Happy Thursday Everyone!
I’m both excited and terrified that it’s a new year and inevitably a new semester. Entering my final semester as an undergrad is a weird feeling. I’m mostly relieved but always have this nagging/terrified feeling always hanging around in the background. That’s probably a topic for another blog post so let’s keep this one light and upbeat with a few of my favorite broadway songs to tackle the new year!
I got this idea some time in December to talk about broadway lyrics in various categories because it’s something I’m so in love with and want to share with all of you out there! So let me know what you think and stay tuned for the next one (:
Anybody Have a Map? – Rachel Bay Jones & Jennifer Laura Thompson (Dear Evan Hansen)
“Maybe this year we decide, we’re not giving up before we’ve tried. This year, we make a new start.”
I can’t say that I am the type to just give up; however, this line always makes me feel refreshed. Every semester I come in with worries for one reason or another and it’s helpful to me to take a step back and remember this. There is no reason to fear what we don’t know will happen and it never hurts to start a semester off on the right foot.
This lyric aside, it’s also a fitting title for college years. It’s a lot of navigating and most of it will be on your own, but I can speak for myself when I say I’ve grown a lot because of it!
Seize the Day – Newsies Ensemble (Newsies)
“Proud and defiant, we’ll slay the giant, let us seize the day.”
Okay side note, Newsies has been one of my favorite musicals since like 5th grade. There are so many songs that I just vibe with and this is one of them. On days that you feel you’re up against the world (a paper, a professor, or whatever it may be), you know that at the end of it, you will figure it out and (for lack of a better phrase) seize the day.
My Shot – Lin-Manuel Miranda (Hamilton)
“I am not throwing away my shot.”
There are so many opportunities that come your way throughout a semester and of course no semester is the same, so these opportunities may vary. I wouldn’t recommend killing yourself over these opportunities, it’s okay to say no (something I should learn), but saying yes and seeing what limits you can push is empowering. Set some goals and don’t throw them away!
“Don’t be surprised when your history book mentions me.”
I had to do two from this one. This one is just a funny one to me. I love it because I feel like it’s such a confidence booster. Of course, the odds of this lyric coming true is completely in your hands, but it’s a good one to throw around on literally ANY kind of day!
For Good – Kristin Chenoweth & Idina Menzel (Wicked)
“I’ve heard it said
That people come into our lives for a reason
Bringing something we must learn
And we are led
To those who help us most to grow
If we let them
And we help them in return
Well, I don’t know if I believe that’s true
But I know I’m who I am today
Because I knew you…”
It’s no secret that I have not loved my college journey. That being said I would not change it for the world. I am extremely fortunate to have met the people I have and I can without a doubt recognize that I have been changed because of it. Although this one doesn’t always make me feel empowered or particularly motivated, it humbles me. Also can you really ever go wrong with Wicked?
Hurricane – Lin-Manuel Miranda (Hamilton)
“I wrote my way out.”
There are weeks that I’m pretty sure all I do is type for hours on end. But I mean if Hamilton can write his way out, so can I. 10/10 would NOT recommend waiting until the night before a big assignment is due, but if that happens (we aren’t perfect, I know), this is a good one to listen to for a little pick-me-up/break.
Revolting Children – Tim Minchin (Matilda)
“We are revolting children, living in revolting times.”
I’m sure we’ve all felt part of this lyric at one point or another. Like sometimes it makes me sick how much homework I have to get through or when you study all night for an exam and already don’t know the first question. I mean, talk about revolting times, am I right? Either way, this is a fun one too to get pumped up with. Like had a bad meeting with your advisor? Power walk back to your dorm with this bad boy and you might feel a little better.
Man Up – Josh Gad (The Book of Mormon)
“And now it’s up to me and it’s time to man up.”
If there’s something you’re dragging your feet on, this song is a fun one. We all have our moments but it’s important not to let them win.
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And that concludes the first part of a little broadway series that I plan on doing throughout the year. What are some of your favorite broadway shows that you’ve seen? Are there any songs on here that you loved already or never even heard of? Let me know!
Good luck everyone as we march on into a new semester (and for me, my last as an undergrad) and..
Until next time,
xx.Britani Skye
manhattanskye.wordpress.com 