Clarification on 'America' in West Side Story: Debunking the Myth

Many a time, discussions about the iconic musical West Side Story have led to confusion over the lyrics of the song titled 'America.' However, it is a common misconception that the song 'America' contains the phrase 'do they ever sing.' Let's delve deeper into this matter, providing clarity and corrections for any misunderstandings.

Introduction to 'West Side Story'

West Side Story is a modern retelling of Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet, set in the streets of New York City in the 1950s. The musical, written by Leonard Bernstein, Stephen Sondheim, and Arthur Laurents, tackles themes of immigration, prejudice, and social conflict. Like many of its peers, the show features numerous songs that capture the essence of the story and the characters.

Song 'America' in 'West Side Story'

The song 'America' features prominently in West Side Story. This is one of the most popular and well-known songs from the show. The lyrics of 'America' are primarily about the characters attempting to understand the concept of 'America' and their experiences within the American framework. It is a call-and-response format where the male and female choruses trade off verses, reflecting on the realities of life in a new and often hostile environment.

Lyrics and Misconceptions

Some people mistakenly think the song 'America' from West Side Story contains the phrase 'do they ever sing.' However, this is not the case. The correct lyrics of the song are:

Now there's a land where they live free
And speak with an accent
'Cause they come from over the sea
They've never had cats
They never have had coffeeThey never had squid
They never had a Fourth of JulyNight
They never had a Jack Danielsjug
They never had a Harold Lloyd
They never sat in a theater
They never got lost and didn't find their home by the stars
They never had a million things

This is a portion of the song, taken from a specific scene where characters are exploring and misunderstanding the American culture. It is a vivid representation of how the characters view the American experience.

Comparison with 'There Are No Cats in America'

Another song titled 'There Are No Cats in America' comes from the 1986 animated film An American Tail. This film is about a young mouse named Fievel who, along with his family, attempts to find safety in America during the Russian pogroms. The song 'There Are No Cats in America' is about the realities of life in America, highlighting how it is different from the rural life the mice are used to. The lyrics serve as a critique of the American myth of abundance and freedom.

Both songs share a common theme of the American dream being a myth, but the explicit phrase 'there are no cats in America' directly addresses this idea, whereas the 'America' song from West Side Story takes a more subdued and introspective approach.

Conclusion

In sum, the concept that 'America' from West Side Story contains the phrase 'do they ever sing' is a misunderstanding. The actual song is About America, which is a_USERS_DEFINED_ . This article aims to clear up any confusion and provide accurate information about the lyrics and themes of this section of the musical.

For those interested in West Side Story and its cultural impact, further resources and analyses can be found online and in educational materials. Exploring the themes and lyrics of this iconic musical remains a fascinating journey through one of the greatest American musicals in history.