Disney has got some amazing minds working for them when it comes to, well everything, but especially in their music department. As cheesy as they might seem, Disney songs are relatable and inspiring on so many levels. Growing up a Disney kid, I now can put, "knows every Disney song by heart," on my resume. Even as I'm typing this article I have Disney songs floating in and out of my head.
1. "I'll Make a Man Out of You" - Mulan
This song ignites a firey attitude in everyone. It worked to empower the soldiers on their hunt for the Huns, how could it not empower anyone else when they need a lift in motivation.
2. "Love is an Open Door" - Frozen
Despite this adorable duet being a facade for Prince Hanz's evil plan, it has resulted in many cute lip syncing duets of couples who are in the cute lovey-dovey relationship phase. I mean, after all, this song did point out everything couples do when they're in the honeymoon phase, finishing each other's sandwiches and all.
3. "A Dream is a Wish Your Heart Makes" - Cinderella
Cinderella was definitely not wrong when she sang this song, giving everyone the hope that anything your heart wants and dreams is achievable as long as you believe.
4. "How Far I'll Go" - Moana
The newest Disney princess did not fail at addressing the fact that adventure is out there and it is calling everyone, no matter what age. Sometimes you have to take a chance and go explore all the world has to offer.
5. "Hi Ho" - Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs
This song gave a whole new meaning to the idea that singing helped make work go faster and seem less boring. I mean, come on, the Dwarfs didn't even notice how dangerous and strenuous their mining job was because they sang this song. Singing is the way to go.
6. "Beauty and the Beast" - Beauty and the Beast
This song helps explain complicated relationships where both of the people are in love but both are too stubborn to admit it, ie. Belle and the Beast. Angela Lansbury's voice combined with some of the resonating lyrical lines will forever make this song magical and beautiful.
7. "I Can Go the Distance" - Hercules
Good ol' Herc gave us this song to show us all that no matter what people tell us and no matter how much they try to put us down, we can do anything if we actually work hard for it. He was made fun of and after singing this song went and found Phil who helped him become the strong hunk we all swooned over when the movie first came out. Maybe if we all sing this song before making a big change, we'll all reach our maximum potential...wishful thinking but definitely worth a listen.
8. "I Won't Say I'm in Love" - Hercules
This song is the absolute definition of a girl/woman in love, especially nowadays. We all want to be strong and independent and refuse to admit that a guy has us weak, but in the end, we can't help it. Love is something worth succumbing to.
9. "You'll Be in My Heart" - Tarzan
The beauty about this song is that it can be used for almost every occasion and for almost anyone in your life. I always associate it for family, as it dedicated to Tarzan's mom in the movie but I also use it sometimes when I'm paying homage to my once wonderful GPA. But hey, to each their own.
10. "A Whole New World" - Aladdin
This has to be one of my favorite songs, not only because I used to think I was Princess Jasmine when I was little, this was before Moana and Lilo and Stitch (the movie of my people), and I always used to love Aladdin. This romance song brings to life what it feels like when you meet "the one." Of course when you and your significant other go out on the town, singing this song with the windows down will create the strongest effect since I'm pretty sure no one owns a flying carpet in this day and age.
To narrow down the songs was difficult so here is a continuing list of Disney songs that are not only meaningful and inspirational but also some that will forever be ones that hold a place in my heart because they shaped my childhood.
- "He's A Tramp" - Lady and the Tramp
- "Hakuna Matata" - The Lion King
- "Part of Your World" - The LIttle Mermaid
- "Colors of the Wind" - Pocahontas
- "Reflection" - Mulan
- "You've Got a Friend in Me" - Toy Story
- "Almost There" - The Princess and the Frog
- "Life is a Highway" - Cars
- "If I Didn't Have You" - Monsters Inc.
- "That's How You Know" - Enchanted
Hopefully listening to some of these songs will spark up the Disney child in you and you'll get to experience the old magic once more. Have a magical day.
