"Maybe This Time" is a song written by John Kander and Fred Ebb which was included on the 1972 film Cabaret. It is sung by the character Sally Bowles, played by Liza Minnelli in the film. It had already been recorded and released twice, in similar arrangements, on Liza Minnelli's debut studio album Liza! Liza!, back in 1964, and on Minnelli's 1970 album New Feelin', but turned into a traditional pop standard after its 1972 inclusion on Cabaret.
Contents
Production
Though originally written in 1964 for a different purpose, the song was put into the 1972 version of the 1966 Cabaret musical. This is one of "two numbers that were added only in 1998, after they were used in the movie", along with 'Mein Herr'. H2G2 explains "both 'Money, Money' and 'Maybe This Time' are frequently inserted into the score of revival versions."
Synopsis
H2G2 describes this song's context within the musical's plot:
The singer (Sally), sings of her hope that, against all odds, this time her love affair is going to last.
Analysis
The Telegraph explained that the song should have an air of "desperate hope", and that Bowles should feel like "someone teetering on the edge of despair". Talkin' Broadway said ""Maybe this Time" serving as Sally's internal monologue in response to Cliff's plea", adding that the song "is the only time we see the real person beneath the frivolous girl for whom life is a neverending party (cabaret, whatever). As we're privy to Sally's unspoken thoughts here". What's On ina
Cape Town described Sally Bowles as a Manic Pixie Dream Girl, writing "Her iconic solo, Maybe This Time, can be considered the MPDG theme song." Bowles "believ[es] she may be in love for the first time".
Critical reception
The song has been described as a "tearjerker", "wistful", and "heartbreaking". Lincolnshire Review described the song as a "soaring ballad", and Peterborough Telegraph deemed it "hopeful".