I Want To Live In America West Side Story
"I Want to Live in America" is one of the most famous songs from the hit musical "West Side Story." This energetic song expresses the desire of the Puerto Rican characters to live in the United States, hoping for a better life. The song is famous for its catchy melody, lively rhythm, and memorable lyrics. In this article, we will explore the background and significance of this song and its role in the musical "West Side Story."
The Story Behind "West Side Story"
"West Side Story" is a musical that was first performed on Broadway in 1957. It was a collaboration between composer Leonard Bernstein, lyricist Stephen Sondheim, and choreographer Jerome Robbins. The musical is a modern retelling of Shakespeare's "Romeo and Juliet," set in the context of a gang war between two rival groups in New York City - the Jets and the Sharks. The Jets are white, while the Sharks are Puerto Rican immigrants. The story explores themes of love, prejudice, and violence.
The Significance of "I Want to Live in America"
"I Want to Live in America" is a pivotal moment in the musical, as it expresses the dreams and aspirations of the Puerto Rican characters. The song is filled with energy, optimism, and humor, as the characters imagine a life in America that is full of opportunities and freedom. The song reflects the hopes and struggles of immigrants, who often face discrimination and hardship as they try to build a new life in a foreign land. The lyrics of the song also highlight the cultural differences between Puerto Rican and American life, as the characters sing about the food, music, and language of their homeland.
The Lyrics of "I Want to Live in America"
The lyrics of "I Want to Live in America" are both humorous and poignant, capturing the feelings of the Puerto Rican characters as they dream of a new life in America. The song begins with the following lines:
"I like to be in America! / O.K. by me in America! / Everything free in America / For a small fee in America!"
These lines express the excitement and optimism of the characters, as they imagine a life in America where everything is free and available for a small fee. The song goes on to describe the various aspects of American life that the characters find enticing, such as the cars, the girls, and the hot dogs. The chorus of the song repeats the line "I want to live in America," emphasizing the characters' desire to leave their old life behind and start anew in America.
The Legacy of "West Side Story"
"West Side Story" has had a lasting impact on American culture, influencing countless musicals and films that deal with themes of love, conflict, and diversity. The musical was a groundbreaking work for its time, as it tackled issues of racial tension and prejudice in a frank and honest way. The music of "West Side Story" is also renowned for its innovation and complexity, combining classical and jazz elements in a way that was new and exciting.
Today, "I Want to Live in America" remains one of the most beloved songs from the musical, a testament to the enduring power of the American dream and the resilience of the human spirit.