My mother bought it secondhand from a silent movie star It was out of tune but still I learned to play And with each note we both would smile forgetting who we are And all the pain would simply fly away Something secondhand and broken still can make a pretty sound Even if it doesn't have a place to live Oh, the words were left unspoken when my Mama came around But that Secondhand White Baby Grand still had something beautiful to give Through missing keys and broken strings the music was our own Until the day we said our last goodbyes The baby grand was sent away A child all alone, to pray somebody else would realize That something secondhand and broken still can make a pretty sound Even if it doesn't have a place to live Oh, the words are still unspoken now that Mama's not around But that Secondhand White Baby Grand still has something beautiful to give For many years the music had to roam Until we found a way to find a home So now I wake up every day and see her standing there Just waiting for a partner to compose And I wish my mother still could hear that sound beyond compare I'll play her song till everybody knows That something secondhand and broken still can make a pretty sound Don't we all deserve a family room to live Oh, the words can't stay unspoken until everyone has found That Secondhand White Baby Grand that still has something beautiful to give I still have something beautiful to give
I cry every time I hear this song. When I was 11 my mother died of stage four colon cancer in Huntsville Hospital. She always told me she felt like this song was made for her. She wanted us to play it at the funeral. we did, I wish we hadn't thought because we cried even worst because we missed our momma. Thank you SMASH for comforting her when she felt bad, sad, and/or hurting. This song really helped me get through momma's sickness.
I just started re-watching this show and heard this song for what was my first time hearing it, and I immediately started to tear up. It reminds me of how my mom must feel about losing her mother when she was only 19 to breast cancer. But it also reminds me of the fact that I didn't have grandparents shortly after I turned 8, since my only living grandparent passed away a month later. I'm learning this song so I can sing it at my family reunion in may for Memorial Day, because I'm pretty sure everyone, even on my dad's side, would start crying. So sorry for your loss💙
This IS the most beautiful song I have ever heard. Each time I have listened to it I have cried hysterically, it has so much heart and meaning that I can relate to. Without a doubt this is one of the BEST SONGS from the BEST SHOW.
Gorgeous, Megan Hilty does a fantastic job with this song. I'm so happy that these are original songs - prevents all the annoying comparisons to previous versions.
I love this show. And though I originally didn't like Ivy, or how she got this song, but I almost cried when watching this. Megan Hilty is absolutely stellar.
Could not agree more! As I watched the first season I had the same sensation, and I was always expecting that they would do that on the "Bombshell". To be truthfull I like Ivy more than Karen, because even though she has bad attitudes we know the reason why she does it and that it doesn't make her a bad person, sometimes I feel so sorry for her, like in this song! And that's what I call, an awesome caracter! Excellent job Megan Hilty :D
One of the most beautiful songs and voice I've ever heard. I wish I could meet Megan. Her high and low range are crystal clear. This song has so much meaning for me. A victim of abuse, a child who had to put himself away thinking and feeling he wasn't good enough. His career dreams put on hold thinking noone would want to hear him sing or hear his heart. The one person who I felt love from was my mother. She loved hearing me play the guitar and piano and listen to me sing. I felt pure joy from her. She bought us a Walter brand piano, nothing fancy, but I played it constantly. Pop, rock, folk, American Songbook, etc..I'd even force myself to play because she loved it. She's gone now and I would give a million dollars to see her face as I played her favorite song. SO THANK YOU MEGAN HILTY, for singing this beautiful song. You touched my heart in a way I haven't felt in years. God blessed you with an unbelievably crystal clear voice that pierces the soul. I have to see if and when you still perform either in New York or New Jerseu
I've just finished this show recently. What happened? Was there a season 3 In order? I think story was fine enough to satisfy me. Even though I wanted more.
I can see why Derek wants Karen to play Marilyn, she has the innocence she had, but Ivy has such a powerful connection to the pain Marilyn experienced and I think that was a bigger part of her life.
This IS the most beautiful song I have ever heard. Each time I have listened to it I have cried hysterically, one of the best songs from the BEST show ever!
What an incredible song and an even more amazing performance by Megan. To me, this was the best song of the entire show, and there were many. A song that should be performed for many years to come. And this is the performance that all performances will be compared to.
i cried when she sang this song even though i don't much care for Ivy. it's a gorgeous song with a beautiful sentiment, and Megan Hilty has a gorgeous voice.
