I am making a musical. It’s called Iokwe, which means Hello in Marshallese. It’s about a man named Ettōl (charismatic person in Marshallese) who wants to make a musical about Marshallese people. It takes place in Seattle. He is obsessed with it and his friend is concerned, so she takes him to the carnival. That’s what this song is about. Sophia: Come on man, take in this moment So perfect, you can just hold it It’s summer, appreciate the boldness Of those neon lights— Take in this air (coughing) Smog, but it’s fine, pay the fare Look at those pines, just over there It’s easy to find— A future that’s bright— You need this, it’s only fair Stop with the grievance here it’s a glare This is a day that will be this joyful day in the life— Come on, let’s share Because we are at the fair— Ettōl: (spoken) It’s called an amusement park Sophia: (spoken cheerily) I don’t care! So enjoy it! Hear the music play- It’s a wonderful day The standard progressions- No more obsession- Just enjoy it! Nice time outside No need to hide from your friends— Ettōl: Ugh, this again? Sophia: Just enjoy it! The beauty of American candy We think diabetes is dandy So enjoy it! Ettōl: I won’t waste away at the end of the day I will enjoy this But I will give you a smack if you don’t Get off my back I will enjoy this But my show will keep going, and there’s no signs of slowing down (Sophia: just don’t look- (Together:) Down… Sophia: or back—
