Name up in lights, sparkling titles in neon, adventure awaiting the audience on a stage filled with incredible people doing amazing things – that’s Broadway!
The best of the best shows have some of the most incredible music of all time, too. From evocative ballads to upbeat songs, they take us to the highest of heights as we sing and dance along.
So, put on your tap shoes, slip on your dream coat, and join us for the best Broadway songs of all time.
Contents
- People Will Say We’re in Love – Oklahoma!
- There’s No Business Like Show Business – Annie Get Your Gun
- You’ll Never Walk Alone – Carousel
- Some Enchanted Evening – South Pacific
- Bewitched (Bothered and Bewildered) – Pal Joey
- You Can’t Stop the Beat – Hairspray
- A Little Priest – Sweeney Todd
- Getting to Know You – The King and I
- Ol’ Man River – Show Boat
- Big Spender – Sweet Charity
- Don’t Rain on My Parade – Funny Girl
- I Don’t Know How to Love Him – Jesus Christ Superstar
- Cabaret – Cabaret
- Satisfied – Hamilton
- If I Were a Rich Man – Fiddler on the Roof
- Circle of Life – The Lion King
- Waving Through a Window – Dear Evan Hansen
- Losing My Mind – Follies
- Ya Got Trouble – The Music Man
- Some Other Time – On the Town
- Memory – Cats
- Defying Gravity – Wicked
- One Day More – Les Misérables
- All That Jazz – Chicago
- Summertime – Porgy and Bess
- Send in the Clowns – A Little Night Music
- Adelaide’s Lament – Guys And Dolls
- I Got Rhythm – Girl Crazy
- Glitter and Be Gay – Candide
- Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas – Meet Me in St. Louis
- Maybe – Annie
- I Dreamed a Dream – Les Misérables
- Don’t Cry for Me Argentina – Evita
- Music of the Night – The Phantom of the Opera
- Somewhere – West Side Story
- My Favourite Things – The Sound of Music
- As If We Never Said Goodbye – Sunset Boulevard
- Suddenly Seymour – Little Shop of Horrors
- Wouldn’t It Be Loverly – My Fair Lady
- Ease on Down the Road – The Wiz
- Ten Minutes Ago – Cinderella
- All I Ask of You – Phantom of the Opera
- Where is Love? – Oliver
- Hello – Book of Mormon
- If Ever I Would Leave You – Camelot
- Singin’ in the Rain – Singing in the Rain
- Secret Love – Calamity Jane
- Surrey with the Fringe on Top – Oklahoma!
- Somewhere Over the Rainbow – Wizard of Oz
- I Could Have Danced All Night – My Fair Lady
- As Long as He Need Me – Oliver
- Popular – Wicked
- Honey Honey – Mamma Mia!
- Seize the Day – Newsies
- Any Dream Will Do – Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat
- Hello Young Lovers – The King and I
People Will Say We’re in Love – Oklahoma!
A sweet romance begins to bloom between Curly and Laurey in ‘Oklahoma!’ But they’re afraid everyone will start rumors about them because of their friendship. But as the audience listens to this sweet song sung by the leading couple, it’s pretty clear they already have fallen in love and are just fighting it. “Your eyes mustn’t glow like mine. People will say we’re in love!”
There’s No Business Like Show Business – Annie Get Your Gun
Made famous by the ineffable Ethel Merman, the original Broadway sweetheart, ‘There’s No Business Like Show Business’ from Annie Get Your Gun is one of the best well-known songs from Broadway. The song is used often in pop culture today, with plenty of TV shows and films sampling from the song or featuring it in its entirety. It’s all about going on with the show, no matter how hard life off stage can be.
Related: Find the strength to go on with these songs for survivors.
You’ll Never Walk Alone – Carousel
One of the most beautiful and moving songs of all classic Hollywood musicals that isn’t necessarily a romantic love song, ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’ is a stunning piece to help lift the spirits when you’re feeling lonely. The song is a simple ballad with a clear message, “When you walk through a storm, hold your head up and don’t be afraid of the dark. With hope in your heart, you’ll never walk alone.” Part of what makes this song so encouraging is that it’s not supposing you need anyone else to keep you company—hope is all you need.
