Chip Zien and Tom Aldredge were respected actors with celebrated careers in theater and television. Zien originated the role of the Baker, whereas Aldredge portrayed both the Narrator and Mysterious Man, earning praise for their memorable contributions to Sondheim’s well-known musical.
With his vast career in musical theater and dramatic performance, both artists left a lasting impact on Broadway and beyond.
About the Song
The song showcases themes of regret, responsibility, and generational wisdom, serving as a climactic moment in the musical, where the Baker confronts his father’s abandonment and struggles with his fears of failure.
Its thoughtful lyrics and haunting melody make it a standout piece in the Tony-winning musical’s score, deeply resonating with fans.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Released | January 8, 1988 |
| Album | Into the Woods (Original Broadway Cast Recording) (1988) |
| Writers | Stephen Sondheim |
| Producers | Jay David Saks |
Lyrics of No More
BAKER
No more questions
Please
No more tests
Comes the day you say, “What for?”
Please—no more
MYSTERIOUS MAN
They disappoint
They disappear
They die but they don’t…
BAKER, spoken
What?
MYSTERIOUS MAN
They disappoint
In turn, I fear
Forgive, though, they won’t…
BAKER
No more riddles
No more jests
No more curses you can’t undo
Left by fathers you never knew
No more quests
No more feelings
Time to shut the door
Just—no more
MYSTERIOUS MAN
Running away—let’s do it
Free from the ties that bind
No more despair
Or burdens to bear
Out there in the yonder
Running away—go to it
Where did you have in mind?
Have to take care
Unless there’s a “where”
You’ll only be wandering blind
Just more questions
Different kind
Where are we to go?
Where are we ever to go?
Running away—we’ll do it
Why sit around, resigned?
Trouble is, son
The farther you run
The more you’ll feel undefined
For what you have left undone
And, more, what you’ve left behind
We disappoint
We leave a mess
We die but we don’t…
BAKER
We disappoint
In turn, I guess
Forget, though, we won’t…
BAKER & MYSTERIOUS MAN
Like father, like son
The MYSTERIOUS MAN disappears.
BAKER
No more giants
Waging war
Can’t we just pursue our lives
With our children and our wives?
Till that happy day arrives
How do you ignore
All the witches
All the curses
All the wolves, all the lies
The false hopes, the goodbyes
The reverses
All the wondering what even worse is
Still in store?
All the children…
All the giants…
No more
Similar Songs Like No More
Here are some of the similar songs by Chip Zien and/or Tom Aldredge that share thematic connections to No More, focusing on reflection, responsibility, and relationships.
- ‘‘It Takes Two”: A heartfelt duet performed by Chip Zien and Joanna Gleason shows how their relationship has grown with themes of partnership and mutual growth.
- ”Ever After”: This ensemble song from Into the Woods captures the characters’ moment of reflection after their experiences.
- ”No One Is Alone”: One of the most comforting songs, where the characters reassure each other that even in loss and confusion, they’re not truly alone.
Similar Artists Like Chip Zien and Tom Aldredge
The following are artists similar to Chip Zien and Tom Aldredge, known for their contributions to musical theater, along with their genres and notable albums:
- Stephen Sondheim
Genre: Musical Theater
Notable Works: Into the Woods, Sweeney Todd, Company - William Finn
Genre: Musical Theater
Notable Works: Falsettos, A New Brain - Jason Robert Brown
Genre: Musical Theater
Notable Works: Parade, The Last Five Years - Jonathan Groff
Genre: Musical Theater
Notable Works: Spring Awakening, Hamilton
Frequently Asked Questions
Where Does “No More” Appear in Into the Woods?
It appears late in Act II, during a moment of emotional crisis for the Baker, after several tragic events have unfolded.
What Makes “No More” Unique in the Musical?
It’s one of the show’s most introspective songs, offering a rare moment of quiet depth and emotional resolution between father and son.
How Does “No More” Affect the Baker’s Growth in the Story?
It marks the Baker’s emotional breakthrough, when he faces his fears, accepts his responsibilities, and decides to stay and raise his child rather than run from pain and loss.
