32 Romantic Lyrics From Musicals

As a music enthusiast who has spent countless hours immersed in the enchanting world of musical theater, I must say that these duets have touched my heart in ways words could never express. Each one tells a story of love, pain, and ultimately, connection – themes that resonate deeply within us all.

For quite some time, musicals have adorned both stages and screens, holding a cherished position within the realm of entertainment. Evidence of this can be seen in the numerous movie musicals that have been recognized with the prestigious Best Picture Oscar. Without a doubt, the music takes center stage in these productions, and there have been many moving compositions about love. As someone who appreciates theater, I must say that certain romantic lyrics from musicals leave a lasting impression.

As a devoted music enthusiast, I can’t help but feel that some of the most enchanting musicals haven’t graced our movie screens just yet, but that doesn’t diminish the magnificence of their melodies, particularly when it comes to heartfelt lyrics about love. In no specific sequence, here are 32 exceptionally moving romantic lines from these timeless productions. However, since we’re going to delve into the stories behind these shows, I should issue a spoiler alert for those who prefer to discover the plots firsthand. Enjoy!

‘Come out of hiding I’m right here beside you, and I’ll stay there as long as you’ll let me’, Waitress

As a gaming enthusiast diving into the world of musicals, I recently stumbled upon “Waitress” – a Broadway show inspired by the 2007 film of the same name. The melodious score is penned by none other than Sara Bareilles herself! If you’re interested, there’s even a filmed version featuring Bareilles, and it includes her heartwarming love song, “You Matter to Me.” In this tender tune, Dr. Pomatter expresses his unwavering support for Jenna by assuring her that he’ll always be there for her.

‘To love another person is to see the face of God’, Les Miserables

As a gamer reminiscing on cinematic moments, I can’t help but recall the profound lyric from “Les Misérables,” a tale that transcends time since its last theater screening. In that poignant finale, Fantine and Eponine sang tenderly to Jean Valjean about love’s unyielding strength as he took his final breath.

‘Have I mentioned today how lucky I am to be in love with you?’, The Last Five Years

Jason Robert Brown is widely recognized as one of today’s most cherished composers in musical theater. His two-person production, “The Last Five Years“, enjoys immense popularity, with the film adaptation featuring Anna Kendrick and Jeremy Jordan adding to its appeal. Towards the end of the humorous number “The Schmuel Song”, Jamie expresses his deep affection for Cathy in a straightforward yet poignant manner.

‘I can’t promise fair sky above, I can’t promise kind road below, but I’ll walk beside you, love, any way the wind blows’, Hadestown

The Broadway hit musical known as Hadestown is inspired by the ancient Greek myth of Orpheus and Eurydice. It boasts a collection of heartfelt songs, such as “All I’ve Ever Known” and “Promises.” In the latter song, Orpheus expresses his love for Eurydice, despite being unable to guarantee anything about their future together.

‘Who would I be If I had not loved you? How would I know what love is?’, Falsettos

As a gamer, I’d say: “In the world of Falsettos, we journey through the life of Marvin, a guy grappling with maintaining a traditional family setup after choosing to be with his partner Whizzer, a man he met along the way. Tragically, Whizzer succumbs to AIDS, but makes a poignant return for one final love ballad with Marvin, during which he contemplates that his previous understanding of love was merely a fraction of what he truly felt.”

‘All my wildest dreams multiplied by two, they were you.’ The Fantasticks

1960 marked the initial presentation of The Fantasticks, a play that has consistently maintained a strong presence within the New York theater circle. The story revolves around two characters, Matt and Luisa, who eventually discover through the song “They Were You” in the climax of the show, that they had been yearning for each other all along.

‘Somewhere in my youth or childhood, I must have done something good’, The Sound of Music

The musical “The Sound of Music” is a timeless Broadway production, while its film adaptation is a cherished part of cinematic history. In both forms, the narrative unfolds around the strict Captain Von Trapp and the free-spirited Maria, a nun turned governess, who initially clash but eventually develop feelings for each other. The song “Something Good” marks their romantic connection, and they attribute their newfound love to fate or karma.

‘Loving you is is not a choice, it’s who I am’, Passion

Due to Stephen Sondheim’s extensive body of work within musical theater, several entries on this list originate from him, even though he is less known for his musical “Passion” compared to “West Side Story” or “Into The Woods”. However, “Passion” boasts some beautiful lyrics, as demonstrated in the song “Loving You”, where Fosca expresses that her love for Giorgio is an integral aspect of her personality.