Related: Keep a steady pace with the best songs for walking.
Some Enchanted Evening – South Pacific
“Some enchanted evening, you may see a stranger across a crowded room.” And you’ll know that person is for you—true love at first sight. The song ‘Some Enchanted Evening’ from South Pacific is one of the most beautiful, well-known, and romantic songs from any musical ever. Big names have covered the song, like Frank Sinatra, Simon James, and Connie Han, with many renditions floating around the web by lesser-known artists and fans. The beautiful melody is as enchanting as the theme, so it’s easy to see why everyone loves this romantic song.
Related: This song features on our playlist of romantic ukulele songs.
Bewitched (Bothered and Bewildered) – Pal Joey
Originally sung by Vivienne Segal in 1941, ‘Bewitched (Bothered and Bewildered)’ is one of the memorable love songs that helped us capture that bizarre thing called love. “Couldn’t sleep and wouldn’t sleep when love came and told me I shouldn’t sleep. Bewitched, bothered, and bewildered am I!” The tantalizing, confusing, exciting sensation of realizing you’re in love is one of those things that everyone hopes to experience, and when you do, this song expresses it so well.
Related: Here are the best madly in love songs.
You Can’t Stop the Beat – Hairspray
Tracy Turnblad is a young gal who knows what she wants: to dance! And in ‘You Can’t Stop the Beat’ she lets the whole world know it as she dances and sings her way through a whirlwind of hairspray, competing for her chance to dance the night away with the boy of her dreams on the TV shows of her dreams with Corny Collins. The inspiring song isn’t just about dance, though, or even following dreams. This now classic theme from Broadways is an anthem for people anywhere who’ve been put down, told they’re not “good enough” for whatever reason, and society’s misguided “norms” won’t stop them.
Related: Learn to appreciate yourself with these songs about self love.
A Little Priest – Sweeney Todd
Sweeney Todd is one of those musicals with an absolutely stunning score from the opening overture to the final tune. It’s dark and, for some, a bit morbid, but there’s plenty of humor therein if you like dark humor. The centerpiece of that grim humor is the song ‘A Little Priest.’ Some might call it the meat pie song, and if you know the story, you know why! The quirky, off-beat song is where Sweeney gets his ideas and leads the audience there without any clues of what’s up.
Getting to Know You – The King and I
Even if you’ve never seen The King and I, you’ve likely heard the charming tune ‘Getting to Know You’ from the musical’s score. The peppy little song is sung by Anna, the new teacher in the King of Siam’s palace (today, we know Siam as Thailand). She’s trying to acquaint herself with the king’s many children and learn all about them. “Getting to know you, getting to know all about you. Getting to like you, getting to hope you like me.” The song has also been played in many TV and film scores.
Ol’ Man River – Show Boat
“Ol’ Man River, I gets weary and so sick of tryin’. I’m tired of livin’, but I’m feared of dyin’. And Ol’ Man River, he just keeps rollin’ along.” The lyrics seem a bit sad when out of context, but the stunning ballad from Showboat, juxtaposes hope and despair, as sung by the African-American laborer, Joe. The story of Showboat may not focus on Joe and his wife Queenie, but they certainly steal the show with their stunning songs.
Related: Float away with these songs about a river.
Big Spender – Sweet Charity
Sweet Charity was a bit of a shocker in its day, dealing with difficult grown-up topics. ‘Big Spender’ exemplifies the topics and story of the play (and film), addressing those mature topics. The song has been used in many TV shows, movies, ads, and others, though generally taken out of context from the musical’s storyline. Peggy Lee was the first artist to record the song for her album with the same name.
Don’t Rain on My Parade – Funny Girl
The hit musical Funny Girl features the incredibly fun song, ‘Don’t’ Rain on My Parade.’ The song not only became one of the most beloved Broadway songs but became one of the most popular songs of the era overall. Several people have covered the song, but it was originally recorded by Barbara Streisand, followed by others like Bobby Darin and Frank Sinatra. The song is about independence and emancipation—a personal declaration of freedom.
