I Want To Be In America West Side Story
West Side Story is one of the most iconic musicals of all time. It was first performed on Broadway in 1957 and has since become a classic. The musical tells the story of rival gangs in New York City, the Jets and the Sharks, and the love story between Tony, a former Jet, and Maria, the sister of the leader of the Sharks. One of the most famous songs from the musical is "I Want To Be In America." In this article, we will explore the song and its significance in West Side Story.
Background of West Side Story
West Side Story was created by some of the most talented people in the entertainment industry. The music was composed by Leonard Bernstein, the lyrics were written by Stephen Sondheim, and the book was written by Arthur Laurents. The musical was originally inspired by William Shakespeare's play Romeo and Juliet, but the creators decided to modernize the story and set it in the 1950s in New York City. The musical deals with themes of love, immigration, and gang violence, and it is known for its powerful and emotional songs.
"I Want To Be In America" Lyrics
"I Want To Be In America" is one of the most upbeat and catchy songs in West Side Story. The song is sung by the character Anita, who is the girlfriend of the leader of the Sharks. In the song, Anita expresses her love for America and her desire to live there permanently. The lyrics of the song are:
Life is all right in America
If you're all white in America
Everything is all right in America
For everything is all right in America
If you're all right in America
Anita sings the first verse of the song on her own, but then she is joined by the other female characters in the musical. The song is accompanied by a lively and energetic dance routine, which adds to the excitement of the number.
Significance of "I Want To Be In America" in West Side Story
"I Want To Be In America" is an important song in West Side Story because it highlights the differences between the two gangs. The Jets are a group of white Americans who feel like they are losing their place in society, while the Sharks are a group of Puerto Rican immigrants who are struggling to find their place in America. The song shows how Anita, who is Puerto Rican, sees America as a place of opportunity and freedom, while the Jets see it as a place that is becoming less and less welcoming to them.
The song also shows how the female characters in the musical are able to rise above the violence and tension between the gangs. Anita is able to express her love for America despite the fact that her boyfriend is a member of the Sharks, and the other female characters are able to join her in her celebration of the country. The song is a moment of unity and celebration in a musical that is otherwise filled with conflict and tragedy.
Conclusion
"I Want To Be In America" is a classic song from a classic musical. It is a celebration of America and the opportunities that the country provides, but it is also a reminder of the differences between people and the challenges that immigrants face in America. The song is a moment of joy and unity in a musical that is otherwise filled with tension and violence. West Side Story is a timeless musical that continues to captivate audiences today, and "I Want To Be In America" is one of the reasons why.