King Kong Lyrics – All Songs from the Musical

King Kong – The Musical Guide & Song Meanings

Review & Themes

King Kong the musical is a spectacle first, a show second. Its score is by Marius de Vries with songs and lyrics predominantly by Eddie Perfect, woven into Jack Thorne’s book. On paper it chases the emotional core of the classic tale — an outsider and a misunderstood creature finding connection — but onstage that intent is unevenly realized. The songs range from jazz-angled ensemble pieces to ballads like “Full Moon Lullaby,” yet they often function more as mood pieces than plot drivers. The musical’s lyricism tries to anchor Ann Darrow’s ambition and yearning but skews toward broad themes of hope and survival rather than deep character interiority. The blend of orchestral set pieces and lyric numbers aims to embody Depression-era struggle, yet in performance the balance leans heavily toward spectacle over song-driven narrative cohesion.

How It Was Made

The Broadway incarnation that opened in 2018 was shepherded by Drew McOnie and featured an innovative mix of puppetry, stagecraft, and music. Though earlier versions date to 2013 in Melbourne with a broader songwriting collective, the Broadway score consolidated around de Vries and Perfect, shaping a hybrid sound that alternates between orchestral set pieces and lyrical numbers. Jack Thorne’s book recasts Ann Darrow as a self-possessed heroine, a deliberate tonal shift from the original film’s more dated gender politics.

Key Tracks & Scenes

“Queen of New York” (Ann Darrow)

The Scene:

Early in Act I, Ann stakes her claim to New York with audacious, unguarded energy as she enters the Depression-era proving ground.

Lyrical Meaning:

The lyrics assert ambition against adversity, marking Ann’s refusal to be a backseat in her own story.

“Cabin Soliloquy” (Ann Darrow & Company)

The Scene:

Mid-Act I aboard the Venture, Ann reflects on isolation and hope amid a claustrophobic ocean crossing.

Lyrical Meaning:

A lyrical pause that reveals her vulnerability and longing for autonomy and purpose.

“The Mutiny” (Carl & Ensemble)

The Scene:

Tension peaks as the crew rebels against Denham’s reckless vision.

Lyrical Meaning:

Lyrics here emphasize ambition’s cost and the fracturing of dreams under pressure.

“Full Moon Lullaby” (Ann Darrow)

The Scene:

On Skull Island under eerie light, Ann sings to herself as the jungle closes in, hinting at a deeper emotional bond with the environment and the beast.

Lyrical Meaning:

A meditation on solitude and deeper connection beyond fear — one of the show’s most introspective moments.

“It’s Man” (Carl, Ann & Company)

The Scene:

Act II opens with an ensemble piece commenting on humanity’s drive to conquer and control.

Lyrical Meaning:

Lyrically underscoring the existential tension between creation and exploitation.

“Last of Our Kind” (Ann Darrow)

The Scene:

Following Kong’s capture, Ann confronts loss and separateness on the desolate New York streets.

Lyrical Meaning:

She sings of extinction and empathy, explicitly tying her arc to themes of conservation and belonging.

“The Wonder” (Ann & Company)

The Scene:

At the finale, after Kong’s fall from the Empire State Building, Ann and ensemble sing a soaring final number.

Lyrical Meaning:

An uplift that tries to reconcile loss with enlightenment, though its placement and universal feel sparked critical debate. Critics found its sentiment jarringly broad in context of the tragic climax.

Live Updates

Though its Broadway run closed, King Kong has had continued interest in regional and international productions. Cast recordings exist in part on digital platforms and select performance tracks are published on streaming services like YouTube. The elaborate puppet and score remain a benchmark for technological ambition in musical theatre.

Notes & Trivia

• Original Broadway score incorporates instrumental set pieces integral to scene transitions rather than traditional sung book numbers.
• “Queen of New York” was highlighted as a standout song in promotional material and music videos.
• Kong’s puppet stood ~20 feet tall and weighed ~2,000 pounds, operated by a large ensemble of puppeteers.
• Jack Thorne reconfigured Ann Darrow’s character to give her agency absent in earlier film portrayals.
• The Broadway orchestrations include contributions by Justice and other contemporary artists.

Reception

Critics agreed the technical achievement of the show is undeniable, yet musical and lyrical elements proved divisive. Some found the songs and lyrics functional but lacking emotional specificity, while others appreciated the orchestral color and varied styles.

“Despite the spectacle of a 2,400lb puppet, a shambolic production doesn’t know what to do with him.”

This critique encapsulates the divide: visual awe, lyrical reservations.

Quick Facts

• Title: King Kong (Broadway musical)
• Year: 2018
• Book: Jack Thorne
• Music: Marius de Vries; Songs/Lyrics: Eddie Perfect
• Orchestrations by Christopher Jahnke
• Notable Songs: “Queen of New York,” “Full Moon Lullaby,” “The Wonder”
• Original Broadway: Broadway Theatre, NYC
• Running Time: ~2h 20m with intermission

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there an original cast recording?

A partial cast recording exists online; a full commercial release has been limited to select streaming clips.

Who wrote the songs?

The score was crafted by Marius de Vries with songs and lyrics primarily by Eddie Perfect.

Does Kong sing?

No. Kong’s character is non-sung and represented through puppet and movement.

What is “Full Moon Lullaby” about?

It’s an introspective lyric ballad expressing Ann’s solitude and longing amid the mystery of Skull Island.

Key Contributors