Related: Check out more songs about feeling free.
I Don’t Know How to Love Him – Jesus Christ Superstar
From the Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber rock opera Broadway musical Jesus Christ Superstar, ‘I Don’t Know How to Love Him’ is sung by Mary Magdalene in Act 1 of the play. She’s struck by the sort of person Jesus is, and how vastly different he is from any other man she’d ever met. The song was originally released as a single since the film hadn’t been bought yet and the show’s potential was uncertain.
Cabaret – Cabaret
A bawdy, jaunty, Vaudevillian vibe song, ‘Cabaret,’ from the musical of the same title, was originally performed by Liza Minelli. The song is about the cabaret where the character sings and works, with leanings into her life and the old friends who’ve passed. “What good is sitting all alone in your room? Come hear the music play. Life is a cabaret, old chum. Come to the cabaret!”
Satisfied – Hamilton
An ode to unrequited love sung by character Angelica Schuyler in Hamilton, ‘Satisfied’ expresses the secret love she held for the show’s titular character. According to Lin-Manuel Miranda, the song was actually one of the most difficult pieces he’s ever written, with the intricate lyrics and rapid-fire verses delivered by Renée Elise Goldsberry flawlessly in the original cast.
Related: Listen to the rest of the Hamilton soundtrack.
If I Were a Rich Man – Fiddler on the Roof
Perhaps the most famous Broadway musical of all time, ‘Fiddler on the Roof’ is the home where you’ll find some of the most memorable and interesting songs on all of Broadway. Included is the energizing, humorous, and emotive song ‘If I Were a Rich Man’ sung by Tevye, the father of the house and the lead of the Jewish-heritage-based musical written by Joseph Stein.
Related: Wish you had more cash? Listen to these wealth songs.
Circle of Life – The Lion King
It may have originated as the opening song to an animated film, but “The Circle of Life” has become one of the most beautiful and iconic songs on Broadway since that day in June 1994. The ballad with African music flare, stunning vocals, and incredible real-world sound effects is a powerful experience that brings many to tears. Famed lyricist Tim Rice wrote the song, with Elton John composing the music.
Related: Enjoy our playlist of The Lion King songs.
Waving Through a Window – Dear Evan Hansen
The second song in the soundtrack for the musical Dear Evan Hansen, ‘Waving Through a Window,’ is a mixed song. The young man asks if there’s any hope for him after being bullied for as long as he can remember. Will he always go unnoticed? “Did I even make a sound? I try to speak, but nobody can hear. So I wait around for an answer to appear. Can anybody see? Is anybody waving back at me?” Ultimately he does realize he has value and hope, but the emotional song leads you through all the steps it takes him to get there.
Related: Don’t worry, we’ve got a great list of songs about anxiety.
Losing My Mind – Follies
‘Losing My Mind’ was written by Stephen Sondheim for the 1971 musical Follies, to be sung by former showgirl character Sally Durant Plummer. “The sun comes up, I think about you. The coffee cup, I think about you. I want you so, it’s like I’m losing my mind.” If you’ve ever been head over heels, you can probably relate to the sentiment of this sweet, romantic song.
Ya Got Trouble – The Music Man
Uh-oh! Is that a pool table, I see? “Well, you got trouble, my friend! I say, trouble right in River City. Trouble, oh we got trouble, with a capital “T,” and that rhymes with “P,” and that stands for pool.” The logic in this con man’s song is delightfully hilarious. He convinces the parents that they need to get rid of the pool tables in town and instead buy instruments for the marching band.
Some Other Time – On the Town
A rather melancholy but sweet song about saying goodbye, ‘Some Other Time’ from the classic musical film On the Town, the song evokes hope and sorrow in the same song. “We’ll catch up some other time.” The song is sweet and meaningful and builds into strong harmonies that help to make it one of the most beautiful songs from the musical, and a great song for your own partings with the hope of seeing one another again.
Related: So long, farewell! Here are some sad songs about leaving.