Wow, this show still has something so beautiful to give. Last night's episode was so special, every minute so alive. My gawd, television simply doesn't get any better than this. Beyond the great melodies and lyrics so many of the songs have larger themes. The genius of Shiaman & Wittman taking the idea of an old broken piano and creating a song about, not only how love can be shared and found in the simplest of moments, but how something broken, even a person, can still be saved and have value.
the more i listened to this and started to understand the lyrics i really fell in love with this song and I am glad ivy sang this song. one of my favorites for sure
One of the top songs of the season, Megan does a great job. Makes me cry every time I hear it, reminds me of me and my boyfriend, and how he needs to see himself with worth and that he has things to offer this world. I love this show and can't wait for season two, and can't wait for season one to come out on DVD. Will watch until season two starts.
I don't think they want us to hate Ivy, she is flawed, just like Marilyn & that's what makes her endearing. I think Karen and Ivy represents Marilyn at different points of her life. Karen is Norma-Jean, a naive fresh face woman from a rural community who had big city dreams and Ivy represents Marilyn who struggled for years to be recognized for her talent and was willing to do anything to get this recognition. Look at even their body types and hair.
You're very welcome! Of course, this isn't set in stone, but there has been some serious discussion apparently about actually taking the show to Broadway! Depending on how long the series lasts (and I hope it's YEARS), the plan is to have the show create a new musical each season or two with the intention of eventually taking it to Broadway! I just wish I lived closer to NYC...and wasn't on a fixed income...so I could see them!
Could be. I was, and still am surprised that somebody would post such a question here rather than googling the show. Why wait for someone as knowledgeable as you or I to post when you can find out right away? :) Man, I really love the music from this show, the original songs are wonderful!!!
This song is one of the reasons that I actually love Ivy's character. This song reflects every fibre of her being. She's been in the industry for such a long time and has a treasure trove of talent still waiting to be discovered, living in her mother's shadow. She resents Karen because Karen is so new to the industry and is getting everything that Ivy deserves handed to her so easily, even though their talent is equal, if Ivy doesn't have more. She's the secondhand white baby grand.
You are so right...both are fantastic singers and performers...I Love This Show and the concept of showing what we as broadway performers go to when we get the show and when WE DO NOT!!! Thank God suicide is not a part of my soul!!!
The deeper point of this show is going right over your heads! Sometimes the \ broadway industry will tear people apart because they think a certain is to "naive" to be in a certain role. Or a person is to "damaged" to be able to portray something that resembles innocence. This show, to me anyways, is trying to get the audience to just ENJOY the beautiful melodies and learn something from the tragic life that was Marilyn Monroe, and to realize that everyone has DIFFERENT beauty inside them.
They're both so good in different ways... for me it's impossible to decide... Karen has an absolutely beautiful voice, soft but strong enough at the same time, Ivy's is stronger but can still, like Marilyn's voice, can be soft and have that edge like she does. I think they're both brilliant, and honestly I'm not really fussed as they're both AMAZING and the songs are all AMAZING :D GO SMASH :D
This was truly beautiful - Megan Hilty is incredible. I just love her on this show. This song brought tears to my eyes and I'm kind of a cynic...I eschew anything maudlin! But this was really beautiful. The original songs and how they are staged on the show are really incredible - they are superior to 90% of what you'd find in a real Broadway musical (original ones from this era, that is...) I heard they might in fact stage it at some point, and if so I for one would go!
this song brought tears into my eyes last night when I watched the show. I love it when Ivy sings songs like this. My 2 year old was looking at me with the strange look wondering why mommy was crying. He didn't know mommy found her favorite song from the show!
I am so shocked that this song did not make it to at least the top 40. I do believe it can be revived by a solid strong Country Voice who can make is skyrocket. This version is beautiful but it needs another chance to be heard. So REBA what are you waiting for???
