"Good Morning Baltimore" is the opening number of the 2002 musical ''

Hairspray Hairspray may refer to: * Hair spray, a personal grooming product that keeps hair protected from humidity and wind * ''Hairspray'' (1988 film), a film by John Waters ** ''Hairspray'' (1988 soundtrack), the film's soundtrack album ** ''Hairspray ...

''. Written by

Marc Shaiman Marc Shaiman (; born October 22, 1959) is an American composer and lyricist for films, television, and theatre, best known for his collaborations with lyricist and director Scott Wittman. He wrote the music and co-wrote the lyrics for the Broa ...

and

Scott Wittman Scott Wittman (born November 16, 1954) is an American director, lyricist, composer and writer for Broadway, concerts, and television. Life and career Wittman was raised in Nanuet, New York, graduated from Nanuet Senior High School in 1972 and a ...

, it is performed by the protagonist, Tracy Turnblad, and alludes to the distinctive beat and vocal effects ("oh-oh-oh") of

The Ronettes The Ronettes were an American girl group from Washington Heights, Manhattan, New York City. The group consisted of lead singer Veronica Bennett (later known as Ronnie Spector), her older sister Estelle Bennett, and their cousin Nedra Talley. ...

' 1963 hit "

Be My Baby "Be My Baby" is a song by American girl group the Ronettes that was released as a single on Philles Records in August 1963. Written by Jeff Barry, Ellie Greenwich, and Phil Spector, the song was the Ronettes' biggest hit, reaching number 2 in ...

Production

In the 2007 film, Tracy, played by

Nikki Blonsky Nicole Blonsky (born November 9, 1988) is an American actress, singer, dancer, and internet personality. She is known for playing Tracy Turnblad in the film '' Hairspray'' (2007), for which she won two Critics' Choice Awards and received nominat ...

, blinks her eyes in time with the music at the beginning of this number.

Synopsis

Tracy Turnblad wakes up to a new day in

Baltimore Baltimore ( , locally: or ) is the List of municipalities in Maryland, most populous city in the U.S. state of Maryland, fourth most populous city in the Mid-Atlantic (United States), Mid-Atlantic, and List of United States cities by popula ...

, and sings about everything she encounters on the way to school. She dreams of being a star. The song "takes us through Tracy’s morning routine, for instance, hitching a ride with the garbage man when she misses the bus for school."

Analysis

About.com examines the song's themes: Answers.com adds further insight:

Critical reception

BroadwayReviewed said "'Good Morning Baltimore' from the musical ''Hairspray'' is one of the most well known songs from the broadway show. Not only does everyone love this show tune, but it is an awesome song to represent the city. It is positive, funny and a bit quirky, just like Baltimore." It adds the song "is the perfect way to open the show because it isn’t just funny, but it is a fun song to sing. It walks you through the city and you even somewhat feel like you are actually there when she is describing it." Talkin' broadway described the song as "lovably cheesy 1960s pop". Common Sense Media said this "infectious song...sets the cheery tone" of the rest of the 2007 film. Similarly, CinemaBlend explains "The song immediately sets the toe-tapping tone for the rest of the film".

Reprise

A reprise is performed by Tracy as she is imprisoned for protesting. The lyrics are changed to show Tracy's loneliness and love for Link.

References

2002 songs Songs from Hairspray (musical) Songs about Baltimore Songs written by Marc Shaiman Songs written by Scott Wittman {{2000s-song-stub