THEME:   definitions of KEY   
GOOD ONES:     Key   
ANTHEM-LYRICIST [didn't occur to me that Key could also be a name]   
Lee side: Abbr.   CSA [I thought nautical, of course, not generals]   
Trip up   ASCENT   
Lab output?   BARK [anytime we see LAB we must assume the dog]   
Two stars, maybe   ITEM [a Hollywood pair in gossip mags]      
BTW:   Only asking: why are we given help with abbreviations but not with multiple words?  For example, "Refuse" for SAY-NO was tough for me.  I didn't know which meaning of the term was being used, and I couldn't come up with with a five-letter definition for either meaning. That Lee side (two words) was abbreviated made no difference; the answer was only 3 letters.      
A, ideally   MARK  [I get it but don't like it.  A mark is a mark.  
A is not more ideal as a (
qua) mark than any other.  Okay, too philosophical.]         
RATING:    
 
  
 
Three grins = Loved it; Two grins = Enjoyed it; One grin = A bit bland for my taste; One teardrop = Not much fun