On the Steps of the Palace

On The Steps Of The Palace - Kim Crosby/Original Broadway Cast of Into the Woods

Written by：Stephen Sondheim

He's a very smart Prince

He's a Prince who prepares

Knowing this time I'd run from him

He spread pitch on the stairs

I was caught unawares

And I thought well he cares

This is more than just malice

Better stop and take stock

While you're standing here stuck

On the steps of the palace

You think what do you want

You think make a decision

Why not stay and be caught

You think well it's a thought

What would be his response

But then what if he knew

Who you were when you know

That you're not what he thinks

That he wants

And then what if you are

What a Prince would envision

Although how can you know

Who you are till you know

What you want which you don't

So then which do you pick

Where you're safe out of sight

And yourself

But where everything's wrong

Or where everything's right

And you know that you'll never belong

And whichever you pick

Do it quick

'Cause you're starting to stick

To the steps of the palace

It's your first big decision

The choice isn't easy to make

To arrive at a ball

Is exciting and all

Once you're there

Though it's scary

And it's fun to deceive

When you know you can leave

But you have to be wary

There's a lot that's at stake

But you've stalled long enough

'Cause you're still standing stuck

In the stuff on the steps

Better run along home

And avoid the collision

Even though they don't care

You'll be better of there

Where there's nothing to choose

So there's nothing to lose

So you pry up your shoes

Then from out of the blue

And without any guide

You know what your decision is

Which is not to decide

You'll leave him a clue

For example a shoe

And then see what he'll do

Now it's he and not you

Who is stuck with a shoe

In a stew in the goo

And you've learned something too

Something you never knew

On the steps of the palace