From what I understand (from several articles I've read), they ARE planning on taking "Bombshell" to Broadway, but of course neither Katharine McPhee nor Megan Hilty would be playing "Marilyn", since they're both contractually obligated to "Smash". Still, it would be wonderful to see this musical on Broadway, even though, since I live in Florida, I'd have to wait for a touring company to come to town!
i m so happy!!fina find the song.iheard this song 3years ago ,love it at once,that time i studied for something ,the song gave me power.will remenber it !and introduce it to my friends
Being naive does not just mean you don't know much about the world. It also means unsophisticated, without guile. I also don't think that because you have suffered a hardship does not mean that you are not innocent in other ways. I think our minds have the extraordinary capacity to feel lots of different things. And I think that Marilyn could think that her happiness would all be realized in those bright lights and that people there could and would genuinely know and love her.
the bit that gets me is at 0:50, the way she says "even if it doesnt have a place to live" Also, i love her upper range. Such a beautiful song and a beautiful voice
In the beginning of the series I didn't like Ivy all that much but now she's rubbed onto me. I cannot wait for the next season of Smash, the last episode really leaves you hanging.
I love this song, Megan Hilty sang it beautifully. I just keep pressing repeat, it's a shame here in the UK that iTunes didn't release this song. To be fair with everyone arguing, both actresses are great at the role. The obvious choice would be to give the part to Ivy but no they chose to give it to Karen. So lets just all enjoy the song
Oh my lord... I don't know how I didn't know, but I saw Megan Hilty as Glinda on tour and then started loving Ivy on Smash and had no clue they were the same person. WOW. Soooo much respect. And damn, she's pretty hawt too I have to admit!
I think Ivy had more Marilyn than Karen. She had her desperation, her body, the complications with her mother, her boldness and she breaks quite easily when she realizes she isn't loved. She has the innocence, it just doesn't show much throughout the series. I think she may get the role in the next season (I hope she does at least) because she deserves it.
The fact you hate the character means the actor did an outstanding job... it's that investment of emotion in a character whether positive or negative that they strive to achieve
I think you are spot on. The two characters reveal the essential conflict between who Marilyn was and what she turned in to. I also thought that toward the end Ivy takes on a hint of Jayne Mansfield who was even more overtly sexual (and Marilyn certainly was not subtle) and thought of as the poor-man's Marilyn.
that was absolutely amazing. i never thought of it that way. that makes me look at it so differently. (i never hated ivy just saying i think they're both fabulous)
My mother bought it secondhand from a silent movie star
It was out of tune but still I learned to play
And with each note we both would smile forgetting who we are
And all the pain would simply fly away
Something secondhand and broken still can make a pretty sound
Even if it doesn't have a place to live
Oh, the words were left unspoken when my Mama came around
But that Secondhand White Baby Grand still had something beautiful to give
Through missing keys and broken strings the music was our own
Until the day we said our last goodbyes
The baby grand was sent away
A child all alone, to pray somebody else would realize
That something secondhand and broken still can make a pretty sound
Even if it doesn't have a place to live
Oh, the words are still unspoken now that Mama's not around
But that Secondhand White Baby Grand still has something beautiful to give
For many years the music had to roam
Until we found a way to find a home
So now I wake up every day and see her standing there
Just waiting for a partner to compose
And I wish my mother still could hear that sound beyond compare
I'll play her song till everybody knows
That something secondhand and broken still can make a pretty sound
Don't we all deserve a family room to live
Oh, the words can't stay unspoken until everyone has found
That Secondhand White Baby Grand that still has something beautiful to give
I still have something beautiful to give
I cry every time I hear this song. When I was 11 my mother died of stage four colon cancer in Huntsville Hospital. She always told me she felt like this song was made for her. She wanted us to play it at the funeral. we did, I wish we hadn't thought because we cried even worst because we missed our momma. Thank you SMASH for comforting her when she felt bad, sad, and/or hurting. This song really helped me get through momma's sickness.
Thank you for sharing, I'm tearing just to read your story with this amazing song as background! hugs
Be brave. I cannot imagine how hard this must be for you
I just started re-watching this show and heard this song for what was my first time hearing it, and I immediately started to tear up. It reminds me of how my mom must feel about losing her mother when she was only 19 to breast cancer. But it also reminds me of the fact that I didn't have grandparents shortly after I turned 8, since my only living grandparent passed away a month later. I'm learning this song so I can sing it at my family reunion in may for Memorial Day, because I'm pretty sure everyone, even on my dad's side, would start crying. So sorry for your loss💙
I still love beautiful, simple, touching song, even after Smash is gone, not to me. The songs, funny & meaningful & gorgeous will live on...
