Composer & Lyricist: Frank Loesser
The songs in "How to Succeed in Business without Really Trying" are lively, fun songs that have memorable melodies. The only song that should have been eliminated from the movie is "A Secretary is Not a Toy." It is dated and has a definite stage quality that did not transfer well to the screen. Also, it actually interferes with the plot of the film.
Only one song achieved limited fame - "I Believe in You." It is sung twice in the movie, first by Rosemary (Michelle Lee), when she is trying to build up Ponty's (Robert Morse) self-confidence. It is reprised later in the film, to a slightly faster tempo, by Ponty as he gets ready to present his advertising idea to the executives.
How to Succeed
J. Pierpont Finch (Ponty) buys a book that will teach him "How to Succeed" in business without working too hard.
The Company Way
The head of the mailroom explains to Ponty that to succeed in the company he needs to play it "The Company Way."
A Secretary is Not a Toy
The executives explain the job of a secretary and that "A Secretary is Not a Toy" for executives.
It's Been a Long Day
Ponty and Rosemary are waiting for the elevator and Smitty explains their thoughts and that "It's Been a Long Day" and they should end it by going out to dinner together.
Bud Frump reprises the concept when he explains the thoughts of his uncle, J. B. Biggley, and Hedy LaRue, as they wait for the next elevator.
I Believe in You
Ponty expresses a lack of self-confidence about his chances to succeed and Rosemary tells him that "I Believe in You."
Later, before presenting his ideas to Biggley and the executives, Ponty looks in a mirror and says that "I Believe in You."
Grand Old Ivy
Ponty, trying to impress Mr. Biggley, sings the school cheer song for "Grand Old Ivy" with Mr. Biggley.
Rosemary
Ponty kisses Hedy and he hears music that rings out the name of the woman he loves, "Rosemary."
Gotta Stop That Man
The executives are worried that Ponty will hurt their positions in the company and they agree that they "Gotta Stop That Man" before he stops them.
Brotherhood of Man
Ponty tells Wally, the chairman of the company's board, that he should show humanity to the person responsible for the company's problems because all of them are part of the "Brotherhood of Man."