West Side Story
Mickey Calin & The Jets Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Get cool, boy!
Got a rocket in your pocket,
Keep coolly cool, boy!
Don't get hot,
'Cause man, you got
Some high times ahead.
Take it slow and Daddy-O,
Boy, boy, crazy boy!
Stay loose, boy!
Breeze it, buzz it, easy does it.
Turn off the juice, boy!
Go man, go,
But not like a yo-yo schoolboy.
Just play it cool, boy,
Real cool!
The song "Cool" by Mickey Calin and Cast, from the musical West Side Story, is an upbeat and catchy number that conveys a message of self-confidence and control. The various stanzas repeat the directive to "Get cool, boy!" and urge the young male protagonist to calm down and take things easy, so he can enjoy the good times ahead without burning out too quickly. The lyrics advise the boy to "stay loose" and "play it cool, boy, real cool."
As the song progresses, the lyrics become more specific in terms of offering concrete suggestions for how to maintain a cool attitude. The singer is told to keep a "rocket in his pocket" and to "buzz" and "breeze" through life at a relaxed pace. He is warned against getting too worked up and to avoid the temptation to go "like a yo-yo schoolboy." Instead, he should embrace a laid-back and carefree approach to life that allows him to savor all the joys and pleasures that are sure to come his way.
Overall, the song "Cool" is a fun and lively reminder that sometimes the best way to navigate life's challenges is by staying calm, collected, and focused on the bigger picture.
Line by Line Meaning
Boy, boy, crazy boy,
Addressing the boy in question, implying that he may be a bit wild and erratic.
Get cool, boy!
Encouraging the boy to calm down.
Got a rocket in your pocket,
You have a lot of energy and potential within you.
Keep coolly cool, boy!
Try to remain calm and collected despite your high energy levels.
Don't get hot,
Don't get too worked up or stressed out.
'Cause man, you got
You have a bright future ahead.
Some high times ahead.
You are going to experience some great moments in your future.
Take it slow and Daddy-O,
Take things at a relaxed pace, friend.
You can live it up and die in bed!
You can have a good time and still live a long life.
Boy, boy, crazy boy!
Repeating the earlier sentiment, again calling attention to the boy's energy.
Stay loose, boy!
Try not to be too tense or stressed, boy.
Breeze it, buzz it, easy does it.
Take it slowly and calmly, without making a fuss.
Turn off the juice, boy!
Relax and calm down, boy!
Go man, go,
Encouragement to go out and live your life.
But not like a yo-yo schoolboy.
But don't be too flighty or impulsive like a child with a toy yo-yo.
Just play it cool, boy,
Relax and don't take things too seriously or too urgently, boy.
Real cool!
Be calm and relaxed in everything you do, boy.
Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc., Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: LEONARD BERNSTEIN, STEPHEN SONDHEIM, STEPHANE AUDARD
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind