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.
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
Baritones
“Hand for the Hog” – Big River
“Museum Song” – Barnum
“The Prince of Humbug” – Barnum
“There Is a Sucker Born Ev’ry Minute” – Barnum
Basses
“Everybody Loves the Windmill” – Mrs Henderson Presents
“Everybody Says Don’t” – Anyone Can Whistle
“The Elements” – Tomfoolery
“Ya Got Trouble” – The Music Man
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
Psst… Here’s where you can find out your vocal type!
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
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
Tenors
“All Hail the Brain” – 13
“Buddy’s Blues” – Follies
“Sennett Song” – Chaplin
“That’s What He Said” – Parade
Want more songs? Check out these DIY Rep Books for EVERY vocal type!

Author: Stacy Karyn
Stacy Karyn is the founder of Theatre Trip and the author of The Thespian’s Bucket List. She is also the creator of The Cast Album List. Her background includes a BA in Theatre, a TESOL Drama certificate, and professional experience in Broadway and Off-Broadway theaters.

