The Meaning Behind The Song: Ready, Set (Reprise) by Rob McClure & Kerry Butler

Introduction

As a fan of the Ghostlight Records’ Beetlejuice (Original Broadway Cast Recording) album, one song that has captured my attention is “Ready, Set (Reprise)” by Rob McClure and Kerry Butler. This energetic and impactful song comes at a crucial moment in the musical, as the Maitlands, portrayed by McClure and Butler, make a resolve to take back their house from the Deetzes by embracing their newfound ghostly powers.

Table of Contents

The Lyrics Speak Volumes

The song starts with a spoken dialogue between Barbara and Adam Maitland, where they come to terms with Beetlejuice’s advice that they must fight for their home. Barbara declares that they are ghosts and it is time to haunt their own halls, while Adam expresses his concern about stepping outside his comfort zone. However, together they affirm their readiness, setting the stage for the energetic chorus that follows.

[BARBARA, spoken] That needy pervert was right. If we want our house back, we have to fight for it!
[ADAM, spoken] Well, how? No one can see us!
[BARBARA, spoken] We’re ghosts, damn it! Let’s… haunt this bitch!
[ADAM, spoken] Barbara!
[BARBARA] Oblivion calls
So we might as well walk through some walls
I’m sure we can haunt our own halls
‘Cause Adam, we’re ready as we’ll ever get
[ADAM] If we wanna win back our home
I gotta get right outside my comfort zone
[BARBARA] We’ll rattle chains and
I don’t know!
Just wail and moan until they go
Are you willing to take the next step?
[ADAM] Yes!
Ready, set—
[BARBARA] Ready, set—
[BOTH] Ready, set, let’s—
[Adam and Barbara make “ghost” noises.]

A Defining Moment

“Ready, Set (Reprise)” marks a turning point for the Maitlands, as they acknowledge their destiny as ghosts and decide to actively intervene in their own lives. The lyrics portray their determination to reclaim their home, no matter the obstacles they may face. It embodies a powerful message about embracing change and stepping out of one’s comfort zone to overcome adversity.

The Album and Its Impact

The song is part of the Beetlejuice (Original Broadway Cast Recording) album, which features a collection of catchy tunes and memorable performances. “Ready, Set (Reprise)” stands out due to its high energy, captivating vocals by Rob McClure and Kerry Butler, and the pivotal role it plays in the show’s narrative.

Moreover, the smooth transition from “Ready, Set (Reprise)” to the subsequent track, “No Reason,” allows the intensity of the moment to continue seamlessly, building upon the emotions invoked by the previous song. This cohesive flow enhances the overall impact and storytelling of the musical.

In Closing

Listening to “Ready, Set (Reprise)” by Rob McClure and Kerry Butler has been an exhilarating experience. The song’s evocative lyrics, powerful performances, and the context within the broader musical make it a standout track for fans of Beetlejuice. It serves as a reminder to embrace change and face our fears head-on in order to reclaim what is rightfully ours. So, let us join Adam and Barbara in their ghostly mission and shout, “Ready, set, let’s haunt this bitch!”

Credits

Produced By: Kurt Deutsch, Alex Timbers, Eddie Perfect & Matt Stine

Written By: Eddie Perfect

Primary Artists: Kerry Butler & Rob McClure

Recorded At: Ghostlight Records

Release Date: June 7, 2019

Tags: Pop, Musicals, Broadway