Over the summer break I went to Disney World for the very first time (believe it or not). When I went, I realized how much I adored all the characters in Disney. But most of all, I realized the love I had for Disney music. Not only was I singing, but so many other teenagers found themselves singing along to the music playing. Even my brother, at the age of 20, was singing along to all of the classic Disney songs (which goes to show how people have a special place in their hearts for Disney music even as they grow up). Here is a list of 10 Disney songs that have a special place in my heart.
1. "Under the Sea"- Little Mermaid
To this day, every time I listen to this song, I want to go to the beach and swim “under the sea”. I even remember banging on my mom’s pots and pans, as I tried to recreate the catchy marimba beat in the song. In fact, for my fifth birthday, I loved this song so much that I had the lyrics copied down on my birthday cake.
2. "I won't say I'm in love: -Hercules
Whenever I listen to this song, it gets stuck in my head. The catchy chorus and the background singers build up such a beautiful melody that is unforgettable. I also look at the message in the song and it reminds me of modern day music. If you listen to the lyrics carefully, the message is like a classic Taylor Swift song, but with a different melody.
3. A Whole New World"- Aladdin
“A Whole New World” is one of the most melodious Disney songs. With the high pitches and the beautiful tune, the song easily grabs the attention of so many. Aladdin’s reference to “a new world” essentially explains that with both Jasmine and Aladdin’s love, it will be a different world.
4. "Hakuna Matata"- The Lion King
Who could not love this song? Ask any child what Hakuna Matata means, and they’ll tell you, “it means no worries”. It’s the one phrase that they don’t need a dictionary for. This year one of my teachers has a sign which reads “Got a bad grade? Hakuna Matata!” I personally love this song merely because the message in this song should be one we all recognize. The song simply says to not worry and focus on being happy!
5. "Colors of the Wind" -Pochahontas
If I could describe this song in one word, it would be “inspiring”. Despite the magnificent voice of Judy Kuhn, the lesson behind the song is what makes this song a classic. Through the song, the singer explains how we should respect other people and their views, as well as provide humility to understand people who are different. My personal favorite line in this song is “But if you walk the footsteps of a stranger. You’ll learn things you never knew. You never knew”. Essentially, saying that there are things you don’t even know that you are unaware of, but if you stand in the shoes of someone else you will learn what you didn’t know.
6. "Part of your World"- The Little Mermaid
What can I say, I love Little Mermaid! The melody in this song says it all. The song expresses the desire she has to be part of the human world. When I was five or six, I remember thinking to myself “Why does she want to be here? I want be a mermaid”. Just ask my mom how many times I asked her why I wasn’t a mermaid.
7. "Bare Necessities"- The Jungle Book
There is no doubt that this song is one of Disney’s catchiest songs. The simple line of “look for the bar necessities, the simple bare necessities, forget about your worries and your strife” gets stuck in your head for a while. I also love the message in this song for its simple but meaningful. Overall the song says to not worry about the complicated issues in life and urges one to relax.
8. "Bippity Boppity Boo"- Cinderella
I remember running around the house with my wand, and singing this very song. The melody to this song brings joy to me every time I hear it. Besides being a catchy song, the song promotes hope. As the lyrics show children that even their own wishes will come true aswell.
9. "Son of Man"- Tarzan
Out of all the Disney songs, this song has one of my favorite messages. The song simply says if you take the leap of faith, you shall be “a man in time”. The song has inspired many to take the leap of faith even though it may seem scary. As I start school, I strive to take that scary leap of faith to reach success. Though it may be hard, as the song says, I know that in the end I’ll be the one“who reaches the peak”.
10. "Reflection"- Mulan
The reason so many people love this song is partially due to the contagious melody and sweet stylings of Lee Solonga, but it is also because the song talks about something we all can relate to: This issue of living up to someone else’s standards. As the song says, many people struggle to meet the expectation put on them by others. This causes them to try and hide who they are. Though the song discusses how she has to hide who she is, personally I think as the song progresses it actually becomes a magical spell that instills confidence.
As you can probably tell, I was the kid who knew all of the Disney songs by heart. Now, I’m still the kid who knows all the lyrics. Whether it be because of the melody or the message, these Disney songs will always have a special place in my heart.
