Song meaning of Keep It Gay by Mel Brooks (Ft. Gary Beach, Jeffry Denman, Kathy Fitzgerald, Matthew Broderick, Nathan Lane, Peter Marinos, Ray Willis & Roger Bart)

The song "Keep It Gay" from the musical "The Producers" is a satirical and comedic commentary on the state of Broadway theater. The characters in the song, Max, Roger, and the production team, express their frustration with the lack of creativity and originality in theater productions, which they see as being too obsessed with drama and too depressed. They argue that shows should be more pretty, witty, and most importantly, "gay."

In this context, the term "gay" is not used in its traditional sense, but rather as a synonym for lively, colorful, and entertaining. The characters believe that audiences want to see a show that brings laughter and joy, with a happy ending that can uplift their spirits. They use humor and parody to challenge the conventional notions of what makes a successful play, suggesting that even controversial and historically dark subjects, like Hitler and the Third Reich, can be made entertaining without trivializing them.

The song is ultimately a commentary on the power of theater to entertain and provoke thought simultaneously. It highlights the importance of embracing creativity, taking risks, and challenging the status quo in order to create truly memorable and impactful performances. The characters' exaggerated actions and reactions throughout the song also serve to heighten the comedic effect and satirical nature of the message.