The Executioner's Tango, also mistakenly known as Goodbye So Soon, is a song written by Henry Mancini.
Story[]
The Executioner's Tango was written and recorded by Professor Ratigan; he set a phonograph to play it during what he planned to be Basil of Baker Street's last moments, the end of the song being supposed to trigger the mechanism that would kill Basil.
Lyrics[]
RATIGAN: Good bye! So soon!
And isn't this a crime?
We know by now that time knows how to fly…
So here's good bye! So soon…
We'll find our separate ways!
With time so short, I'll say “so long!” and go,
So soon… good bye!
You followed me, I followed you,
We were like each other's shadow for a while…
Now, as you see, this game is through,
So, although it hurts, I'll try to smile, as I say…
Good bye! So soon!
And isn't this a crime?
We know by now that time knows how to fly…
So here's good bye! So soon…
We'll find our separate ways!
With time so short, I'll say “so long!” and go,
So soon… good bye!
CHORUS: Good bye, so soon,
And isn't this a crime?
We know by now that time knows how to fly…
So here's goodbye, so soon,
You'll find your separate way,
With time so short I'll say so long and go,
So soon,
Good bye…
RATIGAN: You followed me, I followed you,
We were like each other's shadow for a while…
Now, as you see… this game is throuhgh…
So… although it hurts… I'll try to smile, as, I, say…
Good bye! So soon?…
And isn't this a crime?
With time so short, I'll say: "So long!" and go…
So soon…
GOOD BYE!
Trivia[]
- Although it might seem like a sincere farewell (and in a way it is), The Executioner's Tango also contains several hidden references to the current predicament in which Basil has found himself. For instance:
- Although it hurts and Isn't this a crime? both refer to the brutal and obviously illegal manner in which Ratigan will have killed Basil.
- We know by now that time knows how to fly is more complex; as this line plays, in the movie, Ratigan is escaping in a blimp (hence "fly"), but Ratigan also has to leave before the execution is complete because Basil was late and Ratigan has "an appointment at Buckingham Palace", which is also reflected in With time so short.
- A version of the song with all the reference to murder dropped is played during the closing credits, as the characters and crewmen's farewell to the audience, sung entirely by the chorus.
- As characters constantly talk over it, it is impossible to hear the song clearly in the movie; however, a pure version is available as part of the film's soundtrack.