buy a tree to trim—
He's your son.
WALTER
I remember him.
EMILY
Don't make fun, there's too much to discuss.
WALTER
My budget needs rewriting.
EMILY
Two o'clock, skating in the park,
Then a walk until after dark.
Here's a shock—spend an evening with us.
MICHAEL
Yay, Mom and Dad are fighting!
WALTER
Have no doubt, it's that time of year.
Think about how I'm buried here.
(? ?????????)
Help me out!
EMPLOYEES
It's all work and no play.
WALTER & EMPLOYEES
'Cause Christmas, Christmas, Christmas, Christmas...
WALTER
What does it always get?
ALL
In the way!!
WALTER
All right, everyone back to work!
EMILY
Walter, you can’t just ignore Christmas!
WALTER
I’m not ignoring it; I’m prioritizing.
DEB
Walter, at three you’ve got to sign
The contracts from our big new line.
By four, review the factory in Spain.
WALTER
And calculate the shipping.
DEB
Five p.m., the budget’s tight,
Find new cuts before the night.
And don’t forget that dinner with Lorraine.
WALTER
Oh, great. She’s always gripping.
EMPLOYEES
Working hard to keep the boss appeased.
We’d love some rest, but he’s never pleased.
We’re at his beck and call every day.
WALTER
Come on, team, now!
ALL
Christmas always gets in the way!
EMILY
Walter, family is more important than work.
WALTER
Family? Do they pay the bills?
EMILY
Family is why you’re working in the first place.
MICHAEL
Dad, I’d rather have you home for Christmas than any presents.
WALTER
Michael, that’s sweet, but it’s not practical.
EMILY
It’s not about practicality; it’s about making memories.
WALTER
Memories don’t fund the mortgage.
MICHAEL
But they make life worth living.
WALTER
Look, Michael, I get what you're saying,
But bills don’t take a holiday.
We’ve got deadlines looming, clients paying—
There’s no time to stop and play.
EMILY
Walter, can’t you see the strain?
You’re losing what makes life bright.
What’s the point of all this gain
If you’re working day and night?
MICHAEL
I don’t need another toy
Or some fancy holiday spree.
I just want my dad to enjoy
Christmas with Mom and me.
EMPLOYEES
Even we can see the truth:
Work’s no match for holiday cheer.
Walter, don’t you miss your youth,
When Christmas was the best time of year?
WALTER
I... I don’t know.
EMILY
It’s not too late to make it right.
Start today—put the work aside.
Let’s get a tree and hang the lights,
And show Michael how to feel Christmas pride.
WALTER
Maybe… maybe you’re right.
MICHAEL
You mean it, Dad?
WALTER
Let’s... let’s go buy a tree.
EMPLOYEES
(cheering)
Christmas finally doesn’t get in the way!
DEB
Wait, Walter, what about the contracts?
WALTER
They’ll wait. Christmas comes first this time.
DEB
But the budget? The deadlines?
WALTER
We’ll figure it out. Right now, I’ve got a family that needs me more than the boardroom.
MICHAEL
Really? You’ll spend Christmas with us?
WALTER
Absolutely, son.
EMPLOYEES
(whispering to each other)
Did Mr. Hobbs just... say no to work?
DEB
Well, I guess miracles really do happen.
EMILY
See, Walter? It’s not that hard to put family first.
WALTER
Maybe I’ve been wrong all these years. Maybe Christmas isn’t just about what’s practical.
MICHAEL
It’s about being together.
EMPLOYEES
And taking a break from the grind.
DEB
And maybe even a little magic.
WALTER
All right, everyone, let’s wrap up here. Go home, be with your families.
EMPLOYEES
(cheering again)
Christmas cheer at last!
MICHAEL
Can we get a tree now?
WALTER
Yes, let’s go. And this time, I’ll help decorate it.
EMILY
That’s the spirit, Walter.
ALL
(singing)
Christmas doesn’t have to get in the way,
It’s the time to cherish every day.
Work will wait, but love can’t stay,
Christmas is here—let’s celebrate today!
=================================
Writer(s): Matthew Sklar, Chad Beguelin
Instruments:
Voice 1, range: C4-F5 Voice 2 Piano Backup Vocals
Scorings:
Piano/Vocal/Chords
Singer Pro
Original Published Key:
G Major
Last Update: December, 04th 2024