Bonnie and Clyde Songs: A Complete Guide to the Musical’s Soundtrack
If you’re curious about Bonnie and Clyde the musical, its songs are the heart of its gritty, romantic storytelling.
This guide breaks down every track, the real-life inspirations, and why the original Broadway cast recording still resonates years after its debut.
Whether you’re new to the show or revisiting it ahead of a return engagement, here’s everything you need to know.
Key Takeaways
- Mix of musical styles: The Bonnie and Clyde songs blend blues, country, and gospel, mirroring the duo’s rebellious spirit and 1930s America.
- Standout tracks: Songs like Raise a Little Hell and Dyin’ Ain’t So Bad highlight the show’s emotional depth and Frank Wildhorn’s knack for drama.
- Original cast impact: Performances by Jeremy Jordan (Clyde) and Laura Osnes (Bonnie) on the original Broadway cast recording set a high bar for future productions.
The Story Behind the Bonnie and Clyde Musical
The musical dives into the lives of Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow, two outlaws who became infamous during the Great Depression. With music by Frank Wildhorn and lyrics by Don Black, the show first hit Broadway in 2011, earning two nominations at the Tony Awards.
Though it closed quickly, its cult following grew, leading to a return engagement in London’s West End. The original Broadway cast recording remains a fan favourite, thanks to powerhouse vocals from Jeremy Jordan and Laura Osnes.
All the Songs in Bonnie and Clyde the Musical
Below is a breakdown of every song in the musical, listed in the order they appear.
Prologue: How ‘Bout a Dance?
The haunting opener sets the tone with bluesy undertones. A young Bonnie and Clyde sing about their dreams while gunshots foreshadow their fate. The melody reappears later as a love theme, blending hope and doom.
Picture Show
Young Bonnie dreams of Hollywood glamour like her idol Clara Bow, while young Clyde idolises outlaws like Billy the Kid. Their solo numbers reveal their longing for escape, with country and folk vibes underscoring their innocence.
The World Will Remember Me
This duet marks the first time Bonnie and Clyde sing together. Clyde’s ambition to be remembered clashes with Bonnie’s desire for fame, blending rock and blues to mirror their fiery chemistry.
You’re Going Back to Jail
Buck (Clyde’s brother) and his wife Blanche argue over his criminal past. Blanche’s gospel-inspired pleas contrast with Buck’s reluctance, highlighting the tension between faith and rebellion.
How ‘Bout a Dance?
A flirtatious jazz number where Bonnie seduces Clyde. The song’s vintage feel nods to 1930s salon women and speakeasy culture, with Laura Osnes’s vocals shining.
When I Drive
Clyde and Buck bond over their love for freedom. The upbeat blues track contrasts with Blanche’s fears, showing how crime divides families.
God’s Arms Are Always Open
A gospel choir led by a preacher tries to redeem Buck, while Clyde resists. The spiritual tone clashes with Clyde’s defiance, making it a standout ensemble piece.
You Can Do Better Than Him
Deputy Ted confesses his love for Bonnie, creating a love triangle. The ballad’s melancholy underscores Bonnie’s impossible choices.
You Love Who You Love
Bonnie and her mother debate Clyde’s influence. The raw, emotional duet reveals Bonnie’s stubborn loyalty, with hints of country twang.
Raise a Little Hell
Clyde’s explosive rock number after his jailbreak. Jeremy Jordan’s gritty vocals capture Clyde’s desperation and rage, making this a fan favourite.
The World Will Remember Us
Act 1 closes with Bonnie and Clyde embracing their outlaw fame. The anthem-like track blends rock and orchestral swells, cementing their legend.
Made in America
A critique of the broken American Dream, this ensemble number mixes blues and folk. The lyrics reflect the poverty that pushed many toward crime.
Too Late to Turn Back Now
After a botched robbery, Bonnie considers leaving Clyde. The tense duet uses dissonant harmonies to show their crumbling partnership.
That’s What You Call a Dream
Blanche rejects materialism, wanting a simple life with Buck. Her sweet, heartfelt ballad contrasts with the chaos around her.
What Was Good Enough
Clyde’s visit to his parents reveals his guilt and defiance. The folk-inspired track underscores generational divides.
Bonnie
Clyde serenades Bonnie with a tender ukulele ballad. The simplicity highlights their bond amid the chaos.
Raise a Little Hell (Reprise)
The Barrow Gang’s crime spree escalates in this gritty reprise. Machine-gun-like rhythms mirror their violent turn.
Dyin’ Ain’t So Bad
Bonnie’s poignant acceptance of her fate. Laura Osnes delivers a show-stopping vocal performance, blending sorrow and resolve.
God’s Arms Are Always Open (Reprise)
Blanche mourns Buck’s death in this haunting gospel reprise. The choir’s harmonies add tragic weight.
Picture Show (Reprise)
The younger Bonnie and Clyde return, reminding audiences of their lost innocence. The bittersweet melody ties their dreams to their demise.
How ‘Bout a Dance? (Finale)
The lovers drive to their ambush, reprising the prologue’s melody. The tragic circularity leaves a lasting impact.
Overall
The Bonnie and Clyde musical uses its soundtrack to humanise the infamous duo. Tracks like Dyin’ Ain’t So Bad and Raise a Little Hell balance romance and rebellion, while Frank Wildhorn’s mix of blues, country, and gospel roots the story in 1930s America.
Though the show initially struggled on Broadway, its original cast recording and recent London revival prove its songs still resonate.
FAQs
What’s the most popular song from the musical?
Raise a Little Hell and Dyin’ Ain’t So Bad are fan favourites, often praised for their emotional depth and powerhouse vocals.
Are the songs historically accurate?
While some lyrics reference Bonnie Parker’s poems, most songs take creative liberties to dramatise their relationship and crimes.
Can I listen to the original Broadway cast recording?
Yes, the original Broadway cast recording is available on streaming platforms, featuring Jeremy Jordan and Laura Osnes.
What musical styles influence the soundtrack?
The score blends blues, country, rock, and gospel, reflecting the era’s sound and the characters’ turbulent lives.