Even now she has a place
This IS the most beautiful song I have ever heard. Each time I have listened to it I have cried hysterically, it has so much heart and meaning that I can relate to. Without a doubt this is one of the BEST SONGS from the BEST SHOW.
Gorgeous, Megan Hilty does a fantastic job with this song. I'm so happy that these are original songs - prevents all the annoying comparisons to previous versions.
2023 and still tearing apart with this song ❤️
I love this show. And though I originally didn't like Ivy, or how she got this song, but I almost cried when watching this. Megan Hilty is absolutely stellar.
Megan's voice is crystal clear....just amazing. Love this song, Ivy (Megan) and Smash!
I haven't heard this for so long. Beautiful song.
Could not agree more! As I watched the first season I had the same sensation, and I was always expecting that they would do that on the "Bombshell". To be truthfull I like Ivy more than Karen, because even though she has bad attitudes we know the reason why she does it and that it doesn't make her a bad person, sometimes I feel so sorry for her, like in this song! And that's what I call, an awesome caracter! Excellent job Megan Hilty :D
This may be my favorite song from Smash! It's just so freaking beautiful ❤️❤️❤️
This is sang so beautifully
One of the most beautiful songs and voice I've ever heard. I wish I could meet Megan. Her high and low range are crystal clear. This song has so much meaning for me. A victim of abuse, a child who had to put himself away thinking and feeling he wasn't good enough. His career dreams put on hold thinking noone would want to hear him sing or hear his heart. The one person who I felt love from was my mother. She loved hearing me play the guitar and piano and listen to me sing. I felt pure joy from her. She bought us a Walter brand piano, nothing fancy, but I played it constantly. Pop, rock, folk, American Songbook, etc..I'd even force myself to play because she loved it. She's gone now and I would give a million dollars to see her face as I played her favorite song. SO THANK YOU MEGAN HILTY, for singing this beautiful song. You touched my heart in a way I haven't felt in years. God blessed you with an unbelievably crystal clear voice that pierces the soul. I have to see if and when you still perform either in New York or New Jerseu
It always gives me the chills
Never tire of listening to this
I really wish this series wasn't cancelled :( Any chance people would want to join forces and try to bring it back? :D
I've just finished this show recently. What happened? Was there a season 3 In order?
I think story was fine enough to satisfy me.
Even though I wanted more.
I think their ratings dropped in season 2 :(
Hey let's not compare the two anymore. Let's talk about how amazing and heartbreaking this song is. Bring anyone else to tears?
So touching. I loved it. Watched it over and over.
Just beautiful.....I can listen to this song time and time again.
I can see why Derek wants Karen to play Marilyn, she has the innocence she had, but Ivy has such a powerful connection to the pain Marilyn experienced and I think that was a bigger part of her life.
This IS the most beautiful song I have ever heard. Each time I have listened to it I have cried hysterically, one of the best songs from the BEST show ever!
What an incredible song and an even more amazing performance by Megan. To me, this was the best song of the entire show, and there were many. A song that should be performed for many years to come. And this is the performance that all performances will be compared to.
What a amazing singing voice...!!!
i cried when she sang this song even though i don't much care for Ivy. it's a gorgeous song with a beautiful sentiment, and Megan Hilty has a gorgeous voice.
i sang this on the west end and i almost cried on stage the first time and since then this is one of my alltime favourite songs
A great song, with a beautiful melody and heartfelt lyrics!
Wow, this show still has something so beautiful to give. Last night's episode was so special, every minute so alive. My gawd, television simply doesn't get any better than this. Beyond the great melodies and lyrics so many of the songs have larger themes. The genius of Shiaman & Wittman taking the idea of an old broken piano and creating a song about, not only how love can be shared and found in the simplest of moments, but how something broken, even a person, can still be saved and have value.
the more i listened to this and started to understand the lyrics i really fell in love with this song and I am glad ivy sang this song. one of my favorites for sure
I love how coming into the last last chorus you actually hear a hitch in Megan's voice, her ability to emote is fantastic :D
I love the emotion Ivy put in this song. I was crying by the end of it.