Memory – Cats
Perhaps one of the most well-known songs from Broadway of all time, ‘Memory’ from Cats is an evocative, emotive ballad that draws the audience in and keeps them hanging on every note. As the title implies, the song is all about remembering the “better” days when she (Grizabella) was “glamorous” and wanted. Now, Grizabella longs for acceptance and love in her latter days. “Daylight, I must wait for the sunrise. I must think of a new life, and I mustn’t give in. When the dawn comes, tonight will be a memory, too. And a new day will begin.”
Related: Remember the good days with these songs about looking back.
Defying Gravity – Wicked
If you need a song to lift you up, ‘Defying Gravity’ is a great choice from the musical Wicked. The song is all about defying societal norms and the expectations we so often falsely put on ourselves and each other. And who better to show us on stage this concept of defying the world’s wickedness than the lovely, green Elphaba, the one who has been misunderstood since birth, thanks to how she looks.
One Day More – Les Misérables
Sung by multiple leads and secondaries in Les Miserables, the stunning song ‘One Day More’ serves as the finale to Act I of the show. They sing of what they expect will come to them the following day, from demise to joy to fulfillment to loss—all as they face revolution. “Tomorrow, you’ll be worlds away. And yet, with you, my world has started. One more day, all on my own. Will we ever meet again?”
All That Jazz – Chicago
The most memorable song from Chicago the Musical is definitely ‘All That Jazz,’ a song often quoted using the title phrase in everyday conversation. Yup—that’s (sort of) where that phrase comes from! The phrase was originally coined by Fred Astaire, then used as the title for a musical, then, finally, this song title we often quote. The song is about going out on the town during Prohibition and finding the best places to enjoy the night.
Summertime – Porgy and Bess
“Summertime and the livin’ is easy. Fish are jumpin’, and the cotton is high.” The song ‘Summertime’ comes from the famed musical Porgy and Bess written by the Gershwin brothers and DuBose Heyward. The classic English-language opera is a daring piece of its time. In 1935, when the musical premiered, it featured an all-classically-trained African American cast, something completely unheard of at the time. ‘Summertime’ is the moving, jazz-blues ballad sung by Clara as a lullaby to her daughter.
Related: Here are some popular songs about summer.
Send in the Clowns – A Little Night Music
Despite the title, ‘Send in the Clowns’ is not a comic song. Rather, it’s a moving, mellow, sad song sung by the leading lady, Desirée Armfeldt, when she realizes the tragedy of her life chasing after the things that will never satisfy. Desirée is an actress who could have any man she wanted, thanks to her great beauty, but casual romance means nothing without true love. “Don’t you love farce? My fault, I fear. I thought that you’d want what I want. Sorry, my dear!”
Related: Enjoy the best songs about the love of your life.
Adelaide’s Lament – Guys And Dolls
As she sits backstage, Adelaide presents ‘Adelaide’s Lament’ in the show Guys and Dolls. She’s miserable as she waits for her beau to propose and as she sits there with a cold, sniffling and reading through psychology books that describe her self-identified ailments. “The average unmarried female… Due to some long frustration may react with psychosomatic symptoms difficult to endure, affecting the upper respiratory tract.” In other words, she could develop a cold while waiting for that man!
I Got Rhythm – Girl Crazy
“I got rhythm. I got music. I got my man. Who could ask for anything more?” The classic song from the George Gershwin musical Girl Crazy is one of the composer’s most memorable songs of all time. ‘I Got Rhythm’ went on to be included in other scores by the playwright, including in more famous films and plays like An American in Paris. Singers like Ethel Merman, Louis Armstrong, Ethel Waters, and Benny Goodman, to name a few. The ever-popular song has been covered and adapted for use in multiple Broadway reviews, concerts, and much more over the years, attesting to the song’s beloved endurance.
Glitter and Be Gay – Candide
From the operetta, Candide by Bernstein and Sondheim, ‘Glitter and Be Gay’ is an English aria that sends us through several moods, as the title might suggest. The song explores the differences in the desires of the two leads, Candide and Cunegonde. He longs for a quiet life, but she yearns for the luxury that she is addicted to. The aria is unusual, capturing, humorous, and charming. No wonder it’s a favorite with English opera lovers!
Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas – Meet Me in St. Louis
Meet Me in St. Louis is a beautiful musical set in the city of that name around the time of the incredible World Fair of 1904 (or the Louisiana Purchase Expedition). The now famous Christmas song ‘Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas’ was originally performed by Judy Garland in the beautiful musical, singing to her little sister who’s sorrowed over the prospect of leaving their lifelong home. “Someday soon, we all will be together, if the fates allow. So, have yourself a merry little Christmas now.”
Maybe – Annie
Sung by Annie in the show of the same name, ‘Maybe’ is the first song in the film. The young orphan has just read a letter left by her estranged parents. The song is about her imaginings of what they’d be like and that giving her up had to have been their greatest regret. “So maybe now it’s time, and maybe when I wake, they’ll be there calling me baby. Maybe.”
Related: Listen to more songs from the Annie soundtrack.
I Dreamed a Dream – Les Misérables
‘I Dreamed a Dream’ is the tragic, desperate song sung by Fantine in Les Miserables as she thinks about her past and current desperation. The stunning ballad recalls the sweet dreams of the woman, “There was a time when love was blind, and the world was a song. And the song was exciting. There was a time… Then it all went wrong. I dreamed a dream in times gone by.”
Related: Drift away with our songs about dreaming playlist.
Don’t Cry for Me Argentina – Evita
Loosely based on the real-life story of Eva (Evita) Perón and her story and life as the former First Lady of Argentina, the stunning musical Evita by Andrew Lloyd Webber, has some of the most beautiful and moving songs of the century. One of them is the most famous—and most capturing—song, ‘Don’t Cry for Me Argentina.’ Evita sings this song, pleading with her beloved nation not to mourn her at her tragically young passing by cancer at age 33.
Related: Head somewhere new with these songs about places around the world.
Music of the Night – The Phantom of the Opera
“Nighttime sharpens, heightens each sensation. Darkness stirs and wakes imagination. You alone can make my song take flight. Help me make the music of the night.” The famous song from The Phantom of the Opera was written for the stage adaptation of the musical, though it was written for the musical Aspects of Love. The Phantom sings the hypnotic song as he tries to draw Christine to him and to turn away from Raoul.
Related: Sweet dreams! Here are some songs with the word night in the title.
Somewhere – West Side Story
In the moving, modernized take on the Shakespearean love story of Romeo and Juliet, West Side Story, the song of love sung by Tony and Maria, ‘Somewhere’ is one of the most beloved romantic songs of all time in the musical theater world. “There’s a place for us, somewhere a place for us. Peace and quiet and open air wait for us somewhere.” In this particular rendition, Rita Moreno sings us the stunning song decades after she played a secondary role in the film.
My Favourite Things – The Sound of Music
“Raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens. Bright copper kettles and warm woolen mittens. These are a few of my favorite things.” When Maria from The Sound of Music sings this sweet, happy song, ‘My Favorite Things,’ the world is instantly a better place. The cozy lyrics bring to mind sweet moments of childhood, innocence, and joy and help allay the fears of the children in times of uncertainty. It’s a beautiful song for a quiet moment or for riding out the storm.
Related: Sing along with The Sound of Music songs.
As If We Never Said Goodbye – Sunset Boulevard
‘As If We Never Said Goodbye’ comes from the musical Sunset Boulevard by Andrew Lloyd Webster, Christopher Hampton, Amy Powers, and Don Black. The main character, Norma Desmond, has been out of the spotlight for a long time, and in this love song to theatre sung backstage by her, she reveals her longing to return to the stage. The song has been covered by many famous singers, including Glenn Close, Barbara Streisand, and Elaine Paige.
Suddenly Seymour – Little Shop of Horrors
The famed musical Little Shop of Horrors is filled with some brilliant, fun songs. ‘Suddenly Seymour’ is one of the greatest of them all. The song is sung by Seymour and Audrey when Seymour tries to comfort Audrey after she’s filled with guilt and pain after the demise of the dentist. The song is a love song in which they reveal their true feelings for each other. The melody is upbeat and swelling, giving it power and memorability.
