Jet Song
Original Broadway Cast Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
You're a Jet all the way
From your first cigarette to your last dyin' day
When you're a Jet, let them do what they can
You got brothers around you're a family man!
You're never alone
You're never disconnected!
When company's expected, you're well protected!
Then you are set with a capital J
Which you'll never forget
Till they cart you away
When you're a Jet
You stay a Jet!
I know Tony like I know me
And I guarantee you can count him in
In, out, let's get crackin'
Where you gonna find Bernardo?
It ain't safe to go into P.R territory
He'll be at the dance tonight at the gym
But the gym's neutral territory
Hey A-Rab I'm gonna make nice there I'm only gonna challenge him
Great, Daddy-O, so listen everybody dress up sweet and sharp
Meet Tony and me at dance after 10?
And walk tall
We always walk tall
We are Jets, the greatest
When you're a Jet, you're the top cat in town
You're the gold medal kid with the heavyweight crown!
When you're a Jet, you're the swingin'est thing
Little boy, you're a man little man, you're a king!
The Jets are in gear
Our cylinders are clickin'
The Sharks'll steer clear
'Cause every Puerto Rican's a lousy chicken!
Here come the Jets like a bat out of hell
Someone gets in our way, someone don't feel so well!
Here come the Jets, little world, step aside!
Better go underground, Better run, better hide!
We're drawin' the line
So keep your noses hidden!
We're hangin' a sign
Says "visitors forbidden"
And we ain't kiddin'
Here come the Jets, yeah and we're gonna beat
Every last buggin' gang n' the whole buggin' street!
On the whole buggin' ever, lovin street yeah
The "Jet Song" sung by the Original Broadway cast of West Side Story is a song that establishes the theme of rivalry between two gangs - the Jets and the Sharks. The song describes the Jet lifestyle and their sense of community. It portrays the idea that being a Jet comes with a sense of security and belonging, and shows that the Jets are a force to be reckoned with. The lyrics of the opening lines, "When you're a Jet, you're a Jet all the way, from your first cigarette to your last dyin' day," suggests that being a Jet is not just a temporary phase of life, but a lifelong commitment. It emphasizes that being a Jet is more than just being part of a group; it is a way of life.
Throughout the song, the Jets are presented as a tight-knit community, and the song highlights that they are always there for each other. The line "When company's expected, you're well-protected," emphasizes the loyalty and protection that the members of the Jets provide to each other. They are always united, and no one ever feels alone or disconnected. These sentiments are reinforced later in the song with the line "We always walk tall, We are Jets, the greatest," which further emphasizes the sense of pride and power that comes with being a Jet.
The song concludes with a warning to their rivals, the Sharks, and the line "Here come the Jets, yeah and we're gonna beat every last buggin' gang n' the whole buggin' street yeah." This line perfectly captures the essence of the song and the Jets, who are ready to take on anyone who stands in their way.
Line by Line Meaning
When you're a Jet
Being part of the Jets gang defines every aspect of your life
You're a Jet all the way
You belong to the Jets gang forever, until your dying day
From your first cigarette to your last dyin' day
Being a Jets member defines your entire life, from youth to death
When you're a Jet, let them do what they can
Don't let anyone stop you from being part of the Jets family
You got brothers around you're a family man!
The other Jets members are like your family and are always there for you
You're never alone
As a Jets member, you can always rely on your fellow Jets
You're never disconnected!
The Jets gang provides a sense of belonging and unity
You're home with your own
The Jets are your home, and the other members are like your family
When company's expected, you're well protected!
The Jets will protect their own from anyone or anything that threatens them
Then you are set with a capital J
Being part of the Jets gang gives you a sense of identity and belonging
Which you'll never forget
The Jet identity will stay with you forever
Till they cart you away
Even in death, you will always be a Jet
When you're a Jet
Being a Jet is a way of life
You stay a Jet!
Once a Jet, always a Jet
I know Tony like I know me
I understand Tony better than I understand myself
And I guarantee you can count him in
I'm sure Tony will be there and ready to help
In, out, let's get crackin'
Let's get started right away
Where you gonna find Bernardo?
Where can we find Bernardo, the leader of the Sharks?
It ain't safe to go into P.R territory
It's dangerous to go into Puerto Rican territory
He'll be at the dance tonight at the gym
Bernardo will be at the dance in the gym tonight
But the gym's neutral territory
The gym is a safe space for both Jets and Sharks
Hey A-Rab I'm gonna make nice there I'm only gonna challenge him
I will try to be friendly with Bernardo, but if needed, I will fight him
Great, Daddy-O, so listen everybody dress up sweet and sharp
Everyone should look their best for the dance
Meet Tony and me at dance after 10?
Do you want to meet Tony and me at the dance after 10 pm?
And walk tall
Act confident and proud
We always walk tall
As Jets, we always carry ourselves with pride
We are Jets, the greatest
We are the Jets gang, and we are the best
When you're a Jet, you're the top cat in town
As a Jet, you are the most powerful and respected person in the city
You're the gold medal kid with the heavyweight crown!
You are the best of the best, like an Olympic champion with a title belt
When you're a Jet, you're the swingin'est thing
You are the coolest and most popular person around
Little boy, you're a man little man, you're a king!
Being a Jet makes you grow up faster and feel like royalty
The Jets are in gear
The Jets gang is ready and prepared
Our cylinders are clickin'
We're working like a well-tuned machine
The Sharks'll steer clear
The Sharks gang will avoid us due to our power and reputation
'Cause every Puerto Rican's a lousy chicken!
We believe that all Puerto Ricans are cowardly and weak
Here come the Jets like a bat out of hell
We are charging towards the Sharks with great speed and force
Someone gets in our way, someone don't feel so well!
If anyone tries to stop us, they will regret it
Here come the Jets, little world, step aside!
We are too powerful to be stopped by anyone or anything
Better go underground, Better run, better hide!
If anyone knows what's good for them, they will stay away and hide
We're drawin' the line
We are setting a boundary that no one should cross
So keep your noses hidden!
Stay out of our business and don't interfere
We're hangin' a sign
We are putting up a sign that clearly states our territory
Says 'visitors forbidden'
Non-Jets members are not allowed into our territory
And we ain't kiddin'
We mean what we say and won't tolerate anyone challenging us
Here come the Jets, yeah and we're gonna beat
We are going to defeat
Every last buggin' gang n' the whole buggin' street!
We are going to take on and defeat all rival gangs on the entire street
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Leonard Bernstein, Stephen Sondheim
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind