Hello, Book of Mormon Lyrics: A Deep Dive
The opening number of the Broadway musical "The Book of Mormon" is a catchy and energetic song titled "Hello". It introduces us to the two missionary protagonists, Elder Price and Elder Cunningham, as they embark on their journey to Uganda.
The lyrics of the song are packed with humor and irony, skillfully setting the tone for the entire musical.
Here's a breakdown of some key parts:
Verse 1:
- "Hello, Uganda! We've arrived!" This line is immediately followed by a disclaimer: "Well, we haven't really arrived, but we're close enough." This playful foreshadowing sets up the expectation of mishaps and comedic situations.
- "We're here to share the Book of Mormon, the most incredible story ever told!" This line highlights the naivety and enthusiasm of the missionaries, but also subtly mocks the idea of a "most incredible story."
- "It's all about a prophet called Joseph Smith, and his magical golden plates." This reference to the foundation of Mormonism is presented in a way that is both informative and tongue-in-cheek.
Chorus:
- "We're here to make you happy, we're here to make you whole, we're here to bring you joy!" The missionaries are full of optimism, but their message is met with cynicism by the locals.
- "We're here to make you better, we're here to make you bright, we're here to take away your pain!" This is another line that showcases the missionary's earnest intentions, but the audience understands that their goals are idealistic and unrealistic.
Verse 2:
- "We're gonna teach you about Jesus, the Son of God, who died for your sins." The missionaries' message is clear, but the Ugandan people are not receptive to their teachings.
- "We're gonna tell you about heaven, where everything is perfect, and you can sing with angels all day long!" This verse contrasts the stark reality of Uganda with the missionaries' idealistic vision of heaven.
Chorus:
- "We're here to make you happy, we're here to make you whole, we're here to bring you joy!" This chorus reinforces the missionaries' unwavering faith, even in the face of adversity.
Bridge:
- "This is the start of something amazing, we can feel it in our bones." The missionaries remain optimistic, clinging to their beliefs despite the challenges they face.
- "We're gonna change your life, we're gonna make you strong, we're gonna make you free." This line highlights the missionaries' desire to make a difference, but the audience knows that their efforts will not be easily received.
Outro:
- "Hello, Uganda, we're here to stay!" The missionaries are determined to continue their work, even though their initial encounters have been less than welcoming.
The lyrics of "Hello" are clever and engaging, creating a humorous and thought-provoking introduction to the world of "The Book of Mormon." They offer a glimpse into the characters' personalities, their faith, and the challenges they face as they try to spread their message in a complex and unfamiliar environment.
