Two By Two

The song "Two By Two" from the musical *The Book of Mormon* captures the excitement and anticipation of young Mormon missionaries as they prepare to embark on their missions. The song is a lively and humorous portrayal of the missionaries' enthusiasm and the sense of adventure that comes with being sent to various parts of the world. The lyrics highlight the importance of the mission in a young Mormon's life, emphasizing it as a pivotal moment where they can make a significant impact by spreading their faith and helping others.

Elder Price, one of the main characters, is particularly eager and hopeful about his mission. He dreams of being sent to Orlando, a place he loves for its attractions like Sea World and Disney. This personal desire contrasts with the reality of being assigned to Uganda, a location he knows little about. This moment underscores the theme of faith and the unpredictability of life, as the missionaries must trust in their faith and the decisions made for them, even when they don't align with their personal wishes.

The song also humorously touches on the cultural stereotypes and expectations the missionaries have about the places they are sent. From Norway's gnomes and trolls to France's pastries and turtlenecks, and Japan's soy sauce and Mothra, the lyrics playfully exaggerate the missionaries' naive excitement and the cultural clichés they hold. This adds a layer of comedy to the song while also highlighting the missionaries' genuine desire to connect with and understand the diverse cultures they will encounter.

Overall, "Two By Two" is a vibrant and comedic exploration of the hopes, dreams, and challenges faced by young Mormon missionaries. It captures their zeal, the cultural clashes they anticipate, and the faith that drives them to embark on their missions, no matter where they are sent.