My Top 30 Favorite Disney Songs

 

Ah, Disney. There is probably no more prolific childhood influence in the media than you. And one of my favorite aspects of Disney has always been that they usually have songs in their movies, and nobody loves a good movie musical like I do. So without futher ado: the definitive list of My Top 30 Favorite Disney Songs

 

 

 

 

30) Sister Suffragette (Mary Poppins)

I know this is an obscure on to include on a list that includes much more prominent songs (you'll notice 'A Spoonful of Sugar' is not on this list,) but ever since I got interested in women's history and feminism, I have loved this song. I've always liked Mrs. Banks as a character, and any song that involves three women strutting around the house calling for equal rights for women is ok with me.

 

Favorite Lyric: "From Kensington to Billingsgate, one hears the restless cries! From every corner of the land, WOMANKIND ARISE!"

 

 

29) Out There (The Hunchback of Notre Dame)

Disney does all music well, but if there is anything they specialize in, it's a "What I Want" song. Most main characters get at least one song to let the audience know what they want and what they dream of, and they're often endearing, passionate songs that make you like the character and relate to them. 'Out There' is one of my favorite of those songs- it's a simple but heartfelt declaration of a need to be part of life, rather than simply watching it pass by, and Tom Hulce's remarkably touching performance as Quasimodo just enhances the beauty of the music.

 

Favorite Lyric: "Out there, strolling by the Seine. Taste a morning out there, like ordinary men who freely walk about there. Just one day and then, I swear I'll be content with my share! Won't resent, won't despair! Old and bent, I won't care. I'll have spent one day out there."

 

 

28) When You Wish Upon a Star (Pinocchio)

Long known as Disney's theme song, 'When You Wish Upon a Star' has come to represent all the company stands for- faith in your dreams, eternal hope and optimism, and happy endings. Sterling Holloway's immortal performance will continue to define the song for eternity, and the beautiful lyrics will continue to bring tears to movie-waters and theme park-goers alike. Even for the most hardened of cynics, there's something about the promise of happy endings, even if just promised by a good hearted old cricket.

 

Favorite Lyrics: "Fate is kind. She brings to those who love the sweet fulfillment of their secret longing... like a bolt out of the blue, Fate steps in and sees you through. When you wish upon a star, your dreams come true."

 

 

 

27) Belle (Beauty and the Beast)

'Belle' serves to introduce us to the titular book- loving heroine, and in 3 minutes, gives us a hundred great reasons to love her. In fact, the characters even sing them to us: "she's a beauty but a funny girl!" "Strange, no question! Distracted, can't you tell!" "Her head's up on some cloud!" "She's a funny girl, that Belle!" At the end of (admittedly wonderful) song, we are endeared to our nerdy protagonist for life, and Paige O'Hara's passionate insistence on "something more than this provincial life!" just seals the deal.

 

 

26) Belle (Reprise)

I don't really have to explain why I love this song so much. I'll just do the lyrics.

Favorite Lyrics: "I WANT ADVENTURE IN THE GREAT WIDE SOMEWHERE! I WANT IT MORE THAN I CAN TELL!.... And wouldn't it be grand to have someone understand... I want so much more than they've got planned..."

 

And all the teenage girls in the audience relate. *sigh*

 

 

25) Bibbidi Bobbidi Boo (Cinderella)

I can't really put my finger on why I like this song so much, but I think it has a lot to do with how much it just makes me think of Walt himself. This was a more innocent, but highly innovative time for the Disney company (and for the world,) and this simple, enchanting song about making one poor girl's dream come true is just too wonderful to ignore. (Plus, it gets stuck in your head. Oh man, does it get stuck in your head.)

 

Favorite Lyrics: "Salagadoola mechicka boola bibbidi bobbidi boo! Put them together and what have you got? Bibbidi bobbidi boo!"

 

 

24) You've Got a Friend in Me (Toy Story)

I think this happy, friendly song will always be a great ode to true friendship, and I also think it was the only song Randy Newman made in a while that stands out as unique. (It was the first Pixar song, after all.) Plus, I'll always think of it as a song between me and my best friend, so I can't help but smile when I hear it.

 

Favorite Lyrics: "You've got a friend in me. You've got a friend in me! You've got troubles, well I've got 'em too. There isn't anything I wouldn't do for you! We stick together and we can see it through, you've got a friend in me!"

