Jet Song
Oscar Peterson Lyrics

Snapping Fingers
The sound of snapping fingers is often associated with approval and support, indicating that the listeners are ready and eager to hear the music.

Smooth Boppy Piano
This suggests that the piano playing in the song is upbeat and jazzy, reflecting the lively and energetic nature of the Jets gang.

Riff: This turf is small but it's all we got, huh?
This line implies that the Jets are not happy with the territory they have, but they are willing to fight for it since it's their only option.

I want to hold it like we always held it, with skin!
This line refers to the Jets' desire to keep their territory, or 'skin,' and their willingness to fight for it.

But if they say blades, I say blades but if they say guns, I say guns. I say I want the Jets to be the number one! To sail! To hold the sky!
This line shows that the Jets are ready to use any weapon necessary to protect their turf, and they want to be the most powerful gang in the area.

Baby John: Rev us up!
This line is a call for action and excitement, encouraging the Jets to get themselves pumped up and ready for whatever comes next.

Gee-Tar: Voom-va-voom!
This line is an onomatopoeic expression of the sound of a car engine revving, suggesting that the Jets are ready to speed into action.

Big Deal: Cha-chung!
This line is an onomatopoeic expression of the sound of a gun loading or firing, implying that the Jets are willing to use violence to achieve their goals.

Action: Wacko-jacko!
This line is a call for the Jets to act explosively, without hesitation or reservation, in order to get what they want.

A-Rab: Digga-digga-dig-dumb!
This line is a nonsense phrase that expresses the Jets' energy and excitement, reflecting their desire for action and adventure.

Riff: Now, protocality calls for a war council between us and the Sharks to set the whole thing up. So I will personally give the bad news to Bernardo. Aganst the Sharks, we need every man we got we need a lieutenant for the war council.
This line suggests that the Jets need to prepare for battle against the Sharks, and they need to discuss their war strategy in a formal council. Riff volunteers to deliver the bad news of the council to Bernardo, the Sharks' leader.

Action: That's me.
This line shows that Action is eager to take on a leadership role within the Jets gang, and he wants to be involved in the war council.

Riff: That's Tony.
This line identifies Tony as the ideal candidate for the position of lieutenant at the war council.

Action: Who needs Tony?
This line suggests that the Jets don't need Tony to be successful, and they're willing to take on the Sharks without him.

Riff: We need Tony! He has a reputation bigger than the whole west side.
This line underscores the importance of Tony as an asset to the Jets gang. His reputation precedes him and makes him a valuable addition to the war council.

A-Rab: What about the day we clobbered the Emeralds?
This line refers to a past victory the Jets had against a rival gang, the Emeralds, and suggests that Tony played a crucial role in that victory.

Big Deal: Which we couldn't have done without Tony.
This line echoes A-Rab's sentiment and highlights Tony's importance to the Jets gang.

Baby John: He saved my ever-lovin' neck!
This line suggests that Tony has proven his loyalty to the Jets gang by protecting Baby John in the past.

Riff: Yeah, he's come through for us and he always will.
Riff affirms Tony's value to the Jets gang, indicating that Tony has always been reliable and trustworthy.

Riff: When you're a Jet, you're a Jet all the way from your first cigarette to your last dyin' day. When you're a Jet, let 'em do what they can. You got brothers around, you're a family man! You're never alone, you're never disconnected! You're home with your own when company's expected, you're well protected! Then you are set with a capital J, which you'll never forget till the cart you away. When you're a Jet, you stay a Jet!
This is the most prominent and recognizable chorus of the song. It emphasizes the sense of belonging and brotherhood that defines the Jets gang, suggesting that being a Jet is a lifelong identity and commitment.

Riff: I know Tony like I know me and I guarantee you can count him in.
This line shows that Riff is confident in Tony's loyalty and willingness to join the Jets gang in their ongoing conflict with the Sharks.

Action: In, out, let's get crackin'.
This line is a call to action, encouraging the Jets gang to act decisively and quickly.

A-Rab: Where you gonna find Bernardo?
This line refers to Bernardo, the leader of the Sharks gang, and suggests that it might be difficult to find him in order to deliver the message about the war council.

Baby John: It ain't safe to go into PR territory.
This line refers to the territory of the Sharks gang, which is predominantly Puerto Rican, and suggests that it might be dangerous for the Jets to enter that area.

Riff: He'll be at the dance at the gym tonight.
This line suggests that Bernardo will be attending the dance at the gym that night, making it a good opportunity to deliver the message about the war council.

A-Rab: Yeah, but the gym's neutral territory.
This line highlights the fact that the gym is a neutral area that is not affiliated with either gang, so any conflict there could be problematic.

Riff(innocently): A-Rab, I'm gonna make nice with him! I'm only gonna challenge him.
This line is almost sarcastic and suggests that Riff is using flattery to achieve his own ends. He implies that he will be friendly with Bernardo, but he plans to challenge him at the same time.

A-Rab: Great, Daddy-o!
This line indicates that A-Rab is supportive of Riff's plan to challenge Bernardo, and he sees it as an exciting opportunity for the Jets gang.

Riff: So everybody dress up sweet and sharp and meet Tony and me at the dance at ten. And walk tall!
This line is a command to the Jets gang, telling them to look their best and meet Riff and Tony at the dance. The phrase 'walk tall' implies confidence and determination.

A-Rab: We always walk tall!
This line suggests that the Jets gang is always confident and self-assured, even in the face of danger.

Baby John: We're Jets!
This line reinforces the identity of the Jets gang and their strong sense of belonging.

Action: The greatest!
This line is an expression of the Jets' hubris and confidence, as they consider themselves to be the best gang in town.

Drums
This line indicates a shift in the music, suggesting that the song is moving toward a more intense and exciting section.

Snowboy: When you're a Jet, you're the top cat in town, you're the gold medal kid with the heavyweight crown!
This line reinforces the message of the chorus, emphasizing that being a Jet is associated with power, status, and success.

Diesel: When you're a Jet, you're the swingin'est thing. Little boy, you're a man, little man, you're a king!
This line continues the theme of status and power associated with being a Jet, suggesting that membership in the gang is a mark of manhood and authority.

Jets: The Jets are in gear. Our cylinders are clickin'. The Sharks'll stear 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! An' we're gonna beat every last buggin' gang on the whole buggin' street! on the whole buggin' ever lovin' street!
This is the most intense and aggressive section of the song, highlighting the Jets' determination to assert their dominance and defeat their enemies. The use of derogatory language like 'lousy chicken' and 'buggin'' reinforces the aggressive nature of the Jets gang.

Gee-Tar: Yeah!
This line is an enthusiastic affirmation of the Jets' power and status, reinforcing the message of the song.