‘Then say you’ll share with me one love, one lifetime. Let me lead you from your solitude’, The Phantom of the Opera

The Phantom of the Opera was the longest-running play on Broadway before its closure, having played on the Great White Way for an impressive 35 years. It boasts several cherished musical numbers, one of which is the heartfelt duet “All I Ask Of You.” In this piece, Raoul de Chagny implores Christine to allow him to lead her out of the gloom she has grown accustomed to due to the Phantom.

‘We are tied, we are locked, we are bound. This will not be reversed or unwound’, Bridges of Madison County

Over time, the book “The Bridges of Madison County” has been transformed into various forms of media, such as the film starring Meryl Streep and, unsurprisingly, a Broadway musical. In the musical’s second act, the song “One Second a Million Miles” is played as the main characters ponder the idea of escaping together. The lyrics in this song express their deep connection.

‘First time I heard your voice, moonlight burst into the room. And I saw your eyes and I saw your smile. And the world opened wide’, Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812

Love at first sight is a recurring theme depicted in numerous films, novels, and plays throughout time. For instance, in the musical “Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812,” which is based on “War and Peace,” Natasha sings about her immediate infatuation with her future spouse during her first solo number titled “The Moon.”

‘There were bells on a hill. But I never heard them ringing. No, I never heard them at all till there was you’, The Music Man

The timeless musical “The Music Man” hails from Broadway’s Golden Era, boasting a collection of unforgettable tunes. One such tune is the charming duet “Till There Was You,” where characters Marian and Harold Hill express how their perspectives on life have been significantly transformed by their love story.

‘Sure as you breathe I am there Inside You’, The Secret Garden

The musical version of “The Secret Garden,” originally a novel from 1911, showcases some exquisite music across its two acts. One particularly striking piece is “How Could I Ever Know?”, which serves as the climactic song at around act eleven, where Archibald and Lily’s spirit sing about their everlasting affection for one another.

‘You and me. That’s all that we need it to be. And the rest of the world falls away’, Dear Evan Hansen

The musical “Dear Evan Hansen,” which won a Tony on Broadway, was transformed into a movie in 2021. Although some songs were eliminated from the film, the duet “Only Us” was retained. In this duet, Evan and Zoe express their love for one another and their desire to forget all of life’s pressures and strife.

‘I dim the lights and think about you, spend sleepless nights and think about you’, Follies

Stephen Sondheim’s masterpiece, Follies, is merely a portion of his illustrious songwriting collection, encompassing some of his most celebrated tunes. Notably, “Losing My Mind” stands out, as Sally expresses her persistent affection and preoccupation for Ben, reaching the level of fixation in her song.

‘And I could be enough. And we could be enough. That would enough’, Hamilton

Since Lin-Manuel Miranda’s groundbreaking musical, Hamilton, claimed the spotlight with its Tony Award victory, the songs from this production have continued to shape pop culture. One of these, Eliza’s solo “That Would Be Enough,” speaks powerfully to me as she encourages her husband not to chase greater status, but rather to find contentment in their shared life, regardless of societal standing.

‘In these dreams I’ve loved you so that by now I think I know what it’s like to be loved by you. I will love being loved by you.’ The King And I

Initially premiered on Broadway in 1951, the musical The King and I has since been reimagined for both film and stage productions numerous times over the past decades. One of the most heartfelt songs is “I Have Dreamed”, where the characters Tuptim and Lun Tha convey their love and plans to elope together.

‘And oh, my dearest love. If you will take my love, then all my dreams are truly begun’, Pippin

Prior to “Wicked” taking over Broadway as a megahit, writer Stephen Schwartz introduced us to “Pippin“. This musical is filled with beautiful songs, such as “Love Song”. However, my preferred lyrics can be found in “With You”, where the poetic words contrast remarkably with Pippin’s sexual adventures.

‘Someone to crowd you with love. Someone to force you to care. Someone to make you come through, who’ll always be there as frightened as you of being alive’, Company

One of Stephen Sondheim’s cherished musical productions, known as “Company,” revolves around the life of perennial bachelor Bobby and his married friends. The song “Being Alive” (highlighted in Netflix’s “Marriage Story”) delivers enchanting verses about the strength of companionship, with Bobby ultimately understanding during the show that he is prepared for a romantic partner.

‘I don’t want the world. Only you’, Aida

Legendary musician Elton John has penned several successful Broadway productions, among them being “Billy Elliot” and “Aida.” The latter is an adaptation of the same-titled opera, chronicling the story of a Nubian princess who becomes a slave, and her tragic romance with Radames. In the song “Radames’ Letter,” he expresses his deep affection for her, and yearns to be with her rather than exploring the world.

‘When I need a lift, time brings a gift – another day with you’, Hairspray

The Tony-award winning musical Hairspray, later turned into a film in 2007, features several romantic songs. However, my preferred lyrics are from “Timeless To Me”, a duet for Tracy’s parents Wilbur and Edna. In this song, Wilbur expresses his enduring love, appreciating the joy of their shared years together.

