Composer: Leonard Bernstein
Lyricist: Stephen Sondheim
The songs in "West Side Story" were first written in 1956 for the Broadway play. The music and lyrics for the songs in "West Side Story" are probably the most beautiful ever written for the stage. Even now, 47 years after the movie version, people still remember and sing many of the songs, such as "Maria," "Tonight" and "Somewhere."
The soundtrack album of "West Side Story" was number one on the Billboard charts in 1961 and it won a Grammy award that year for Best Sound Track Album - Original Cast. Of course, what's interesting about that award is that so many of the songs were dubbed and the people who actually did the singing did not receive credit for their work.
America
The Sharks and their girlfriends sing about "America" and Puerto Rico, with the women praising America and the men denouncing it.
In the original version of "America," only the girlfriends of the Sharks sang the song. However, the movie version improved and expanded the number by having it sung by both the Sharks and their girlfriends. In addition, some of the lyrics were changed to not present too negative a view of Puerto Rico.
Maria
Tony, after dancing with "Maria," goes out to the street, singing about how she has captured his heart.
Surprisingly, "Maria" never made it to the top 40 list of popular songs, but it has been recorded many times by famous singers, such as Johnny Mathis and Michael Ball.
Somewhere
Maria and Tony, realizing that their love cannot survive in their world, dream of going "Somewhere" where they can love each other.
Although the song "Somewhere" is a lesser number within the context of the story of "West Side Story," it was the biggest popular hit from the score. In 1985, Barbra Streisand recorded "Somewhere" and it reached number five on the US song charts. More recently, it was sung and recorded by Michael Ball.
Tonight
Tony and Maria meet after the dance and agree that "Tonight" was the best night of their lives.
Before the rumble, Maria, Tony, Anita, the Jets, and the Sharks all think about what a perfect night "Tonight" will be.
The music from "Tonight" is so beautiful that it was recorded and became a hit as an instrumental by Ferrante and Teicher in 1961.
Jet Song
The Jets sing about how great they are in "The Jet Song."
Something's Coming
Tony thinks about his dreams of "Something's Coming" to him and maybe he'll find it at the dance.
Gee, Officer Krupke
After Officer Krupke threatens to arrest the Jets, they parody him in "Gee, Officer Krupke."
I Feel Pretty
Maria is excited and happy that she will meet Tony after work and she tells her fellow workers that "I Feel Pretty" because someone loves her.
One Hand, One Heart
Tony and Maria imagine getting married and making their lives "One Hand, One Heart."
Cool
After the rumble, the Jets are nervous and fired up and Ice tells them to be "Cool."
A Boy Like That / I have a Love
Anita finds out that Maria has been with Tony and she explains that "A Boy Like That" will break her heart, but Maria tells her that "I Have a Love" and she must be with Tony.