Valentine’s Day is for lovers, and no one does love better than Broadway. Here are a few of my favorite romantic showtunes to set the soundtrack to Cupid’s holiday.
“Night and Day” from Gay Divorce
Night and day, why’s it so
That this longing for you
Follows wherever I go?
Cole Porter wrote many showtunes in his day, but “Night and Day” has persevered as one of his greatest contributions to American music. Musically, Porter makes some unusual choices compared to his contemporaries, including an unexpected key change in the bridge and longer chorus structure. The result is a song that’s as unique as it is romantic.
The original film version with Fred Astaire (released two years after the musical’s debut) is wonderful, but those who prefer jazzy renditions will love Ella Fitzgerald’s take on this musical classic.
“Shall We Dance” from The King and I
We’ve just been introduced,
I do not know you well,
But when the music started,
Something drew me to your side.
“Shall We Dance,” from the famous Broadway team of Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II, celebrates new love and all the exciting possibilities it carries with it. A simple dance could turn into a fairytale romance!
The song stands on its own as a charming tune, but make sure to watch a performance at least once. The exaggerated polka-style dance is a sight to be seen.
“Our Private World” from On the Twentieth Century
Our private world is like a play about a pair of lovers.
The plot says only we may enter,
And only we may share this light of love, stage center.
This genre-bending play teeters on the operettic without taking itself too seriously. Written by Betty Comden and scored by Cy Coleman, it combines a romantic storyline with lightning quick wit and moving music.
“Our Private World” features the two main characters, Oscar Jaffee and Lily Garland, recalling their past relationship. The two performers’ vocal melodies swell and intertwine with each other, echoing the recollections of their love.
“I’ve Never Been in Love Before” from Guys and Dolls
I’ve never been in love before,
Now all at once it’s you,
It’s you forever more.
This musical has seen three Broadway revivals, so you know its tunes stand the test of time. In the play, “I’ve Never Been in Love Before” marks the moment that characters Sky and Sarah realize they’re in love. Every version of this song is worth a listen, but if this is your first time hearing the song, make sure to hear both Barbra Streisand and Chet Baker’s performances.
“Song” from West Side Story
Today, all day I had the feeling,
A miracle would happen,
I know now I was right.
For here you are,
And what was just a world is a star,
Tonight.
No list of romantic show tunes would be complete without a selection from West Side Story, the 20th Century’s homage to Romeo and Juliet. “Tonight” is a celebration of Maria and Tony’s taboo love, sung to each other just out of earshot of Maria’s family. It’s a reminder that love conquers all, whether the obstacle in your life is family drama, cultural differences or even a gang of teenagers from the 1950s.
These are just a few of my favorite romantic showtunes. I would love to hear what you think about them. Or, if you have any other favorites that would have made your list, leave them in a comment below!
With Love,
Maggy