Are you searching for a list of Musical Theater Songs for Female Singers?
We understand how challenging it can be to find the perfect repertoire for auditions or performances, especially when searching for songs specifically suited to female voices.
That’s why we have curated a carefully selected list of musical theater songs showcasing the best female vocal performances.
1. “Doin’ What Comes Natur’lly” by Annie Get Your Gun
“Doin’ What Comes Natur’lly” is a popular song from the 1946 Broadway musical, Annie Get Your Gun.
The lyrics discuss doing what comes naturally and not forcing oneself to conform to societal expectations or norms. It encourages listeners to embrace their unique traits and talents instead of trying to fit in with others.
The song captures the essence of self-acceptance and celebrates individuality, highlighting that everyone is born with certain abilities, and it’s important to nurture them rather than suppress them.
2. “I’d Give My Life For You” by Miss Saigon
“I’d Give My Life For You” is a powerful and emotional ballad from the hit musical Miss Saigon.
The song is sung by Kim, a young Vietnamese woman who is desperately trying to protect her son and keep him safe amidst the chaos of the Vietnam War.
Her heartfelt lyrics express her unconditional love for her child and her willingness to sacrifice everything for his safety.
The song also reflects the deep love between Kim and Chris, an American GI, as she acknowledges their love is worth fighting for, even if it means giving up her life.
3. “Burn” by Hamilton
“Burn” by Hamilton is a powerful and emotional song that delves deep into the heartbreak and pain of betrayal.
The lyrics tell the story of Eliza Schuyler, wife of Alexander Hamilton, as she learns about her husband’s infidelity with Maria Reynolds.
With hauntingly beautiful melodies and poignant lyrics, this song captures Eliza’s raw emotions as she tries to accept her husband’s actions.
The song signifies the burning anger and hurt within Eliza and the destruction of their marriage due to Alexander’s choices.
4. “On My Own” by Les Misérables
The song “On My Own” from Les Misérables is a heart-wrenching ballad that portrays the feelings of loneliness, longing, and unrequited love.
Its hauntingly beautiful melody and powerful lyrics capture the audience’s attention and resonate with anyone who has experienced unrequited love.
The main character, Eponine, sings about her one-sided love for Marius. She expresses her pain of loving someone who does not love her back, yet she remains hopeful that he will one day see her worth and reciprocate her feelings.
The song’s sad tone reflects Eponine’s solitary journey and determination to stay strong despite all odds. Through this song, we can feel Eponine’s raw emotions and empathize with her struggle.
5. “I Don’t Know How To Love Him” by Jesus Christ Superstar
“I Don’t Know How To Love Him” from the iconic musical “Jesus Christ Superstar” is a timeless and emotionally charged song that has captured the hearts of audiences worldwide.
This powerful ballad, sung by Mary Magdalene, depicts her struggle with understanding and accepting her feelings for Jesus.
The haunting melody and poignant lyrics perfectly encapsulate the conflicting emotions of adoration, confusion, and fear that Mary experiences.
With its raw emotion and beautiful vocal range, this song has become an anthem for anyone who has ever struggled with expressing their love for someone else.
6. “Still Hurting” by The Last Five Years
“Still Hurting” is a heart-wrenching ballad from the off-Broadway musical The Last Five Years. It showcases the emotions of a woman who is struggling to come to terms with the end of her marriage.
This song captures heartbreak’s raw pain and devastation with hauntingly beautiful lyrics and a melancholy melody.
7. “As Long As He Needs Me” by Oliver
“As Long As He Needs Me” is a popular song from the musical Oliver!, based on the novel Oliver Twist by Charles Dickens.
The beautiful lyrics are about Nancy’s devotion to her love interest, Bill Sikes, despite his abusive behavior.
The song portrays how love can be unconditional and all-consuming, even when faced with difficult circumstances. It highlights the character’s internal struggle as she grapples with her feelings for Bill, who she knows is not a good man.
8. “She Used To Be Mine” by Waitress
“She Used To Be Mine” by Waitress is a poignant and hauntingly beautiful song that captures the complexities of self-discovery and acceptance.
Sara Bareilles, the songwriter behind this emotional ballad, speaks of a woman reminiscing about who she used to be before life took her down a different path.
