The Meaning Behind The Song: Montage, Part 1: Hello Twelve, Hello Thirteen, Hello Love by 2006 Broadway Cast of A Chorus Line
Before we dive into the meaning behind the song, let’s take a look at some key details about it:
| Title | Artist | Writer/Composer | Album | Release Date | Genre | Producer |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hello Twelve, Hello Thirteen, Hello Love | 2006 Broadway Cast of A Chorus Line | Marvin Hamlisch & Edward Kleban | A Chorus Line – 2006 Broadway Cast Recording | 2006 | Soundtrack | John Breglio |
Now that we have the necessary information, let’s explore the deeper meaning behind the song.
The Transition to Adolescence
“Hello Twelve, Hello Thirteen, Hello Love” is a part of the Montage section in the legendary musical, A Chorus Line. The song captures the transition from childhood to adolescence, as the cast members reflect upon the changes they experience during this phase of their lives. From the opening lines, the audience is reminded of the chaos and uncertainty that accompanies this period:
It’s a mess
The characters acknowledge that it’s time for them to grow up and face the challenges that come with adolescence:
Time to grow
[MAGGIE & AL]
Time to go
They refer to their state of adolescence as being “too young to take over” but “too old to ignore” – caught in a limbo between childhood and adulthood:
Adolesce
Adolesce
Too young to take over
Too old to ignore
These lines perfectly capture the confusion and uncertainty that many individuals experience during their teenage years, as they navigate the complexity of growing up.
Life’s Unexpected Twists and Turns
The song also highlights the unexpected twists and turns life throws at us during our formative years. In a spoken interlude, Mark shares his experiences with illness and sexuality:
And from the book, I diagnosed my own appendicitis
Mark’s dry humor shines through as he recounts his brush with appendicitis and his first experience with gonorrhea. He expresses both the naivety and confusion that often accompany such discoveries during adolescence.
Then, when I was thirteen, I had my first… wet dream. I went right back to the book…. milky discharge, milky discharge, milky discharge…
These revelations showcase the song’s ability to touch on topics that are both relatable and often uncomfortable. It highlights the challenges young people face in understanding their changing bodies and navigating their emerging sexuality.
Embracing Individuality and Overcoming Obstacles
Throughout the song, various cast members share personal anecdotes that reflect their desires, insecurities, and dreams. From Connie’s frustrations about her height to Val’s longing for physical development, the song explores the theme of individuality and the universal longing to fit in.
Connie describes her struggles with her height and reflects on her childhood aspirations of becoming a ballerina:
Four foot ten
Four foot ten
That’s the story of my life
I remember when everybody was my size
Boy, was that great
But then everybody started moving up
And there I was, stuck at
Four foot ten
Four foot ten
But I kept hoping and praying
I used to hang from a parallel bar
By the hour
Hoping I’d stretch
Just an inch more
Connie’s story is a poignant reminder of the desire for growth both physically and emotionally, and the frustration that can come with feeling like an outsider.
The song also touches on the challenges of overcoming obstacles, whether physical or emotional. Mark’s journey with his gonorrhea scare highlights the confusion and embarrassment he experiences, but also the importance of seeking knowledge and support.
This song resonates with me on a personal level. I remember being a teenager and feeling the pressure to fit in and grow up quickly. The lyrics and stories recounted in “Hello Twelve, Hello Thirteen, Hello Love” capture the vulnerability and confusion that I, and many others, experienced during adolescence. It reminds us that we are not alone in our struggles and that there is beauty in embracing our individual journeys.
As the song concludes, the cast members celebrate their shared experiences and bid farewell to their childhood selves:
Goodbye twelve
Goodbye thirteen
Hello love…
They acknowledge that it’s time to move forward, face the challenges of adulthood, and embrace the unknown.
By delving into these complex themes and sharing stories that many can relate to, “Hello Twelve, Hello Thirteen, Hello Love” serves as a powerful reminder of the universal struggles and triumphs of adolescence. It holds a special place in the hearts of many Broadway fans, resonating with individuals of all ages who have experienced the highs and lows of growing up. As the song concludes, the cast members bid adieu to their childhood years, stepping bravely into the unknown, ready to face the challenges and embrace the love that life has to offer.
