Composer: Richard Rodgers
Lyricist: Oscar Hammerstein II
The songs for "South Pacific" were written in 1949 for the Broadway play. The score contains some of the most beautiful and powerful songs written by Rodgers and Hammerstein. The lyrics of "You've Got to Be Carefully Taught" are particularly strong, as they deal with the issue of prejudice and hatred that is too often instilled in young children by their parents and communities. The film also has wonderful comic and upbeat songs, such as "Honey Bun."
"South Pacific" has one of the longest scores for a movie musical, with 16 songs. All of the songs from the original Broadway play were retained and one song, "My Girl Back Home," that was cut from the Broadway production was added back into the film.
The soundtrack album of "South Pacific" was a huge hit in England where it remained the number one album for the entire year of 1959.
Some Enchanted Evening
When Nellie and Emile discover that they are in love with each other, they sing about “Some Enchanted Evening” when you meet a stranger and fall in love with him/her.
"Some Enchanted Evening" has been a hit for several artists and it has been recorded many times by a wide range of artists, including pop artists (Bing Crosby, Frank Sinatra, Barbra Streisand), opera singers (Ezio Pinza, Jose Carreras, Kiri Te Kanawa) and even country artists (Willie Nelson).
I'm in Love with a Wonderful Guy
Nellie tells her friends how happy she is because “I’m in Love with a Wonderful Guy.”
"I'm in Love with a Wonderful Guy" was written for both the character of Nellie Forbush and to match the personality of the original star of the Broadway play, Mary Martin.
Bali Ha'i
Bloody Mary tries to lure Lieutenant Cable to her beautiful, mysterious home on “Bali Ha’i.”
"Bali Ha'i," although not the real name of an island, was based on the island of Aoba or Ambae in Vanuatu (formerly New Hebrides), the place where James Michener, the author of the book, "Tales of the South Pacific," was stationed during World War II. In the movie version, Bloody Mary was on Hanalei Bay, Kauai, when she sang "Bali Ha'i."
Bloody Mary
The sailors sing about “Bloody Mary.”
There is Nothin' Like a Dame
The lonely sailors lament about being without women and they say that “There is Nothin’ Like a Dame.”
Happy Talk
After Bloody Mary introduces Lieutenant Cable to her daughter, Liat, she tells them to make “Happy Talk” with their hands and hearts.
A Cock-Eyed Optimist
Nellie explains to Emile her positive outlook on life and why she is “A Cock-Eyed Optimist.”
Twin Soliloquies (Wonder How it Feels)
When Nellie and Emile realize that they have feelings for each other, they “Wonder How It Feels” to be in love with each other.
Dites Moi
Emile’s two young children sing a French song, “Dites Moi,” to Nellie.
I'm Gonna Wash that Man Right Outa my Hair
Nellie tells her friends that she will stop seeing Emile and that “I’m Gonna Wash that Man Right Outa My Hair” and send him on his way.
Younger than Springtime
When Lieutenant Cable starts to fall in love with Liat, he tells her that she is “Younger than Springtime.”
Honey Bun
Nellie performs “Honey Bun” for the sailors.
“Honey Bun” is the only song in “South Pacific” that is not directly connected to the plot of the movie.
My Girl Back Home
Joe Cable tells Nellie about “My Girl Back Home” in Philadelphia.
You've Got to be Carefully Taught
When Nellie wonders why she and Joe are so prejudiced, he tells her that it’s not something you’re born with but something “You’ve Got to Be Carefully Taught.”
This Nearly was Mine
When Nellie leaves Emile, he laments that “This Nearly was Mine.”