 

 

23) Down in New Orleans (The Princess and the Frog)

If you've ever been to New Orleans, you know that it has a definitive culture that is unique to the Crescent City; it is an eccentric, dark, joyful but mystical culture that celebrates both the darkest and lightest sides of life, and Randy Newman's 'Down in New Orleans' perfectly grasps the spirit of the city. New Orleans truly is the city of dreams- a city of great music, great food, great secrets, and great celebrations, and the introductory song for 'The Princess and the Frog' is an excellent example of that.

Favorite Lyric: "We got magic, good and bad; make you happy, make you real sad. Get everything you want and lose what you had, down here in New Orleans. Het partner, don't be shy! Come on down and give us a try! You wanna do some livin' before you do? Do it down in New Orleans!"

 

 

 

22) Why Should I Worry? (Oliver and Company)

 

Oh, the sassy 80s-tasticness of this song. I have no words. It's happy, it's snappy, it's a veritable 'fuck you' to the general world... it's great. Oliver and Company is by no means a great movie, and this isn't really a great song- but who cares? I love this song, and I always have. Why should I worry? Why should I care? Indeed. :)

 

Favorite Lyrics: "Why should I worry? Why should I care? Even when I cross that line, I've got street savoir fare!"

 

 

21) Under the Sea (The Little Mermaid)

I don't think I need to explain this one. 'The Little Mermaid' put the Disney company back on the map during the year of its release, and 'Under the Sea' singlehandedly catapulted Alen Menken to fame. The proverbial example of all that is right with Disney, 'Under the Sea' is an upbeat, showstopping number that shows exactly what Disney does best, and it will always be considered one of the greatest Disney songs of all time.

Favorite Lyric: :The seaweed is always greener in somebody else's lake! You dream about going up there, but that is a big mistake. Just look at the world around you, right here on the ocean floor! Such wonderful things surround you, what more is you lookin' for?"

 

 

20) This is Halloween (The Nightmare Before Christmas)

I came to this song somewhat late in my teenage years, but since then, it's become a Halloween staple. A song celebrating all things spooky that builds up to a haunting, almost ecstatic worship chant about all things-Halloween, 'This is Halloween' is an excellent mood piece for that time of the year, as well as a great song in general.

 

Favorite Lyrics: "I am the one hiding under your bed, teeth ground sharp and eyes glowing red! I am the one hiding under your stairs! Fingers like snakes and spiders in your hair!"

 

 

19) Son of Man (Tarzan)

For whatever reason, I've always imagined myself singing this to my own son one day. There are so many encouraging, empowering aspects to this song, and it serves as a parent advising their child about all the things the parent wants the child to experience and to be, accompanied by Phil Collins' energetic, powerful pop music.

 

Favorite Lyrics: "Oh the power to be strong, and the wisdom to be wise. All these things will come to you in time. On this journey that you're making there'll be answers that you seek, and it's you who climb the mountains, it's you who'll reach the peak!"

 

 

18) I See the Light (Tangled)

I never particularly cared for this song... I until I walked down the aisle to it at my wedding. I wanted Disney music in my wedding, and I initially chose 'I See the Light' just because it sounded pretty on the piano, but when I began my descent down the aisle and heard the music swell, and watched my husband's eyes fill with tears, I realized the song was perfect. The song is our song, and to this day, I cannot hear it without being transported back to that moment. Though the church was full, all I could see was my husband. It was our moment, and this is our song, and it was... perfect.

 

Favorite Lyrics: "All those days chasing down a daydream, all those years living in a blur. All that time never truly seeing things the way they were. Now she's here, shining in the starlight. Now she's here, suddenly I know. If she's here, it's crystal clear, I'm where I'm meant to go. And at last I see the light.. and it's like the fog has lifted. And at last I see the light, and it's like the sky is new.... and it's warm and real and bright... and the world has somehow shifted. All at once, everything is different, now that I see you."

 

 

17) Be Prepared (The Lion King)

 

If there is any type of song I love most, it's the Disney Villain Song. I think all villains should have one, and the ones that do are automatically not only my favorite villains, but some of my favorite songs. Scar's slimy, manipulative, coldhearted song (propelled forward by the combined efforts of Jeremy Irons and Jim Cummings,) is a masterpiece of great music, great performances, and of course, great evil.

 

Favorite Lyric: "You won't get a sniff without me!"

 

 

16) Once Upon a Dream (Sleeping Beauty)

 

This is another song I didn't care much for until my wedding. It played during the seating, and people came up to me afterward and told me how delighted they were to hear all this Disney music. I'd never had a reason to appreciate 'Once' before, but now that it's been part of the most wonderful day of my life, I'll always appreciate the song for its delicate beauty and romance.

