Top 10 Opening Songs from Musicals That Give Us Chills

In its opening notes, this tune draws us into a world that feels instantly recognizable— like slipping on a familiar mask to hide the struggles within. Its seemingly mundane lyrics clash with a desperate plea to “keep the grip from slipping,” creating a subtle tension beneath the surface. It almost feels like a calm façade, barely containing a brewing storm, just waiting to break free. The melody starts relatively calm and gradually builds with heavier chords and more intensity, mirroring the mounting anxiety. Also, Diana falls out of rhythm toward the end as the mask begins to slip. If that doesn’t send shivers down your spine, we don’t know what will.

“Annie” wastes no time hitting us in the feels with a song where the titular orphan sings about parents she hopes to reunite with one day. Beginning softly, the song reflects Annie’s profound sense of loneliness. Yet, as she sings of hope and reunion, the music gradually swells, echoing her growing desires. The melody’s pretty simple, leaving plenty of room for the heartfelt lyrics to shine. With its childlike innocence and optimism, Annie’s yearning will hit you right in the gut. By the time the last note fades away, it almost feels like her feelings have seeped into our own, stirring up something deep inside us.

From the first note, this song bursts with a vibrant energy, underscoring the importance of tradition to Tevye and his community. It’s happy and festive, but if you listen closely, you’ll hear hints of their struggles, too. Still, when everything comes together—the strong beat, the booming music, those surprising harmonies, and the passionate singing—it’s just awe-inspiring. It’s almost like a big celebration of everything that unites the Jewish community of Anatevka. Anytime everyone joins together for a triumphant chorus of “Tradition,” we just want to join Tevye for a lively dance. As the melody crescendos, we start to feel as “shaky as a Fiddler on the Roof” in anticipation of what’s to come.

Any song that starts with “Good news, she’s dead” is sure to send chills down our spines. Right from the start, this song grabs you and then dives into introducing our two leading ladies, albeit in very different ways, and makes us question everything we thought we knew about them. The song shows how easily people can get swept up in sensational language and, in this case, a catchy tune. The harmonies between Glinda and the mob are absolutely breathtaking. Even though we might not realize it yet, Glinda’s sweetness against the harshness of the mob tells us there’s a lot more to this story than meets the eye, and it already has us hooked.

If you ask anyone old enough to remember what they were doing on September 11th, 2001, they could probably tell you without missing a beat. Indeed, that’s where this song finds us. The residents of Gander, Newfoundland, sing about getting on with their daily routines, totally unaware that the world as they know it is about to change. As news of the tragedy spreads, the music shifts, reflecting the resilience and unity of the community. Their stirring harmonies capture their solidarity and humanity's capacity for strength and compassion in the face of adversity. It's a really moving tribute to the extraordinary acts of kindness and courage that emerged from the darkest of times.

If the version from DreamWorks’ animated movie gave you chills, just wait until you see it performed live. The music itself is incredibly moving, with its haunting melody and powerful vocals. Meanwhile, the lyrics tell an emotional tale of oppression and the hope for freedom that grips your heart and soul. Hearing the Hebrews crying out for deliverance live on stage especially strikes a chord. Every cast member pours their heart into the number, making sure nobody is left unmoved. If you ever get the chance to see it live, the performance from the whole company is absolutely stunning. It's one of the most heartbreakingly beautiful things you'll ever witness on stage.

Before teenage angst puts the rock in this rock musical, Wendla sings this contemporary ballad about the complexities of mother-daughter relationships. Frustrated by her mom’s silence on the facts of life, Wendla voices how unprepared she feels as she comes of age. The melody and arrangement evoke vulnerability and turmoil, complemented perfectly by Wendla’s expressive vocals. She captures the confusion of being a teenager in a way that resonates with everyone, no matter how long it’s been since their teen years. You can feel her conflict as she tries to figure everything out while feeling like nobody understands. That’s why this song hit you right in the feels—it’s just so honest and real.

The “Prologue” wastes no time immersing the audience in a central theme of the show: social injustice and poverty. We meet Jean Valjean, a convict whose only crime was trying to feed his family, leading to a harsh 19-year sentence. Despite his freedom, Valjean remains haunted by his past. Only through encountering kindness does he find the resolve to break free from his history and become a force for good. “Prologue” pulls at every single heartstring with profound frustration, despair, and unfairness, all conveyed powerfully through the company’s voices. Valjean’s final note can set off a shockwave of chills. You almost expect the whole theater to start shaking with the power of it.

Remember the first time you watched Disney’s “The Lion King” and how you stood to attention like a meerkat at the first notes of this song — come on, that’s core memory material. Now imagine experiencing that live! From that very first note, the cast has you in their grip, hanging on every word they sing. The harmonious blend of English lyrics and Zulu chants casts its magic over us, drawing audiences deeper into the story. The melody builds and builds, holding the audience in a trance-like state. Then, when baby Simba’s introduced and the song hits its peak well, the energy is electric enough to launch us right to the top of Pride Rock!

Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.

“We Are What We Are,” “La Cage aux Folles”
An Opening Message to Embrace Yourself Unabashedly? Now, That’s a Powerful Start!

“Alexander Hamilton,” “Hamilton”
There Are Almost No Words to Describe How We Feel When the Whole Ensemble Comes Together

“Heaven On Their Minds,” “Jesus Christ Superstar”
Even in the Heat of a Scorching Landscape, This Song Effortlessly Sends Chills down Our Spines

“The Sound of Music,” “The Sound of Music”
The Way the Music Builds and Fills the Air Is Enough to Make Any Grass on the Alps Stand on End

“Requiem for Evita/ Oh What a Circus,” “Evita”
The Moment the Ensemble Starts to Sing, It’s like the Music Takes Over and Carries You Away

Is there anything more hair-raising than a melody beckoning you into a tale shrouded in darkness? The soundtrack is known for its intricate harmonies and eerie chords, which create this unsettling tension that perfectly mirrors the twisted story. Unlike typical upbeat show tunes, “Sweeney Todd’s” melodies feel offbeat, constantly keeping you on your toes. Its vocal style often booms with operatic grandeur, with these powerful, soaring notes that add to the drama and intensity. Yet, just as you settle into its rhythm, it swerves, plunging into moments of eerie calm that catch you off guard. The music itself becomes a character, intensifying the story’s emotion.

Which opening musical number gives you chills from the moment the curtains rise to the final bow? Let us know in the comments.