Waiting For Life (Once On This Island)

 It is time to dive into another song, this one from Once On This Island with a wonderful song called Waiting For Life. This song is not only a great listen, but a great example of an "I Want" song in a show. For those who do not know an "I Want" song is usually used by the main character to share their hopes, dreams, feelings, and goals to the audience. Usually wanting to be away from their current environment and dreaming of something bigger, a song that can not only encapsulate wanting something more but can relate to the audience. So with all of that out of the way, let's dance through this wonderful song.

The song begins with dreaming of something bigger, and how the feeling is felt even by nature itself wanting more saying " Even the fish in the sea are wishing to fly". The dreaming lead uses the nature around her as her example in a fantastic, before turning her desires into a prayer, asking for something big. Asking for so much more, before returning to the reality she is in which is not what she desires.

She proceeds to examine her environment talking about her mother and people who live by, and how they have settled into life looking this way. She proceeds to describe a mystery stranger who has yet to appear but when he does he will able to take her on the adventure she seeks. An expert use of setting the scene and describing how the character is feeling in a couple lines, continuing the sentiment from earlier.

The song slows, and becomes a sentimental slower melody as it returns to a prayer, going deeper into her desires asking to be remembered saying " Don't single me out and then forget me". The melody then picks up and swells as it draws to its closing, where she demands to be shown why she is alive, asking to fly and reach places where no one has been. Saying " You tell me to wait, well I am waiting, Waiting for life to begin". Encapsulating the feel of this song and drawing it to a perfect close. Setting the scene and setting up for the plot to take place, a perfect " I Want" song. 

The ensemble is used so well as well, providing background vocals perfectly setting a cozy yet upbeat song that feels so welcoming. The lead is taking the stage but the rest of the cast provides great background singing to bring the whole piece together. A song that wants and longs for more, the melody of this song is perfect. It changes pace so naturally, and slows down to create an unforgettable moment before picking up and wrapping up the song. The instrumentation is fantastic, with all the pieces together making an unforgettable song, a must listen from a great revival of a show.