Prologue
The Jets The Sharks Lyrics
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Some folks dream of the wonders they'll do
Before their time on this planet is through
Some just don't have anything planned
They hide their hopes and their heads in the sand
Now I don't say who is wrong, who is right
But if by chance you are here for the night
Then all I need is an hour or two
We all dream a lot-- some are lucky, some are not
But if you think it, want it, dream it, then it's real
You are what you feel
But all that I say can be told another way
In the story of a boy whose dream came true
And he could be you
The Prologue of The Jets The Sharks musical sets the tone for a story about young dreamers caught in the crossfire of social and cultural differences. The lyrics speak of how everyone, regardless of their background, has dreams and aspirations. The opening lines suggest that while some people have a clear vision for their future, others may not have anything planned, and may even hide their desires in fear of disappointment or failure. The Narrator goes on to say that he won't judge whether it's right or wrong to have dreams, but if the listener is willing to stick around, he will share a tale about a young dreamer like them.
The lyrics exhort people to hold onto their dreams no matter what, because if they truly want it and believe in it, it will eventually become a reality. They say that whatever someone feels, they become - essentially, the power of positive thinking. The song's theme is encapsulated in the line "You are what you feel." The prologue concludes with a promise of the story of a boy whose dream came true, who represents all the people who have chased their dreams and have been able to overcome obstacles to achieve them. The Narrator suggests that the listener, too, has the potential to realize their own dreams.
Line by Line Meaning
Some folks dream of the wonders they'll do
There are people in this world who dream about the extraordinary things they want to achieve in their lifetime.
Before their time on this planet is through
These people want to achieve these things before they die, before their time on this planet comes to an end.
Some just don't have anything planned
There are others who don't have any life goals or plans, and just go with the flow.
They hide their hopes and their heads in the sand
These people push their dreams deep down inside and try to forget about them, instead of pursuing them actively.
Now I don't say who is wrong, who is right
I'm not here to judge or criticize anyone's life choices or dreams. Everyone has the freedom to choose what they want to do.
But if by chance you are here for the night
But if you happen to be here with me for the night,
Then all I need is an hour or two
I just need a little bit of your time - an hour or two - to tell you an inspiring story.
To tell the tale of a dreamer like you
To share the story of someone who dreamt big, just like you.
We all dream a lot-- some are lucky, some are not
All of us have our dreams, some of which come true, and some of which don't.
But if you think it, want it, dream it, then it's real
If you have the desire and the determination to achieve something, if you can picture it in your mind and passionately crave it, it can become a reality.
You are what you feel
Your beliefs, your emotions, your thoughts become your reality. You become what you envision yourself to be.
But all that I say can be told another way
However, what I'm saying can also be expressed in a different manner or through a different narrative.
In the story of a boy whose dream came true
I'm referring to the account of a young man whose aspirations were realized, who achieved his goals, and who embodies the very notion of fulfilling one's dreams.
And he could be you
And that young man could easily be you, dear listener, if you choose to pursue your dreams wholeheartedly and with conviction!
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: THOMAS KITT, BRIAN YORKEY
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@s.g.7572
List of everything we learn in these first 9 minutes, without any exposition or dialogue:
- The names of the gangs (sidewalk paintings)
-The leaders and second-in-commands of the gangs (not their names, but through their prominence and the order in which they appear)
-The power dynamic (Jets are clearly more powerful than Sharks)
-The way they operate (Sharks are cleverer and bait the Jets into traps, Jets rely on strength and numbers)
-The reasons people are part of the gangs (the joy in all their movements and coordination speaks to the team spirit they exude)
-The respect the Jets hold in the community, vs the Sharks who are never shown being given anything (Jets get the basketball, people move for them on the sidewalk etc)
-The way their fights escalate (initially almost playful, dances, idle threats, then the more they interact, the more it builds up until it becomes an unchoreographed street brawl)
-The reason the Sharks exist (their musical motif, the sting at 2:17, is a slightly distorted version of the Jets' motif, representing how the Jets existed before there were any Puerto Rican immigrants in the neighbourhood, and then after being targeted the Sharks had to be formed for protection, hence they are a slightly different version of the Jets)
-Their immaturity (slightly more vague, but I'm just thinking about how things like the fruit interaction, the paint, the "Beat it!"s are so petty and childish, it really emphasises that these are kids playing at being tough, which then comes back in "Dear Officer Krupke" and "Cool")
-The way Bernardo and Riff are going to die (the same way that everything escalates gradually here, what starts off as a fistfight becomes a knifefight, then a double murder. Here, we see that both sides are too proud and stubborn to take the moral high ground and de-escalate, both will fight until they're pulled apart, and when no-one's there to do so they will fight until they die)
This is what people talk about when they talk about cinematic language.
@bellafausett2063
I wish people could dance through the streets without getting weird looks. This would be my dream, honestly.
@pix046
Not worth dancing in the streets without getting weird looks.
@EmilynWood
Actually it's fun to see how people react when you dance.
@EyeLean5280
bella amy Do it in New York. No one will care.
@steamslaughtgaming6115
***** Try it in England; The Queen will have you sent to the Tower Of London
@EyeLean5280
SteamSlaught Gaming
to see the crown jewels, I presume?
@craigm2520
Back in the good old days with teenagers solved disagreements with incredibly well done ballet, dance, and rhythm
@EMVelez
😂😂 if only!
@michellelekas211
And murder!
@shejmacfyoutuization
🤣