 

Favorite Lyric: "I know you, I walked with you once upon a dream."

 

 

15) Step in Time (Mary Poppins)

My favorite moment in 'Mary Poppins' is definitely this moment, and the song is made 1000x more amazing by one thing: Dick Van Dyke's face. Look at it. Look at that delighted, super happy face. The man has a megawatt smile that goes on for miles, and hearing this song, accompanied to his excellent dancing and his great smile, is an excellent experience that makes me happy every time.

 

 

14) You'll Be In My Heart (Tarzan)

 

I remember something striking me about this song a long time ago- it's not just a simple love song. It's intended as a parent singing to a child, but works on other levels as well. I guess the singular note about 'You'll Be In My Heart,' as opposed to other love songs like "So This is Love," is that there's a note of sadness in it. This is a love that is not accepted, and may not last- the singer admits that there may be difficult times ahead, and they may be separated, no matter how strong their love is, but that even if they are, their love will remain as strong as it ever was. It's a beautiful, gentle but passionate song, and it's one with a special place in my heart.

 

Favorite Lyric: "Why can't they understand the way we feel? They just don't trust what they can't explain. I know we're different but deep inside us, we're not that different at all. You'll be in my heart, no matter what they say. You'll be here in my heart, always."

 

 

13) A Dream is a Wish Your Heart Makes (Cinderella)

Another definitive song that defines Disney, 'A Dream is a Wish Your Heart Makes' reiterates what 'When You Wish Upon a Star' said, but narrows its focus. Cinderella never really tells you what she's dreaming of (we're meant to assume it's a boyfriend, I think,) but she's very guarded about then. She's private about her dreams, as well as protective about them. They are hers, and they are all she has, a fact which is both noble and sad. Beautifully sung and elegantly written, 'A Dream is a Wish Your Heart Makes' is a Disney song for the ages.

Favorite Lyrics: "Have faith in your dreams and someday your rainbow will come smiling through. No matter how your heart is grieving, if you keep on believing, the dream that you wish will come true."

 

 

12) I've Got a Dream (Tangled)

It took me a while to warm up to the whole "Tangled" soundtrack, but I definitely have now. I love this song, mostly because it's happy and bouncy (if silly and slightly goofy,) but mostly I just love it for Flynn's part. It sounds an awful lot like my personal dreams: :)

Favorite Lyric: "I've got dreams like you, no really! Just much less....touchy feely. They mostly happen somewhere warm and sunny, on an island that I own, tan and rested and alone! Surrounded by enormous piles of money!"

 

 

 

 11) The Bells of Notre Dame (The Hunchback of Notre Dame)

I am a big fan of things that are epic. Not epic in the cheesy, frat-boy sense of the word, but in the most literal sense- grand, sweeping, theatrical things, and 'The Bells of Notre Dame' is an extraordinary song that is truly epic. Boasting haunting Gregorian chants, sweeping orchestral music and a demand that the audience look at humanity for what it is, not what it seems, 'The Bells' serves not only as a mood piece, but as the opening to one of Disney's darkest, most controversial films.

 

Favorite Line: "Here is the riddle, to guess if you can sing the bells of Notre Dame! Who is the monster and who is the man?"

 

 

 

 10) Can You Feel the Love Tonight (The Lion King)

I will always consider this Disney's best love song. Modern and yet timeless, romantic and yet thoughtful, 'Can You Feel the Love Tonight' is not only one of the great moments in 'The Lion King,' but is also a defining moment for songwriting in general. Elton John's remarkable mood piece is one of my favorites, and one that I was certain to include in my wedding as well.

 

Favorite Lyric: "Can you feel the love tonight? You needn't look too far... stealing through the night's uncertainty, love is where you are."

 

 

9) Beauty and the Beast (Beauty and the Beast)

Ah, this song. Just the opening strains of it make me happy to be alive, and it immediately sets me in a romantic mood. This beautiful song about two unlikely individuals finding each other, elegantly and sincerely sung by Angela Lansbury, is one of the most remarkable Disney songs of all time. Of course, the ballroom sequence that accompanies it is as memorable as the song itself, and all in all, Beauty and the Beast, the movie and the song, will go down in history as one of the most remarkable bits of animation ever.

 

Favorite Lyric: "Tale as old as time, tune as old as song. Bittersweet and strange finding you can change, learning you were wrong. Certain as the sun rising in the east, tale as old as time! Song as old as rhyme. Beauty and the beast."