The lyrics are raw and honest, revealing the struggles and regrets of not staying true to oneself.
9. “Mama Who Bore Me” by Spring Awakening
“Mama Who Bore Me” is a powerful song from the hit Broadway musical Spring Awakening.
The lyrics are raw and emotional, exploring the complexities of adolescence and the tumultuous relationship between mother and daughter.
The song captures the frustration, confusion, and longing that young adults often feel as they come of age.
It speaks to the struggles of identity, sexuality, and societal expectations that can be overwhelming during this pivotal time in one’s life.
10. “There Are Worse Things I Could Do” by Grease
“There Are Worse Things I Could Do” is a powerful and emotional song from the popular musical Grease.
The lyrics showcase her insecurities and fears as she reveals that she would rather be known for being promiscuous than for falling in love and getting hurt.
This song reflects the societal pressures faced by women in the 1950s, where they were expected to conform to certain ideals of femininity and morality.
11. “So Big / So Small” by Dear Evan Hansen
“So Big / So Small” is a heartfelt song from the hit Broadway musical Dear Evan Hansen that beautifully captures the complex emotions of a parent-child relationship.
The song is sung by Heidi, the mother of protagonist Evan, as she reflects on the moments when her son was growing up and how she felt overwhelmed at times.
Heidi’s tender voice and poignant lyrics convey the universal feeling of being a parent, worrying about doing so for our children.
12. “Think of Me” by Phantom of the Opera
“Think of Me” is a powerful and emotional song from the iconic Broadway musical Phantom of the Opera.
It beautifully captures the yearning of Christine, the lead character, for her lover and the Phantom.
The song holds a deep meaning as it showcases Christine’s desperate plea to be remembered by her loved ones even after she leaves this world.
Its melodic tune and heartfelt lyrics convey that love knows no boundaries, even in death.
13. “Take Me or Leave Me” by Rent
“Take Me or Leave Me” by Rent is a powerful and emotionally charged song that showcases the complicated dynamics of a romantic relationship.
The lyrics depict one partner pleading for acceptance and understanding while the other demands freedom.
The song highlights the struggle to hold onto love, even when it becomes difficult and messy.
It captures the raw emotions of two individuals torn between wanting to be together and needing to walk away.
14. “Don’t Rain on My Parade” by Funny Girl
“Don’t Rain on My Parade” is a classic song from the popular Broadway musical Funny Girl.
Sung by the main character, Fanny Brice, this song serves as an anthem for anyone who has ever been told they can’t achieve their dreams.
The song encourages listeners to defy expectations and stay true to themselves, regardless of what others say or do.
15. “Pretty Funny” by Dogfight
“Pretty Funny” by Dogfight is a witty and playful song with a deeper meaning.
The song is about self-reflection and realizing that sometimes we can be our worst critics. It speaks to the common struggle of insecurities and learning to laugh at ourselves instead of taking everything so seriously.
The catchy melody and clever lyrics make it enjoyable, but its message makes this song stand out. It reminds us not to take life too seriously and to find humor in our imperfections.
16. “Memory” by Cats
“Memory” by Cats is a powerful and emotional song that touches the hearts of listeners with its beautiful lyrics and haunting melody.
The lyrics speak of good and bad memories that linger in our minds and shape who we are.
The haunting refrain, “Memory, all alone in the moonlight,” evokes feelings of loneliness and longing while also reminding us of the power of nostalgia to transport us back to happier times.
17. “No One Else” by Natasha, Pierre, and The Great Comet of 1812
“No One Else” is a beautiful song from the musical Natasha, Pierre, and The Great Comet of 1812.
It captures the feelings of deep love and devotion between two people. The lyrics are poetic and raw, portraying a sense of vulnerability and intimacy.
The melody is hauntingly captivating, evoking emotions of tenderness and longing.
This song shows the depth of love that can be felt for someone and how it can make everything else disappear. It also showcases the beauty of loving someone for who they are, flaws and all.
18. “All That Matters” by Finding Neverland
“All That Matters” by Finding Neverland is a captivating and emotional song about the importance of love and companionship in our lives.