‘Only you, you’re the only thing I’ll see forever’ West Side Story

In a modern reimagining, the musical “West Side Story” is a fresh interpretation of William Shakespeare’s classic tale Romeo and Juliet, with the conflict now centered around gang rivalry between the Sharks and Jets in New York City. Despite the ongoing strife between their respective groups, star-crossed lovers Tony and Maria find themselves captivated by each other’s charm, and their duet “Tonight” showcases beautiful lyrics expressing how their lives have been transformed following their encounter.

‘I could talk to you for hours, but the hours go like minutes’, The Outsiders

The Broadway musical “The Outsiders” is adapted from a novel of the same name. It premiered in 2024 and received the Tony award for Best Musical. In the song titled “I Could Talk to You All Night,” characters Ponyboy and Cherry form a bond, discussing how effortlessly they communicate despite the ongoing class conflict surrounding them.

‘I will never understand what I did to deserve you’, Parade

Jason Robert Brown’s musical “Parade” narrates the heart-wrenching true tale of Leo Frank, a Jewish individual falsely accused of various crimes in Georgia during 1913. Spending most of the narrative behind bars, Leo expresses gratitude for his wife Lucille in the ballad “All The Wasted Time.” She remained steadfast by his side, tirelessly advocating for his release until his tragic demise.

‘You’re my single best decision in a life of many awful ones. My one big yes, my one embrace’, If/Then

2014 saw Broadway legend Idina Menzel rejoin the Great White Way with the musical “If/Then.” The story follows her character Elizabeth in two distinct realities, much like the film “Sliding Doors.” In the song “I Hate You,” she expresses that marrying her husband was the only truly correct decision she made in her life, just before discovering he had passed away while serving as an Army physician.

‘Nothing about us was perfect or clear, but when paradise calls me I’d rather be here’ Songs For A New World

Among the songs on this list, several are by Jason Robert Brown, and one of his most cherished musicals is titled “Songs For A New World“. This production is a series of standalone stories told through song, and the track “I’d Give It All For You” offers poignant lyrics depicting a couple reuniting after a separation.

‘What about tears when I’m happy? What about wings when I fall? I want you to be a story for me that I can believe in forever’, The Color Purple

As a gamer, I’ve been captivated by the stage adaption of “The Color Purple,” a renowned musical inspired by both the novel and movie. The film version even starred Fantasia Barrino. One of my favorite moments is the duet “What About Love?”, where Celie and Shug express their unconventional love for each other in a time when same-sex relationships were not widely accepted.

‘Some day I’ll meet someone whose heart joins with mine. Aortas and arteries all intertwined’ Urinetown

In a whimsical and outrageous musical titled Urinetown, characters reside in a bleak, water-scarce society where public restrooms are pay-to-use to conserve water. The romantic duo Bobby and Hope croon the tune “Follow Your Heart,” expressing their affection while focusing on the anatomical heart’s details. It’s both endearing and amusing.

‘And now I see that what I’d always dreamed of was meant to be, you and me, me and you’, Avenue Q

“Avenue Q” is a musical set in a humorous, R-rated version of Sesame Street, featuring puppets (monsters) and humans who share amusing interactions. While it’s an adult comedy, the song “Fantasies Come True” has endearing lyrics, where Rod and Kate Monster express their affection for Nicky and Princeton respectively.

‘And if it turns out it’s over too fast, I’ll make every last moment last’, Wicked

For quite some time now, the musical “Wicked” has been cherished as a blockbuster hit. The Act 2 duet titled “As Long As You’re Mine” showcases Elphaba and Fiyero enjoying their one special night together, promising to savor each moment before further complications arise undoubtedly.

‘But I could swear by your expression That the pain down in your soul was the same as the one down in mine’, Hedwig and the Angry Inch

The musical piece titled “Hedwig and the Angry Inch” was brought to life by the creative mind of John Cameron Mitchell, who will always be associated with portraying the main character both on stage and screen. In the song “The Origin of Love,” Hedwig presents her unique interpretation of mythology and gender, featuring poignant lyrics about seeking connection through shared suffering.

‘Live in my house, I’ll be your shelter. Just pay me back with 1000 kisses’, RENT

Jonathan Larson’s musical RENT created a stir when it premiered on Broadway, and gained even more admirers with the release of its 2005 film adaptation. The production tells the story of three relationships, among them beloved characters Angel and Collins. Their touching love ballad “I’ll Cover You” contains heartfelt verses, as each of them pledges to be a shelter for the other.

2024-09-03 19:12