Musical Theatre Patter Songs – By Vocal Type

A patter song is a fast-paced musical theatre number characterized by rapid, rhythmically precise lyrics, often delivered in a staccato style. This page features a curated selection of musical theatre patter songs, organized by vocal type. Additional song lists are available in the musical theatre song library.

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Altos

“Everybody Loves Louis” – Sunday in the Park with George

“The Worst Pies in London” – Sweeney Todd

“What’s Gonna Happen” – Tootsie

“Words, Words, Words” – The Witches of Eastwick

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Baritones

“Hand for the Hog” – Big River

“Museum Song” – Barnum

“The Prince of Humbug” – Barnum

“There Is a Sucker Born Ev’ry Minute” – Barnum

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Basses

“Everybody Loves the Windmill” – Mrs Henderson Presents

“Everybody Says Don’t” – Anyone Can Whistle

“The Elements” – Tomfoolery

“Ya Got Trouble” – The Music Man

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Contras

“Calm” – Ordinary Days

“Erbie Fitch’s Twitch” – Redhead

“Just One Step” – Songs for a New World

“Model Behavior” – Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown

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Psst… Here’s where you can find out your vocal type!

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Mezzo-Sopranos

“I’m the First Girl in the Second Row” – Look Ma, I’m Dancin’!

“The Speed Test” – Thoroughly Modern Millie

“Watch What Happens” – Newsies

“You Could Drive a Person Crazy” – Company

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Sopranos

“Carousel” – Jacques Brel is Alive and Well and Living in Paris

“Crossword Puzzle” – Starting Here, Starting Now

“Shimmy Like They Do in Paree” – Death Takes a Holiday

“Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious” – Mary Poppins

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Tenors

“All Hail the Brain” – 13

“Buddy’s Blues” – Follies

“Sennett Song” – Chaplin

“That’s What He Said” – Parade

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Want more songs? Check out these DIY Rep Books for EVERY vocal type!

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