The lyrics beautifully convey that at the end of the day, all that truly matters is having someone to share life’s journey with.
The song tells us that despite all the material possessions and success, what truly makes life meaningful is having someone who loves and understands us unconditionally.
It reminds us to cherish and appreciate the people who make it worth living.
19. “Wishing You Were Somehow Here Again” by The Phantom of the Opera
“Wishing You Were Somehow Here Again” is a heart-wrenching song from The Phantom of the Opera, a popular musical.
Composed by Andrew Lloyd Webber and written by Charles Hart, this soul-stirring ballad depicts Christine’s longing for her deceased father.
20. “Requiem” by Dear Evan Hansen
“Requiem” is a powerful and emotional song from the musical Dear Evan Hansen. It serves as a tribute to Connor, one of the main characters who tragically takes his own life.
The song captures the complicated range of emotions that come with grief and loss as Connor’s family and friends sing it at his funeral.
The lyrics of “Requiem” express feelings of sadness, anger, guilt, and love. They also touch on loneliness, isolation, and the struggle to connect.
The music intensifies these emotions with haunting melodies and harmonies that reflect the weight of the situation.
FAQs
What not to sing at a musical audition?
When preparing for a musical audition, it is important to choose the right song to showcase your talent and make a good impression.
That being said, there are certain songs that you should avoid singing at a musical audition.
- One of the biggest mistakes people make is choosing a song that is too overdone or cliché. These songs can make it difficult for you to stand out from other candidates and may not highlight your unique vocal abilities.
- Another thing to avoid is selecting a song that does not match the style or genre of the musical you are auditioning for. It’s essential to research the show beforehand and choose a song that fits within its theme and setting.
- Additionally, avoid songs with excessive belting or high notes that may strain your voice, overly dramatic ballads, or obscure songs that judges may not be familiar with.
- Finally, never choose a song just because it’s trendy; instead, focus on showcasing your talents and strengths as an artist.
How do I choose a song for a singing audition?
Choosing a song for a singing audition can be daunting, but the right approach can also be an exciting opportunity to showcase your talent.
- First and foremost, consider your vocal range and style. Choose a song that you feel comfortable and confident singing in.
- Next, research the theme or genre of the audition and choose a song that fits within that category.
- It is also important to select a song that best showcases your strengths as a singer and allows you to connect with the audience emotionally.
- Please don’t shy away from challenging songs, but make sure it’s one you can master in time for the audition.
- Practice is critical when preparing for an audition, so choose a song you enjoy singing and can commit to practicing regularly.
- Lastly, remember to have fun and trust in your abilities – after all, auditions are about showing off your unique talents!
Do you have to be good at singing to do musical theatre?
No, you do not have to be a good singer to do musical theatre. While singing is essential to musical theatre, it is not the only talent required.
Acting, dancing, and stage presence are essential for a successful performance. With proper training and practice, anyone can improve their singing abilities and become a talented performer in musical theatre.
Additionally, ensemble roles are equally important in musicals, providing opportunities for those who may not have strong singing skills but excel in dancing or acting.
Ultimately, determination and hard work can make someone shine on the stage regardless of their initial singing ability.
So, if you have a passion for musical theatre but feel unsure about your vocal talents, don’t let that stop you from pursuing your dreams!
How do you impress a music audition?
You can do a few key things to impress a music audition. By following these tips, you’ll be sure to leave a lasting impression at your music audition!
First and foremost, make sure you choose a piece of music that showcases your strengths. This could be a song or instrumental piece that you feel confident performing and connects with your style and voice.
Additionally, practice extensively beforehand to ensure you are comfortable and confident in your performance. Pay attention to the details of the song, such as dynamics, phrasing, and emotion. These will help elevate your audition.
It’s also important to dress appropriately for the audition, wearing something that makes you feel confident without being too distracting.
Finally, remember stage presence and body language. Make eye contact with your audience and engage with the music through your expressions and movements.
Conclusion
we hope this list of musical theater songs for female singers has provided you with some inspiration for your next audition or performance.
We encourage you to explore these songs further and make them your own.
Remember, the key to a successful performance is not just hitting the right notes but also connecting with the emotion and storytelling in the song. So go out there and sing your heart out!
