I Want To Be In America West Side Story Lyrics
West Side Story is a classic musical that has been loved by audiences for generations. One of the most famous songs from the musical is "I Want To Be In America". This upbeat song is a celebration of the American dream and the hope for a brighter future. In this article, we will explore the lyrics of "I Want To Be In America" and what they mean.
The Story Behind West Side Story
West Side Story is a musical that was first performed on Broadway in 1957. It tells the story of two rival gangs, the Jets and the Sharks, who battle for control of their neighborhood. The musical is a modern retelling of Shakespeare's "Romeo and Juliet" and explores themes of love, immigration, and prejudice.
The musical was a huge success and has been adapted into several films and stage productions over the years. "I Want To Be In America" is one of the most iconic songs from the musical and has been covered by numerous artists.
The Lyrics of "I Want To Be In America"
The lyrics of "I Want To Be In America" are a celebration of the American dream. The song is sung by the character Anita, who is a Puerto Rican immigrant. Anita sings about her desire to live in America, where she believes that anything is possible.
The song is upbeat and filled with hope. The lyrics are simple and easy to sing along to, making it a favorite among audiences.
Here are the full lyrics of "I Want To Be In America":
"Puerto Rico, my heart's devotion
Let it sink back in the ocean
Always the hurricanes blowing
Always the population growing
And the money owing
And the sunlight streaming
And the natives steaming
I like the island Manhattan
Smoke on your pipe and put that in
I like to be in America
Okay by me in America
Everything free in America
For a small fee in America"
The Meaning Behind the Lyrics
The lyrics of "I Want To Be In America" are about the American dream. Anita sings about her desire to live in America, where she believes that anything is possible. She mentions the hurricanes and growing population of Puerto Rico, suggesting that life is difficult and limited on the island.
She contrasts this with the idea of America, where everything is free and anything is possible, as long as you can pay for it. The song is a celebration of the opportunities and freedoms that America represents.
The Significance of "I Want To Be In America"
"I Want To Be In America" is a significant song in the musical because it represents the hopes and dreams of the characters. The song is a celebration of the American dream and the idea that anything is possible in America.
However, the song also highlights the challenges and obstacles that immigrants face when trying to achieve their dreams. The character of Anita is a Puerto Rican immigrant who faces discrimination and prejudice from the other characters.
The song is a reminder that the American dream is not always easy to achieve and that there are often significant barriers in the way.
Conclusion
"I Want To Be In America" is a beloved song from the musical West Side Story. The lyrics are a celebration of the American dream and the hope for a brighter future. The song represents the hopes and dreams of the characters, but also highlights the challenges and obstacles that immigrants face when trying to achieve their dreams.
The song continues to be popular today and is a reminder of the enduring appeal of the American dream.