Will I?
Rent [original broadway cast recording] Lyrics

The lyrics to Rent's song "Will I" delve deep into the fears that one can have when facing difficult and uncertain situations, such as living with AIDS. The repetition of the same lines by different groups emphasizes the universal nature of these fears, as everyone can relate to the anxiety of losing their dignity, feeling alone and uncared for, and fearing that tomorrow might not come.

The first line, "Will I lose my dignity," can be interpreted as a fear of becoming vulnerable and powerless, losing control over one's life and decisions, or feeling ashamed of one's situation. The second line, "Will someone care," speaks to the importance of human connection and support, and whether the person is loved and valued enough to receive that care. The third line, "Will I wake tomorrow," reflects the anxiety and uncertainty of living with a life-threatening illness and the awareness of one's mortality. The last line, "From this nightmare," shows a yearning for escape and relief from the overwhelming burden of illness and its consequences.

Overall, the song captures the emotional distress and mental turmoil that AIDS patients and their loved ones experience, bringing to light the human aspect of the epidemic.