AGREED!!! she hits every note perfectly and the words are profoundly moving
One of the top songs of the season, Megan does a great job. Makes me cry every time I hear it, reminds me of me and my boyfriend, and how he needs to see himself with worth and that he has things to offer this world. I love this show and can't wait for season two, and can't wait for season one to come out on DVD. Will watch until season two starts.
I don't think they want us to hate Ivy, she is flawed, just like Marilyn & that's what makes her endearing. I think Karen and Ivy represents Marilyn at different points of her life. Karen is Norma-Jean, a naive fresh face woman from a rural community who had big city dreams and Ivy represents Marilyn who struggled for years to be recognized for her talent and was willing to do anything to get this recognition. Look at even their body types and hair.
You're very welcome! Of course, this isn't set in stone, but there has been some serious discussion apparently about actually taking the show to Broadway! Depending on how long the series lasts (and I hope it's YEARS), the plan is to have the show create a new musical each season or two with the intention of eventually taking it to Broadway! I just wish I lived closer to NYC...and wasn't on a fixed income...so I could see them!
What a beautiful voice she has...
Could be. I was, and still am surprised that somebody would post such a question here rather than googling the show. Why wait for someone as knowledgeable as you or I to post when you can find out right away? :) Man, I really love the music from this show, the original songs are wonderful!!!
This song is one of the reasons that I actually love Ivy's character. This song reflects every fibre of her being. She's been in the industry for such a long time and has a treasure trove of talent still waiting to be discovered, living in her mother's shadow. She resents Karen because Karen is so new to the industry and is getting everything that Ivy deserves handed to her so easily, even though their talent is equal, if Ivy doesn't have more. She's the secondhand white baby grand.
You are so right...both are fantastic singers and performers...I Love This Show and the concept of showing what we as broadway performers go to when we get the show and when WE DO NOT!!! Thank God suicide is not a part of my soul!!!
The deeper point of this show is going right over your heads! Sometimes the \ broadway industry will tear people apart because they think a certain is to "naive" to be in a certain role. Or a person is to "damaged" to be able to portray something that resembles innocence. This show, to me anyways, is trying to get the audience to just ENJOY the beautiful melodies and learn something from the tragic life that was Marilyn Monroe, and to realize that everyone has DIFFERENT beauty inside them.
11 people obviously don't don't know what it is like to be secondhand and broken...
Love this song
We sang this song in our show choir. It's just so beautiful. :')
They're both so good in different ways... for me it's impossible to decide... Karen has an absolutely beautiful voice, soft but strong enough at the same time, Ivy's is stronger but can still, like Marilyn's voice, can be soft and have that edge like she does. I think they're both brilliant, and honestly I'm not really fussed as they're both AMAZING and the songs are all AMAZING :D GO SMASH :D
just watched ivy sing this tonight in the uk,and it brought tears to my eyes,simply stunning.
Eu gostei imensamente desse seriado. Lindas canções e lembrar da doce MM foi demais!
This was truly beautiful - Megan Hilty is incredible. I just love her on this show. This song brought tears to my eyes and I'm kind of a cynic...I eschew anything maudlin! But this was really beautiful. The original songs and how they are staged on the show are really incredible - they are superior to 90% of what you'd find in a real Broadway musical (original ones from this era, that is...) I heard they might in fact stage it at some point, and if so I for one would go!
this song brought tears into my eyes last night when I watched the show. I love it when Ivy sings songs like this. My 2 year old was looking at me with the strange look wondering why mommy was crying. He didn't know mommy found her favorite song from the show!
simply beautiful
I'm convinced that about half of this song's 43,000 plus views are from me. Sorry, replay button...
My all-time FAVORITE song of the season. It makes me cry when I hear it :*) Just love it!!
I am so shocked that this song did not make it to at least the top 40. I do believe it can be revived by a solid strong Country Voice who can make is skyrocket. This version is beautiful but it needs another chance to be heard. So REBA what are you waiting for???
Greg m YES! REBA MUST
I bawled.It changed my mood for the rest of the night!
From what I understand (from several articles I've read), they ARE planning on taking "Bombshell" to Broadway, but of course neither Katharine McPhee nor Megan Hilty would be playing "Marilyn", since they're both contractually obligated to "Smash". Still, it would be wonderful to see this musical on Broadway, even though, since I live in Florida, I'd have to wait for a touring company to come to town!
the character is very rounded with depth i love her
Got to hear Megan sing this live in concert. Stunning!
