William Finn is an award-winning American composer and lyricist known for his sharp wit, emotional depth, and unique musical voice. He is best recognized for his work on musicals such as Falsettos, A New Brain, and The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee.
His writing often shows personal identity, relationships, and the ups and downs of everyday life, all wrapped in clever lyrics and memorable melodies.
And, Finn has also received a Tony Award for Best Score for Falsettos and is praised for blending humor with heartfelt storytelling. He’s known for creating characters that feel real, flawed, and deeply human.
About the Song
Woe is Me is a fun yet emotional song from The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee musical. It’s performed by the character Logainne Schwartzand Grubenierre, a young speller who’s feeling the pressure from her two competitive dads.
With William Finn’s clever lyrics and lively music, this song gives us a peek into Logainne’s world, full of spelling, stress, and strong family expectations.
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Release Date | May 31, 2005 |
| Album | The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee (Original Broadway Cast Recording) |
| Writer | William Finn |
Complete Woe is Me Lyrics by William Finn
SCHWARZY, spoken
I’d just like to take one moment to thank my two fathers who’ve been so supportive of me in all of my endeavors. Thank you, dads!
CARL DAN, spoken
We hate losers No one likes a loser!
Which is why we discipline
God hates losers But he loves you!
Because losers do not know
how to win
(spoken)
Yes we do! And we have faith in you
Go get ‘em! Yes we do!
SCHWARZY
I hope you can love me, America
I’m gunning for first prize!
Here’s why you should love me, America
My needs I cannot overemphasize
I make myself crazy
Being what my dads hope I’ll be
But what about me, dads?
What about me?
Jesus Christ! What about me?
CARL, spoken
Practice your breathing, Logainne
SCHWARZY
Though I practice yoga, I don’t breathe
I try not to disappoint
But still I
Disappoint the dads
Who my friends mock
Kids are mean
Kids’ll talk
All my so-called “friends”
Roll their eyes
They’re incredibly petty
Because my dads are my dads
And alright enough already
SCHWARZY & SPELLERS
Woe is me
Woe is me
SCHWARZY
Which is why I gotta win this spelling bee
CARL, spoken
Take a picture for her B.M.
SCHWARZY, spoken
Dad!
DAN, spoken
Don’t call her B.M., Carl.
CARL, spoken
Sorry. Her “Birth Mother.”
SCHWARZY, spoken
Peggy Jenkins!
DAN, spoken
She’d be very proud if she could see you spell!
SCHWARZY
My birth mother lives in Kansas, MO
In a trailer, in a park
DADS & SPELLERS
Tornados
SCHWARZY
Every now and then she sends a card
“Life and men,” she writes, “are hard.”
She would like to meet me when I’m grown
And I’ve burst like a comet
But I’m so stressed by my stress
I just wanna up and vomit
SCHWARZY & SPELLERS
Woe is me
Woe is me
SCHWARZY
Which is why I gotta win this spelling—
DADS & SPELLERS
Be smart
Be cool
Be an adult
Be remarkably adroit
In social situations
SCHWARZY DADS SPELLERS
Woe is me Be smart, be cool
Be smart, be cool
Woe is me Be smart, be cool
Be smart, be
Which is why I
gotta win Which is why she’s
This spelling gotta win Which is why she’s
This spelling gotta win
This spelling
Bee Bee Bee
Similar Songs Like Woe Is Me
If you enjoyed Woe is Me from The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, then you’re in for a treat with more songs by William Finn.
- I’m Not That: This song is filled with gentle humor as a nervous kid admits he’s not perfect, but tries his best anyway.
- The I Love You Song: A powerful mix of sadness and hope, this song shows a girl imagining comfort from her mother during a stressful moment.
- My Unfortunate Erection: Though the title is funny, this song shows a teen’s embarrassment and confusion, making light of awkward growing-up moments with honesty.
Similar Artists Like William Finn
These artists often mix humor with emotion, and their musicals show real-life feelings, relationships, and personal growth.
- Stephen Sondheim
Genre: Musical Theatre / Broadway
Top albums: Sweeney Todd (Original Broadway Cast, 1979), Into the Woods (1987), Company (1970), Sunday in the Park with George (1984) - Jason Robert Brown
Genre: Contemporary Musical Theatre / Vocal
Top albums: The Last Five Years (2002), Parade (1998), Songs for a New World (1995), 13 (2008) - Jeanine Tesori
Genre: Musical Theatre / Modern Broadway
Top albums: Fun Home (Original Broadway Cast, 2015), Caroline, or Change (2004), Shrek the Musical (2009), Violet (2014 revival cast) - Michael John LaChiusa
Genre: Musical Theatre / Experimental Broadway
Top albums: The Wild Party (2000), Marie Christine (1999), Hello Again (1994), First Lady Suite (1993) - Lin-Manuel Miranda
Genre: Musical Theatre / Hip-Hop Broadway
Top albums: Hamilton (Original Broadway Cast, 2015), In the Heights (2008), Encanto (2021), Vivo (2021)
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Logainne Win The Spelling Bee?
No, Logainne is eliminated before the final round, but her journey highlights her growth and the pressures she faces.
What Makes Woe is Me Stand Out Among Other Songs in The Musical?
It stands out by mixing humor with stress. It shows what’s going on in Logainne’s head during the bee.
Are There Any Reprises of Woe is Me?
Yes, there is a reprise of “Woe is Me” later in the musical, showing Logainne’s continued struggles and determination.
