America
Original Broadway Cast Lyrics

Oh no! That is not true!
Anita rejects a statement made by someone, possibly in response to stereotypes about their home country.

Puerto Rico
Anita directly references her origin in Puerto Rico.

My heart's devotion
Anita expresses her attachment to her homeland.

Let it slip back in the ocean!
Anita suggests that her heart could return to Puerto Rico, however ultimately chooses to remain in America.

Always the hurricanes blowing
Anita describes Puerto Rico's climate which is frequently impacted by destructive storms.

Always the population growing
Anita recognizes the increasing number of inhabitants of Puerto Rico.

And the money owing
Anita cites Puerto Rico's debt crisis as an economic challenge.

And the sunlight streaming
Anita highlights the bright and warm weather conditions of Puerto Rico.

And the natives steaming
Anita has a playful mention of Puerto Rico's people exuding passion.

I like the island Manhattan
Anita reveals that her preference for New York City also persists.

I know you do!
Consuelo agrees with Anita's previous statement without skepticism.

Smoke on your pipe and put that in!
Anita tells the skeptic to keep their doubts to themselves or smoke on their pipe.

I like to be in America
The girls express their excitement about residing in the United States.

OK by me in America
Similarly, the girls indicate that they have no issues with living in America.

Everything free in America
The girls believe that everything in America is available at no cost.

For a small fee in America
Bernardo disagrees with the notion of everything being free and mentions that there are costs associated with living in America.

Buying on credit is so nice
Anita praises the convenience of obtaining credit in America for purchases.

One look at us and they charge twice
Bernardo suggests that Latin Americans are frequently overcharged on purchases due to discrimination.

I'll have my own washing machine
Rosalita expresses her desire to own a washing machine after moving to America.

What will you have, though, to keep clean?
Chino questions Rosalita's ability to maintain her clothes clean given her increase of purchases after relocating.

Skyscrapers bloom in America
Anita describes America's vertical development.

Cadillacs zoom in America
Rosalita highlights American car culture as exemplified by Cadillac vehicles.

Industry boom in America
Teresita cites America's economic development with respect to industry.

Twelve in a room in America
The boys are content with living in cramped quarters due to the opportunities America provides.

Lots of new housing with more space
Anita predicts an increase in spacious homes that will accommodate America's growing population.

Lots of doors slamming in our face
Bernardo acknowledges that prejudice and exclusivity exist in America.

I'll get a terrace apartment
Anita describes her dream of living in an apartment with a terrace.

Better get rid of your accent...
Bernardo implies that to achieve American success it is necessary to shed one's Hispanic accent.

Life can be bright in America
Anita believes that America offers a brighter future for immigrants.

If you can fight in America
The boys emphasize the importance of resilience and fighting spirit to achieve that bright future in America.

Life is alright in America
The girls deem America as just an okay place to live.

If you're all white in America
The boys indicate that being white is an advantage in America.

Here you are free and you have pride
Anita and Consuelo highlight the giving of opportunities, freedom, and dignity to its residents in America.

Long as you stay on your own side
The boys caution against venturing outside of your cultural lane/identity.

Free to be anything you choose
Anita and Consuelo argue that America provides freedom to pursue one's dream profession, interests, and lifestyle.

Free to wait tables and shine shoes
The boys acknowledge that Americans, including immigrants, can have a range of skilled and unskilled jobs.

Everywhere grime in America
Bernardo describes the uncleanliness in America.

Organised crime in America
Bernardo mentions that organized crime and corruption are part of American society.

Terrible time in America
Bernardo concludes his disillusionment with life in America.

You forget I'm in America!
Anita retaliates to Bernardo's negative comments, indicating she enjoys living in America.

I think I go back to San Juan
Bernardo expresses his desire to return to Puerto Rico.

I know a boat you can get on! Bye bye!
Anita suggests she knows of a way for Bernardo to return to Puerto Rico.

Everyone there will give big cheer!
Bernardo anticipates being celebrated for his return to Puerto Rico.

Everyone there will have moved here!
Anita posits that by the time Bernardo returns, many will have already left Puerto Rico to live in America.