 

 

8) Go the Distance (Hercules)

There is possibly no song on this list that is more personal to me than this one. For much of my life, it has been my anthem. You know how I said that most Disney characters have a song that lets them sing about what they want? This is my personal favorite of those songs, because for years, it bespoke the desire of my heart. For anyone who has ever felt that they were destined to be more than they were thought to be, or that they wanted a life different than what others expected, 'Go the Distance' is a remarkable song. It is deeply personal to me, and there were many times in life when the song got me through the hard parts.

 

Favorite Lyric: "I have often dreamed of a far off place where a hero's welcome will be waiting for me, and the crowds will cheer when they see my face. And a voice keep saying, this is where I'm meant to be. I'll be there someday, I can go the distance. I will find my way if I can be strong. I know every mile will be worth my while."

 

 

 7) God Help the Outcasts (The Hunchback of Notre Dame)

Having grown up in a very religious household, I heard lots of religious and spiritual songs in my childhood, but this one was unique. This one appealed to me as an adult, when I was beginning to question the faith my parents had taught me and to question the God they believed in so much. This song, solemn and quietly sad, shows another side of prayer, a side that is selfless, doubtful, but still beseeching, and it is a beautiful example of a tender subject, embraced with great delicacy and beauty.

 

Favorite Lyric: "I ask for nothing, I can get by. But I know so many less lucky than I. Please help my people, the poor and downtrod. I thought we all were the children of God."

 

 

6) Circle of Life (The Lion King)

 

I don't even have to explain this one. I'll just say this: MAAAAAAAAASEVEENYAAAAMMAMADEECHEEWAWAH!

 

Favorite Lyric: *see above*

 

 

5) I'll Make a Man Out of You (Mulan)

If you've never worked out to this song, you've never lived. This is THE song that you sing if you want to start a singalong somewhere. As soon as you bust out with "LET's get down to business!" someone around you will chime in with, "To deFEAT THE HUNS!" It's just inevitable. Not only is this song the ultimate kickass tune, it is super fun, and its' the only song from Mulan that I really enjoy.

 

Favorite Lyric: "We must be swift as the coursing river! Will all the force of a great typhoon! With all the strength of a raging fire! Mysterious as the dark side of the moon!"

 

 

4) Friends on the Other Side (The Princess and the Frog)

A blend of New Orleans jazz and Broadway showtune, 'Friends on the Other Side' is one of the most effective villain songs there is. It establishes Dr. Facilier as a formidable, eerie villain, as well as sets the plot in motion with his evil spell. Throw in there some chilling visuals and a wonderful singing performance, and this is a villain song for the ages. However, there is one I a few I like more...

 

 

3) Hellfire (The Hunchback of Notre Dame)

Anyone who says Disney is a sparkley thing full of princesses and glitter hasn't paid attention lately. The villain from 'The Hunchback of Notre Dame', Judge Frollo, literally stands over a fire and sings of his extreme lust for the woman he desires, and is confronted by the literal powers of Hell in the process. He feels the agony of his own sin, but also a contempt and driving desire for power that ultimately damns him in the end. Vain, selfish, and vengeful, Judge Frollo sings the ultimate villain song. Any song that is about hell fire is alright with me, but there is one villain song I like just a smidge more....

 

Favorite Lyric: "Like fire, hellfire! This fire in my skin. This burning desire is turning me to sin. It's not my fault! It's in God's plan, he made the devil so much stronger than a man!"

 

 

2) Poor Unfortunate Souls (The Little Mermaid)

 

Ah yes, the ultimate villain song. Manipulative, catchy, demanding, powerfully sung, and above all, absolutely ruthless. Ursula is one of my favorite Disney villains, and this song pretty much tops them all. No words are really necessary.

 

Favorite Lyric: "Poor unfortunate souls in pain, in need! This one longing to me thinner, that one wants to get the girl! Do I help them? Yes indeed."

 

 

 

 

1) Kiss the Girl/ Part of Your World (The Little Mermaid)

 

I just couldn't pick between these two. Pretty much the whole "Little Mermaid" soundtrack is tops for me, but these two songs are my favorites. There are just no words. Part of Your World is the very epitome of the What I Want Song, and probably the most memorable one, and Kiss the Girl is just a personal favorite. I even had 'Kiss the Girl' played when my husband kissed me at our wedding. :)

 

So there you have it: the definitive list of my favorite Disney songs. :)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Met Gala: The Great, The Awful, and the WTF.

For some reason, all the big celebrities got together to attend the MET Gala this year, and decided to make sure that their makeup was inspired by Alice Cooper, their clothes were "sex, drugs, and rock'n'roll" inspired, and their poses were edgy. The whole shebang went punk this year, and while I'll never know why that happened (nor will future pop culture writers, unfortunately,) there were some really great looks on the red carpet. The 90s are back, ladies and gentlemen, so let's dive right in.

 

My Favorite Looks of the Evening

 

 

I'm a huge fan of sexy and bold, but classy, and Emma Watson is working all of that. Looking outrageously hot, but also very low key (comparatively), Emma is continuing to prove that she's definitely not at Hogwarts anymore.

 

 

Anne Hathaway seems oddly in her element here, and I must say that I love her new blonde hair. After earning the ire of pretty much everyone with her Nipplegate Oscar night dress, this powerful looking dress and cool new hair could definitely improve her image.

 

 

In a night pretty much dominated by black, Amber Heard looked positively smokin' in red. Way to stand out, girl!

 

 

Blake Lively oozed sex appeal in this ornate, flowing gown with a simple grey bodice.

 

 

The head-to-toe pattern trend isn't my favorite, and there are some that definitely cannot pull it off (see: Kim Kardashian,) but Amanda Seyfried's minimal makeup and sleek ponytail make it work. She looks beautiful.

 

 

Claire Danes, looking edgy and chic, but also cool and comfortable. I like her minimalist style. (Plus, check out that epic pout!)

 

 

I don't know who this is, but with all those spikes all over her shoulders and chest, she kind of looks like one of Lady Gaga's backup dancers.

 

 

I still have a hard time remembering that Dakota Fanning isn't that adorably-lisped child from "Uptown Girls" anymore, but here she is, looking sleek and chic in a black dress.

 

 

Emily Blunt, bringing some class back to this gothy affair. Love it!

 

 

Someone forgot to tell Emmy Rossum to dress like she's going to a Halloween party, so she donned this lovely, sheer/nude thing. Fortunately, someone gave her the memo on the way there, so she slathered on some edgy eye makeup to go with it. (Love the dress!)

 

 

Definitely not a fan of Ginnifer Goodwin's Batman eye makeup, but this metallic dress is to die for.

 

 

Jennifer Lawrence's look was possibly my second favorite (number one favorite is to come!) of the whole evening. She got the Goth memo, but decided to take a different approach. She mixed Alice Cooper with Holly Golightly, and ended up wearing this sparkly, amazing cocktail dress with a cute net veil, and some seriously spiky heels. Work it, girl.

 

I can't tell if J.Lo looks more like a snake or a giraffe, but either way, I love it. If I look this good in my late forties, I WILL ask for a copy of this dress. (Though, I don't look this good in my twenties, so I can't imagine that will be the case.)

 



 

Jennifer Morrison is rarely a star I admire for her fashion (she tends to dress kind of like a dude), but this black lace dress is amazing. I love the great neckline and rouching- the dress is flattering, feminine, but also in line with the punk theme of the evening. If only she hadn't stuffed her pretty hair into that weird knot thing....

 

 

Remember how I said that my number one favorite was on its way? Well here it is: Jessica Alba, while typically known for making shitty movies, is also known for a very chic, simple, but elegant sense of style, and she showed that off perfectly at the Gala. She seemed like that person at the Halloween party who knew she was supposed to look scary, so she threw on some basic costume accessories, and still looked awesome. I love the black lace!

 

One of my personal style icons, Taylor Swift, isn't really known for an edgy look, but she worked it so well here, particularly with that on-point-but-not-trashy side panel.

 

 

Miranda Kerr. Hot damn.

 

 

Rooney Mara, proving that she can be the only person in the room wearing white, and yet still be the coolest/creepiest person there.

 

 

The WTF

 

 

 

Allison Williams... what is this? Why do I see your thighs, but not your feet? Is thus some pseudo-Morticcia Addams thing? Is your dress melting off your body? Are YOU melting?

 

 

Apparently Ashley Green took this opportunity to play Goth Cinderella.

 

 

I can't tell if Ashley Olsen intends to grant all my wishes or watch Golden Girls with me.

 

 

Is it just me, or does Cameron Diaz look kind of like a Disney Villain? Imagine this dress with some really high, slanted highbrows and a big collar and a red apple. Oh yeah, you see it now.

 

 

I.... have no words.

 

 

Can someone come claim their Elizabeth Banks? She's wandering around without pants on and I think she's lost.

 

 

The sad part of this is that Elle Fanning's gaudy tye dye skirt isn't the most offensive thing on her. That honor goes to her weird, red and blue eye makeup. *sigh*