Getting Married Today

Stephen Sondheim's song "Getting Married Today" from the musical *Company* is a whirlwind of emotions, capturing the chaos and anxiety that can accompany the prospect of marriage. The song is a dramatic and humorous portrayal of a bride, Amy, who is experiencing an intense bout of cold feet on her wedding day. The lyrics juxtapose the serene and celebratory sentiments of the other characters with Amy's frantic and panicked monologue, creating a stark contrast that highlights her inner turmoil.

The song opens with Jenny and Paul expressing their joy and commitment. Jenny's lines, "Bless this day, Pinnacle of life," set a tone of reverence and celebration. Paul, the groom, sings tenderly about his love for Amy, promising to cherish and honor her forever. However, Amy's entrance disrupts this idyllic scene. Her rapid, almost breathless delivery of lines like "Pardon me, is everybody here?" and "I'm not getting married today" reveals her overwhelming anxiety and fear of commitment. She humorously describes marriage as a "prehistoric ritual" and imagines disastrous outcomes, such as her husband wanting to kill her.

Amy's panic is not just about the wedding itself but also about the loss of identity and the fear of making a life-altering mistake. She even mentions calling her analyst, indicating that her anxiety is deeply rooted and not just a case of pre-wedding jitters. The song's structure, with its rapid tempo and overlapping voices, mirrors the chaos in Amy's mind. The choir's repeated "Amen" adds a layer of irony, as it traditionally signifies agreement and peace, contrasting sharply with Amy's frantic state.

Sondheim masterfully uses humor and irony to explore serious themes of love, commitment, and personal identity. The song's comedic elements, such as Amy's exaggerated fears and her plea for the guests to leave, make her relatable and human. At the same time, the underlying message about the pressures and expectations of marriage resonates deeply. "Getting Married Today" is a brilliant example of Sondheim's ability to blend wit, emotion, and social commentary into a single, unforgettable piece of musical theater.