Tomorrow (song from Annie)
"Tomorrow" is a song from the musical Annie, with music by Charles Strouse and lyrics by Martin Charnin, published in 1977. The number was originally written as "The Way We Live Now" for the 1970 short film Replay, with both music and lyrics by Strouse.
Production history in the musical
It had appeared in prominence in productions of the musical throughout its history: it was heard in several versions in the original 1977 Broadway production, including ending the show. It was the entry and concluding credits score for the 1982 film adaptation.
Discussion
The song apparently pronounces an optimistic view of life through its main themes, 'hang on until tomorrow' and 'when I'm stuck with a day that's grey and lonely, I just stick out my chin and grin'. It appears to be in unison with another song in the score, "You're Never Fully Dressed Without a Smile", which again pronounces the importance of smiling, though in a much lighter and cheerful tone.
The lyrics were likely influenced by the song "There's a Great Big Beautiful Tomorrow", written by the Sherman Brothers for Disney's Carousel of Progress attraction for the 1964 New York World's Fair. The songs have very similar themes, stressing the importance of looking forward optimistically to a shining future, and in some places use almost identical lyrical phrases (compare "just a dream away" and "only a day away," for example).
