On Broadway

Our blog project group has once again changed by one member, but I'm still calling it Blog Project 3.0. The newest member is Darwin Shrugged, a friend of Froggie's. I recently got to know her better through "52 Stories" and I look forward to what she has to say on the upcoming topics.

This week Moma Rock chose the topic: What are some of your favorite song lyrics? And why?

First, read what everyone else had to share on this topic:
Darwin Shrugged
Froggie
Moma Rock

There are so many songs out there and I'm definitely a music junkie. Choosing favorite lyrics is like choosing favorite books. I've decided to narrow down my range to just Broadway music and have selected some songs that have lyrics that speak to me, move me, or are just poetic and enjoyable.

"Seasons of Love" (Rent): I never gave much thought to how many minutes were in a year (not counting leap years), until I heard this song. I love how they list ways to measure a year and it inspired me to pick that for a blog project topic once.



The next two songs are early on in the shows (both from the same producer) and they talk about the characters having these hopes and desires that aren't being attained. Equally beautiful and heartbreaking.

"I Dreamed a Dream" (Les Miz)



"The Movie in My Mind" (Miss Saigon)



"Without Love" (Hairspray): This is such a fun song and I like they way they describe how life is without love to guide it along.



"Defying Gravity" (Wicked): One of the best Broadway musical songs of all time. It's so intense and liberating at the same time. I love the line "And if I'm flying solo, at least I'm flying free."



"Schadenfraude" (Avenue Q): Only this show could put into words the reasons why I used to watch The Jerry Springer Show.



"It Won't be Long Now" (In the Heights): Another song about hope. It buoyed me when I was preparing to move from NJ to MD.



"Home" (Beauty and the Beast): This was added for the stage musical and the lyrics are just really pretty and the tune carries them along nicely.



"If I Were a Bell" (Guys and Dolls): A fun and whimsical way to describe being in love. I find myself singing it at random times.



No Broadway post would be complete without a song from Into the Woods. And I just realized which one I really like because they're planning to take it out of the movie. (Oh the humanity!) "Moments in the Woods" is sung by the Baker's Wife after she is seduced by someone else. The lyrics have an interesting rhythm to them and I love how the Baker's Wife reflects on her life in this way.



What are some of your favorite Broadway lyrics?