Wouldn’t It Be Loverly – My Fair Lady
Liza Doolittle, the famous (or infamous?) co*ckney lass brought into “finishing” by Henry Higgins, to be turned into a lady. When we meet the feisty gal, she’s on the streets selling flowers and daydreaming of an easier life in ‘Wouldn’t It Be Loverly?’ The song showcases the incorrect pronunciation of “proper English” as spoken by the woman, which is, of course, the major plot point of this Pygmalion’s transformation from a merchant to a lady.
Related: See more of the best daydreaming songs.
Ease on Down the Road – The Wiz
In the funky, bluesy version of the Wizard of Oz, The Whiz is the seminal African-American musical update from an earlier musical film and play. The music for the film was updated with a bit of Motown, rock, blues, pop, and funk and starred already successful singers Michael Jackson and Diana Ross. ‘Ease on Down the Road’ is a catchy, easy-to-sing-along song from the film that encourages you down the Yellow Brick Road.
Ten Minutes Ago – Cinderella
Have you ever experienced that moment when you look up and see someone for the first time and know, beyond the shadow of a doubt, that this person is the one you’ve been waiting for? In Roger & Hammerstein’s Cinderella, the Prince and Cinderella have this moment in the stunningly sweet love song, ‘Ten Minutes Ago.’ “Ten minutes, I met you. And we murmured our how do you dos. I wanted to ring out the bells and fling out my arms and to sing out the news. I have found him.”
Related: Here’s our sweet playlist of songs about love at first sight.
All I Ask of You – Phantom of the Opera
The sweet love song of promise between Raoul and Christine in The Phantom of the Opera is one of the showcase pieces of the stunning opera musical by Andrew Lloyd Webber. Raoul seeks to help Christine escape the destructive obsession of the Phantom and asks her boldly to leave and come away with him. “Say you’ll share with me one love, one lifetime. Let me lead you from your solitude. Love me; that’s all I ask of you.”
Where is Love? – Oliver
Based on the book Oliver Twist by Charles Dickens, Oliver is the charming musical that captured hearts in 1968 when the production premiered as a film. The moving musical is about a young boy with no family, home, or hope. ‘Where is Love?’ is the song that is sung by the title character after he’s been locked away in a funeral parlor after a fight with another boy.
Related: Head over to our library of songs that go with books.
Hello – Book of Mormon
‘Hello’ from the Book of Mormon is a clever introduction to the concept of Mormonism and the door-to-door visitors of the Church of Jesus Christ of the Latter Day Saints. This is the opening number for the unusual, award-winning musical. The brief song features the elders, Cunningham and Price, along with the Mormon Boys as the chorus. It’s a strong introduction to the show as it gives you an idea of what lies ahead plot and music-wise.
If Ever I Would Leave You – Camelot
There’s a longing in almost all of us to have that one forever love—the one who’d never leave you, who you’d never leave. ‘If Ever I Would Leave You’ is this beautiful song from Camelot about just that kind of love. “Not in springtime, summer, winter, or fall. No, never could I leave you at all!” Every season is full of splendor and wonder, and that true love is always stunning in all those seasons, like the snow, the rain, and the spring flowers. How could you ever leave?
Related: Here are the best songs about finding the one.
Singin’ in the Rain – Singing in the Rain
Perhaps one of the best musical theatre songs, “Singin’ in the Rain” remains one of the most stage-worthy (though challenging to stage!) songs of all time. From the falling rain as the lead sings and taps his way through 1927 Hollywood to the memorable lyrics, the song lives in forever for almost all music theater fans. “Just singing in the rain. What a glorious feelin’, I’m happy again. I’m laughing at clouds so dark up above. The sun’s in my heart, and I’m ready for love.”
Related: Find this classic song on our list of the best 50s songs.
Secret Love – Calamity Jane
“Once I had a secret love who lived inside of me. Now I shout it from the highest hills… And my secret love’s no secret anymore.” One of the sweetest “tomboy” loves stories comes to us from the musical Calamity Jane, written for Doris Day when her contracts obligated her away from starring in Annie Get Your Gun. The “gift” of this fun script and stunning score to Ms. Day turned into a gift for us, especially with this beautiful song Jane sings of Wild Bill, her once secret love.
