Set to the tune of ‘America’ from West Side Story.
The original lyrics:
[GIRLS]
I like to be in America
Okay by me in America
Everything free in America
[BERNARDO]
For a small fee in America
[ANITA]
Buying on credit is so nice
[BERNARDO]
One look at us and they charge twice
[ROSALIA]
I have my own washing machine
[INDIO]
What will you have though to keep clean?
[ANITA]
Skyscrapers bloom in America
[ROSALIA]
Cadillacs zoom in America
[TERESITA]
Industry boom in America
[BOYS]
Twelve in a room in America
[ANITA]
Lots of new housing with more space
[BERNARDO]
Lots of doors slamming in our face
[ANITA]
I'll get a terrace apartment
[BERNARDO]
Better get rid of your accent
[ANITA]
Life can be bright in America
[BOYS]
If you can fight in America
[GIRLS]
Life is all right in America
[BOYS]
If you're all white in America
[GIRLS]
Here you are free and you have pride
[BOYS]
Long as you stay on your own side
[GIRLS]
Free to be anything you choose
[BOYS]
Free to wait tables and shine shoes
[BERNARDO]
Everywhere grime in America
Organized crime in America
Terrible time in America
[ANITA]
You forget I'm in America
[BERNARDO]
I think I'll go back to San Juan
[ANITA]
I know a boat you can get on (Bye Bye!)
[BERNARDO]
Everyone there will give big cheer!
[ANITA]
Everyone there will have moved here