“I Feel Pretty” is a beloved song from the iconic 1961 film West Side Story, and later the stage musical. Sung by the character Maria, the song bursts with youthful exuberance and the giddy thrill of first love. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a young woman completely swept away by her feelings of happiness and self-confidence. This article delves into the lyrics of “I Feel So Pretty,” exploring its themes, context, and enduring appeal.
The song begins with Maria proclaiming her radiant joy: “I feel pretty, Oh, so pretty, I feel pretty and witty and gay.” The repetition of “pretty” emphasizes her newfound sense of beauty and self-worth. She feels not just physically attractive but also “witty and gay,” suggesting a lighthearted, joyful spirit. The line “And I pity Any girl who isn’t me today” reveals a touch of playful vanity, highlighting the overwhelming nature of her positive emotions.
Maria’s verses continue to amplify these feelings. She describes herself as “charming, Oh, so charming,” to an “alarming” degree. The lyrics “And so pretty That I hardly can believe I’m real” express a sense of disbelief and wonder at her own transformation. Looking in the mirror, she marvels at the “pretty girl” she sees, listing her attractive features: “Such a pretty face, Such a pretty dress, Such a pretty smile, Such a pretty me!” This repetition reinforces her focus on her appearance and the intense pleasure she derives from it.
However, the song takes an interesting turn with the entrance of Rosalia, Consuelo, and Francisca. Their verses offer a contrasting perspective, injecting humor and a dose of reality into Maria’s ecstatic pronouncements. They sing, “Have you met my good friend Maria, The craziest girl on the block?” and describe her as being in an “advanced state of shock.” Their lines, “She thinks she’s in love. She thinks she’s in Spain. She isn’t in love, She’s merely insane,” humorously suggest that Maria’s feelings are exaggerated and perhaps even delusional.
The ensemble’s verses continue to question Maria’s state of mind, attributing her behavior to “the heat,” “some rare disease,” or even “fleas.” The lines “Keep away from her—Send for Chino! This is not the Mar—Ia we know!” highlight the dramatic shift in Maria’s demeanor. They remember her as “Modest and pure, Polite and refined, Well-bred and mature,” contrasting sharply with her current, uninhibited joy.
Returning to Maria’s solo, she remains undeterred by the ensemble’s teasing. She declares, “I feel pretty, Oh, so pretty That the city should give me its key. A committee Should be organized to honor me.” Her feelings have escalated to the point of grandiosity, further emphasizing the overwhelming nature of her emotions. She feels “dizzy,” “sunny,” “fizzy and funny and fine,” a cascade of positive sensations. The line, “And so pretty, Miss America can just resign,” is a humorous hyperbole that underscores her extreme self-confidence in this moment.
The song concludes with a playful back-and-forth between Maria and the ensemble, ending with a unified expression of joy: “I feel stunning And entrancing, Feel like running and dancing for joy, For I’m loved By a pretty wonderful boy!” This final chorus reiterates the central theme of the song: the exhilarating feeling of being in love and the resulting surge of self-esteem.
“I Feel So Pretty” is more than just a song about physical attractiveness. It’s about the transformative power of love and happiness, and the delightful, albeit sometimes comical, ways in which these emotions can manifest. The song’s enduring popularity lies in its ability to capture the universal feeling of joy and self-confidence, even if it’s presented in an exaggerated and theatrical manner. It remains a classic example of musical theatre at its most exuberant and charming.
