Better

[Professor Bhaer, spoken]
Miss March, I spoke my mind, as you spoke yours
Obviously, it was not appreciated on either side

[Jo, spoken]
Obviously!
My stories were a great success in Concord

(sung)
Better?
Better than what?
Better than this dazzling plot?
Better?

This story will be my 'King Lear'

Each phrase is better
Better than him
Better!
Even my smallest whim is better

How can he miss what's so clear?
How can I do better
Than what's already here?

How can what he said to me be true?
If I don't succeed, what will I do?
Turn around, go back to Concord?
Leave New York behind unconquered?

No!

How dare he make me doubt
The way I feel?
Doubt that each thrilling page
Is who I am?

Aren't these words alive with passion
Vivid as my attic where it all began?

[Amy, spoken]
Jo! Jo, the girls at school were horrible to me!
Charlotte Fenton said my dress is ragged and my nose is flat!

[Meg, spoken]
Jo, I hate being a governess
I should be meeting eligible young men

[Amy, spoken]
It's going to be a dismal Christmas
What with Father away and no money for presents

[Beth, spoken]
Meg, Amy
Jo has a surprise for us

[Jo, sung]
Or was I better
Better when I was home?