Let’s Get Lyrical: Writing an “I Want” Song

What is the “I Want” song?

The “I Want” song usually occurs toward the beginning of the musical (some examples include “Part of this World” from The Little Mermaid, "I Just Can't Wait to Be King" The Lion King, and “My Shot” from Hamilton) when the lead character expresses their dreams, desires, or dissatisfactions. It gives the audience an inside look at the lead character’s motivations for the actions that then drive them through the play. It also often catapults their journey.

1. Pick your favorite book (preferably one that hasn’t been turned into a musical – or if it has, one that you think didn’t do a good job with the musical).

2. Choose a moment in the book that you want to turn into a song. You have two options: ○ Pick any moment in the book that speaks to you - feel free to get creative! ○ Consider writing the lead character’s “I Want” song.

3. Before starting to write, do a little brainstorming: ○ Why did I choose this book to turn into a musical?

○ Why did I choose this moment to turn into a song?

○ What do I think is the “emotional core” of this moment? (For example, what this character wants and why they want it).

4. Use these questions to guide your thinking for an “I Want” song: ○ What does this character want most of all?

○ What is the character’s desire or dissatisfaction in this moment?

○ At the end of the song, what realization or decision will they have made that will catapult them into their journey?

5. Draft your song below. It can rhyme or not, have choruses and verses or not, be as long or as short as you want.

Let’s Get Lyrical: Writing an “I Want” Song

An “I Want” Song Example

Directions: Read the lyrics to “Part of Your World” from The Little Mermaid and then answer the following questions:

● What does Ariel want most of all?

● What is Ariel’s desire or dissatisfaction at this moment?

● At the end of the song, what realization or decision does Ariel make that will catapult her into her journey?

Part of Your World

Look at this stuff Isn't it neat? Wouldn't you think my collection's complete? Wouldn't you think I'm the girl The girl who has everything? What kinds of objects Ariel

is talking about? Why does Look at this trove Treasures untold How many wonders can one cavern hold? Looking around here you think Sure, she's got everything

I've got gadgets and gizmos a-plenty

I've got whozits and whatzits galore You want thingamabobs? I've got twenty!

But who cares? What is Ariel’s No big deal dissatisfaction? I want more

I wanna be where the people are I wanna see, wanna see them dancin' What realization is Walking around on those - what do you call 'em? Oh - feet!

Flippin' your fins, you don't get too far Legs are required for jumping, dancing Strolling along down a - what's that word again? Street

Up where they walk, up where they run Up where they stay all day in the sun

Wanderin' free - wish I could be What does Ariel want most of Part of that world

What would I give if I could live out of these waters? What would I pay to spend a day warm on the sand? Bet'cha on land they understand they don't reprimand their daughters Bright young women sick of swimmin' Ready to stand

And ready to know what the people know Ask 'em my questions and get some answers What's a fire and why does it - what's the word?

Burn?

When's it my turn? What realization or decision is Ariel Wouldn't I love, love to explore that shore up making that will catapult her into above? Out of the sea Wish I could be Part of that world