I Feel Pretty - West Side Story (1961 film) - MP3 instrumental karaoke

"I Feel Pretty," one of the most iconic songs from the 1961 film West Side Story, encapsulates a moment of pure joy and self-celebration amid the drama and tension that pervades the story. Written by the legendary Leonard Bernstein (music) and Stephen Sondheim (lyrics), the song is performed by Maria (played by Natalie Wood in the film) as a carefree and blissful expression of her newfound love. Set against the backdrop of the gritty streets of New York City, the whimsical song stands out as a moment of levity and youthful optimism. In "I Feel Pretty," Maria sings about the overwhelming sense of happiness and beauty she feels after meeting Tony, her love interest from the rival Jets gang. Maria, caught up in the excitement of her new emotions, expresses a sense of self-worth and beauty that she hadn’t felt before, despite the harsh realities of the world around her. Over the years, the song has been celebrated for its melody and its sense of joy, capturing the feeling of young love.