This is our ballad for show choir this year😊SO EXCITED
i m so happy!!fina find the song.iheard this song 3years ago ,love it at once,that time i studied for something ,the song gave me power.will remenber it !and introduce it to my friends
This song is so incredible, Megan is such a talented singer! I can't wait for the second season to start(Feb.3)! :D
I can't wait for the next season!!! This is one of my all time favourite songs....but i like all musical theatre songs lol but i love this song.
Being naive does not just mean you don't know much about the world. It also means unsophisticated, without guile. I also don't think that because you have suffered a hardship does not mean that you are not innocent in other ways. I think our minds have the extraordinary capacity to feel lots of different things. And I think that Marilyn could think that her happiness would all be realized in those bright lights and that people there could and would genuinely know and love her.
Would love to hear a Katherine version of this - at some parts Megan sounds like her in this song
all time fave
Best song this show has done. Doing for my audition in a month
i love listening to this song and making up harmonies :)
I love this song, I think it's one of the best out of SMASH, and i think Megan Hilty sings it beautifully.
Calm down folks..........Megan will be playing Marylin.....but just listen to this.Such a beautiful song and wonderful voice.
Well Spoken! :) I agree! I love them both!
this song makes me cry
this is megan at her best. so well done!
I just love Ivy, she is amazing and so real
the bit that gets me is at 0:50, the way she says "even if it doesnt have a place to live"
Also, i love her upper range. Such a beautiful song and a beautiful voice
In the beginning of the series I didn't like Ivy all that much but now she's rubbed onto me. I cannot wait for the next season of Smash, the last episode really leaves you hanging.
This reminds me of me and my sister and everything we have ever been thru. We may be broken but we are beautiful..
U took all those words outta my mouth! Couldn't agree more.
Second time I'm hearing this song and it still made me cry!
glad i'm not the only one who does this!
Her best performance on the show!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I am in tears listening to this, Megan is now my idol, I want to be like her so bad. She is so amazingly talented and so beautiful.
I love this song, Megan Hilty sang it beautifully. I just keep pressing repeat, it's a shame here in the UK that iTunes didn't release this song. To be fair with everyone arguing, both actresses are great at the role. The obvious choice would be to give the part to Ivy but no they chose to give it to Karen. So lets just all enjoy the song
wonderful truly wonderful
gives me me chills....
beautiful
TOTALLY AGREE! Couldn't have said it better myself.
Oh my lord... I don't know how I didn't know, but I saw Megan Hilty as Glinda on tour and then started loving Ivy on Smash and had no clue they were the same person. WOW. Soooo much respect. And damn, she's pretty hawt too I have to admit!
OUT AND PROUD!
i totally agree with you.
Make me cry... Everytime!
You are sooo right!
Ivy sings the full version in an ep. during the season. in fact, the downloadable version of the songs is probably the Megan Hilty version.
THANK YOU! THANK YOU!
I think Ivy had more Marilyn than Karen. She had her desperation, her body, the complications with her mother, her boldness and she breaks quite easily when she realizes she isn't loved. She has the innocence, it just doesn't show much throughout the series. I think she may get the role in the next season (I hope she does at least) because she deserves it.
i didnt even think of that , thats a great connection
this song is beautiful
The fact you hate the character means the actor did an outstanding job... it's that investment of emotion in a character whether positive or negative that they strive to achieve
two short season, two amazing season, it was all worth it
I think you are spot on. The two characters reveal the essential conflict between who Marilyn was and what she turned in to. I also thought that toward the end Ivy takes on a hint of Jayne Mansfield who was even more overtly sexual (and Marilyn certainly was not subtle) and thought of as the poor-man's Marilyn.
that was absolutely amazing. i never thought of it that way. that makes me look at it so differently. (i never hated ivy just saying i think they're both fabulous)
oh me too! I cant wait for season 2 :)
This was the one time I was glad Ellis was so manipulative cause Ivy got to sing this instead of Karen
one of the best song in both seasons, hope there'll be season 3!
This song is so emotional.
I can't stop crying...................
I totally agree.