The A-Z of Avenue Q songs
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What Do You Do With a BA in English? If you’ve got the degree, it’s something you’ve probably heard from well-meaning, but ultimately cruel, family member. It’s a question you’ve definitely heard if you’ve watched [*Avenue Q*](https://www.londontheatredirect.com/musical/avenue-q-tickets), the Tony Award-winning musical.
The outrageous puppet-packed show follows Princeton, a recent graduate who moves to a shabby New York street and meets a group of equally lost neighbours navigating careers, relationships, and identity.
Combining fuzzy, friendly-looking puppets with very grown-up humour, the show explores themes of purpose, love, and financial struggle, all through an unforgettable, comedic score. But what are the songs that make up the iconic soundtrack? Well, the internet is for listing musical numbers, so scroll on and find out.
### **The Songs from Avenue Q**
### **Avenue Q Act 1 songs**
**Avenue Q Theme**
The opening number introduces the rundown New York neighbourhood and its eccentric residents. It’s a bright, deceptively cheerful number, reminiscent of children's TV show theme tunes. However, if you stop tapping your foot long enough to listen to the lyrics, you’ll discover the song isn’t as optimistic as it sounds.
**What Do You Do with a B.A. in English?**
Princeton, a recent graduate, arrives in New York full of hope. He immediately questions the usefulness of his degree.
**It Sucks to Be Me**
The residents of Avenue Q - Brian, Kate Monster, Rod, Nicky, Christmas Eve, and Gary Coleman (yes, that one) - come together to complain about their lives, and quickly turn it into a competition to who has it worse. This ensemble number establishes the shared dissatisfaction that bonds the characters.
**If You Were Gay**
A comic duet between puppet flatmates; Nicky and Rod. Nicky reassures Rod that they would still be BFFs even if Rod was gay. However Rod refuses to listen and aggressively denies the (correct) accusations, until he screams “I AM NOT GAY!”
**Purpose**
Princeton becomes obsessed with finding his purpose in life. This recurring idea becomes the musical’s central emotional thread.
**Everyone’s a Little Bit Racist**
A satirical and provocative number that challenges social taboos. It uses humour to explore uncomfortable truths about prejudice.
**The Internet Is for Porn**
Trekkie Monster hijacks Kate Monster's lesson on the internet, to declare its “true” purpose. It’s one of the show’s most notorious and outrageous songs. It’s a fast-paced, comic number that became a fan favourite.
**Mix Tape**
Princeton tries to impress Kate with a romantic gesture, however his music choices - "You've Got A Friend," "The Theme From 'Friends'" and "I Am The Walrus" - leave Kate confused.
**I’m Not Wearing Underwear Today**
A brief, absurd comedic interlude from wannabe comic, Brian. It adds to the show’s unpredictable and irreverent tone, and lets us know just how bad a stand up Brian is.
**Special**
Lucy seduces Princeton in a sultry, cabaret-style number. It’s scandalous, shocking, and seriously funny. However it has devastating consequences for Kate and Princeton’s blossoming relationship.
**You Can Be as Loud as the Hell You Want (When You’re Makin’ Love)**
A wildly over the top and chaotic ensemble piece about overhearing neighbours…private activities.
**Fantasies Come True**
Rod imagines his ideal romantic scenario. This sweet and sentimental number reveals his inner conflict and desires.
**My Girlfriend, Who Lives in Canada**
Rod insists his girlfriend - Alberta - exists, she just happens to live in Canada. The song continues the running gag of denial.
**There’s a Fine, Fine Line**
Kate reflects on love, heartbreak, and uncertainty. This emotional ballad provides a powerful Act 1 finale.
### **Avenue Q Act 2 songs **
**There Is Life Outside Your Apartment**
The neighbours encourage Princeton to re-engage with the world. It’s an uplifting group number about moving forward.
**The More You Ruv Someone**
Christmas Eve explains that love and frustration often go hand in hand, but uses some odd, incestuous, analogies to (try) and prove her point.
**Schadenfreude**
Gary Coleman and Nicky celebrate taking pleasure in others’ misfortune. We defy you not to sing this when you see tourists getting lost, or see someone narrowly missing an elevator - after asking someone to hold it.
**I Wish I Could Go Back to College**
Kate, Princeton, and Nicky long for simpler times. The song captures nostalgia and the uncertainty that comes with adulthood.
**The Money Song**
Nicky attempts a money-making scheme. However, Princeton, Gary Coleman and Christmas Eve all want a piece of the action, and there’s only so much money to go around.
**School for Monsters/The Money Song (Reprise)**
Trekkie Monster listens to the pleas of the others, and gives his money to Kate's cause. Kate finally pursues her dream of opening a school for monsters. It is a heartfelt and uplifting number that pulls on the heartstrings.
**There’s a Fine, Fine Line (Reprise)**
Princeton reflects on his past mistakes, and finally admits his feelings for Kate.
**What Do You Do with a B.A. in English? (Reprise)**
A new character mirrors Princeton’s earlier struggles. The cycle of uncertainty continues.
**For Now**
The finale delivers the show’s message: everything in life - the good and the bad - is temporary. It ends the musical on a hopeful, reflective note.
Whether you’re revisiting the cast recording or seeing the West End revival at [Shaftesbury Theatre](https://www.londontheatredirect.com/venue/shaftesbury-theatre-london), Avenue Q remains one of the most distinctive and entertaining musical theatre scores; funny, bold, and surprisingly meaningful.
[Avenue Q](https://www.londontheatredirect.com/musical/avenue-q-tickets) plays at [Shaftesbury Theatre](https://www.londontheatredirect.com/venue/shaftesbury-theatre-london) until 29 August 2026.