Ah, Miss

In 'Ah, Miss' from the musical 'Sweeney Todd,' the character Antony expresses his awe and admiration for Johanna, a young woman he sees from a distance. Antony's lyrics are filled with wonder and longing as he compares his travels around the world to the beauty he finds in Johanna. He has seen the pearls of Spain and the rubies of Tibet, but nothing compares to the sight of her. This sets the stage for a classic tale of love at first sight, where Antony is captivated by Johanna's pale, ivory skin and sad demeanor. His repeated pleas for her to look at him and favor him with her glance highlight his desperation and infatuation.

Johanna's brief interjection with the lines about birds—'Green finch and linnet bird, nightingale, blackbird. Teach me how to sing! If I cannot fly... Let me sing...'—adds a layer of melancholy to the scene. Her desire to sing if she cannot fly suggests a longing for freedom and expression, trapped as she is in Judge Turpin's house. This contrast between Antony's admiration and Johanna's yearning for freedom creates a poignant moment that underscores the themes of confinement and desire.

The Beggar Woman's interruption brings a harsh dose of reality to Antony's romantic reverie. She identifies the house as belonging to Judge Turpin and warns Antony of the dangers of trespassing. Her crude and direct manner serves as a stark contrast to the poetic and idealistic language of Antony and Johanna. This interaction not only grounds the scene in the harsh realities of their world but also foreshadows the obstacles that Antony will face in his quest to be with Johanna. The Beggar Woman's final lines, filled with nautical imagery, mock Antony's sailor background and hint at the turbulent journey ahead.