Composer
Stephen Schwartz explained that while an "I Want" song had no formula, he found that "pretty much any successful musical you can name has an 'I Want' song for its main character within the first fifteen or so minutes" in order to firmly, musically establish their desires and/or objectives in anticipation of the ensuing plot. In regards to the 1995 Disney film
Pocahontas, Schwartz stated:"
Just Around the Riverbend" may not be a classic "I want" song, because the character doesn't really want anything that strongly until she meets John Smith, but it sets up her sense that she has another destiny to pursue than the one laid out for her by her father and society and her desire to go after it. The third number, "Mine Mine Mine", was basically supposed to introduce the antagonist, Ratcliffe, and what he wanted, so that the central dramatic conflict could be established.Schwartz also notes "I Want" songs are usually those which have a life beyond the production they were featured in: Similarly, John Kenrick, a college professor of musical history and the author of the encyclopedia website Musicals 101, explained that "I Want" songs usually happen early in the first act, during which the main character(s) sing about a particular motivation that then sets up the narrative trajectory for the show to follow. Often, an "I Want" song—which can also take the form of "I Wish" or "I've Got To"—will have a reprise.
Bob Fosse said there were only three types of show songs from a director's point of view: "I Am" songs that explain a character/situation, "I Want" songs that supply desire and motivations, and "New songs" that don't fit the other categories. ==Examples==