Surrey with the Fringe on Top – Oklahoma!
A classic love song with a fun vibe comes from Oklahoma! in ‘Surrey with a Fringe on Top.’ Curly sings the charming love song to Laurey once they’ve confessed their love and happiness together. “Chicks and ducks and geese better scurry when I take you out in the surrey, when I take you out in the surrey with the fringe on top.” The song has become one of the all-time favorites of musical lovers everywhere.
Somewhere Over the Rainbow – Wizard of Oz
The iconic Broadway tune—perhaps one of the first ever on film to gain notoriety—is the splendid and heartwarming ‘Somewhere Over the Rainbow.’ And whether you’re enjoying the original version by Judy Garland or the more updated ukulele offering from Israel “IZ” Kamakawiwoʻole, this song sends the heart to lands of wonder and dreams in an instant. So, grab your ruby slippers and click your heels—”There’s no place like home” over the rainbow.
Related: Here’s our colorful list of songs about rainbows.
I Could Have Danced All Night – My Fair Lady
“I could have danced all night, and still have begged for more.” The sentiment we’ve all had (or hoped for!) at some point in life. The joy of love overflowing, the dreams pouring out. In My Fair Lady, Liza Doolittle has that moment one night and realizes, without putting words quite to what it is she’s feeling, that love comes in many forms. And in so doing, she’s gifted us all with a song any of us can sing.
As Long as He Need Me – Oliver
‘As Long As He Needs Me’ is an aching, love-sick song sung by the delightful and romantically tragic Nancy, the sweetheart of the play’s villain. There’s something heart-rending about the song, even though we know the “love” she feels isn’t healthy, and something beautiful that most of us can feel even if we wouldn’t want to be her. Love is hard sometimes and demands a lot, and in this heartbreaking song, we hear that running deep.
Popular – Wicked
Whether you were the popular kid or the loner in high school, you can relate to ‘Popular’ in the musical wicked. The peppy song may not be one you’d have playing as a theme for life, but it sure is fun to sing and dance along to! It truly is Broadway music at its finest with all the memorable hooks, fun beats, and easy-to-remember lyrics. Join in for fun, whether you feel Elphaba’s frustration or celebrate Galinda’s point of view.
Honey Honey – Mamma Mia!
Featuring songs by the Swedish pop band ABBA, Mamma Mia! is one of the newer beloved musicals that became uber popular starting in 2008 when the film version was released starring Meryl Streep, Pierce Brosnan, and Amanda Seyfried. ‘Honey Honey’ is the song in which the young heroine of the tale sings about the potential fathers that she wants to try to meet and figure out which one is her biological dad. The fun song is both romantic and a bit goofy, making it memorable and enjoyable to sing along to.
Related: Enjoy more songs from Mamma Mia!
Seize the Day – Newsies
If you ever need some inspiration to ‘Seize the Day’ pop on the soundtrack for Newsies and give that song a listen. It might be about young men fighting for a union to have a living wage, but the song’s inspiring for anyone who just needs to remember that life doesn’t have to be what you’re handed. “Friends of the friendless, seize the day. Raise up the torch and light the way. Proud and defiant, let us seize the day!”
Related: Here’s your opportunity to hear more of the best songs about seizing the day.
Any Dream Will Do – Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat
“I closed my eyes, drew back the curtain to see for certain what I thought I knew.” While the song may pertain to Joseph from Genesis in this Andrew Lloyd Webber musical, ‘Any Dream Will Do’ rings true for all dreamers. Looking beyond the veil, beyond what the world tells us is possible, truly any dream will do! Just pick up your dreamcoat and step out into the world. You got this!
Hello Young Lovers – The King and I
“Hello, young lovers, whoever you are. I hope your troubles are few. Cling very close to each other tonight. I’ve had a love like you.” Anna sings of her once great love as she encourages the young people who are being kept from each other because of prejudice and societal norms. The sweet love song is a bit untraditional, too, as the lead doesn’t sing it about another lead, but rather a side character and all the others to follow.