Top 3 Disney Songs

Time for another fun Disney topic, this one on something else many of us probably love--music! Here are my top three favorite songs from Disney films. Because there are so many great tunes from which to choose, I went the route of slow, sentimental ballads.


3. Sing Sweet Nightingale (Cinderella)


Sing sweet nightingale, high above

I know I overdo it on the Cinderella references, so I made myself pick only one song from the movie, and this one beats out "A Dream is a Wish Your Heart Makes" for its uniqueness. This song and the part in the movie where Cinderella sings it as she soaps and scrubs the floor makes me feel like I am in a dream. It's one of those movie moments that turns me into a little kid, watching a memory I almost forgot. I don't know what is so magical about this moment that puts me in that place, but part of it probably has to do with the dreamy, colorful bubbles floating around Cinderella as she sings and cleans. The song doesn't have too many lyrics, but it would be a great lullaby to sing to a child to send them into peaceful slumber.

2. I See the Light (Tangled)


All those days watching from the windows
All those years outside looking in
All that time never even knowing
Just how blind I've been
Now I'm here blinking in the starlight
Now I'm here suddenly I see
Standing here it's all so clear
I'm where I'm meant to be


And at last I see the light
And it's like the fog has lifted
...
And it's warm and real and bright
And the world has somehow shifted
...


This is a beautiful song and one of my favorite stunning Disney movie moments that begins when Rapunzel and Flynn first arrive at the kingdom and have a day of meeting the locals, investigating books, and dancing over street drawings before heading out to the water to watch the lamps for the lost princess rise in the sky. It's also the part where Rapunzel fulfills one dream and realizes it's okay to move on and find a new one.

1. Go the Distance (Hercules)

I will find my way, I can go the distance

I'll be there someday, if I can be strong

I know every mile will be worth my while

...

I would go most anywhere to find where I belong

This song stands out for its inspirational message and touching melody. Young Hercules knows he must find the strength within himself to seek out and fulfill his destiny. A song that will speak to any dreamer or anyone who has felt out of place.

Fun facts: Alan Menken, who composed "Go the Distance," also composed "I See the Light" from Tangled, "Part of Your World" and "Kiss the Girl" from The Little Mermaid, and "A Whole New World" from Aladdin, among other Disney hits. Also, Glenn Slater wrote the lyrics for "I See the Light" and David Zippel the lyrics for "Go the Distance." Zippel also co-wrote with Matthew Wilder "Reflection" from Mulan.


On a final, honorable-mention-type note, the message in "Reflection" also speaks strongly to my heart, as it surely does to others who have struggled against social or other expectations and stereotypes to instead be seen, respected, and loved for who they are on a deeper level. It's that level on which we want to know and be known, and it's works of art such as these that draw us there together...Plus, they're really fun to listen to.


What are your favorite Disney songs? There are so many great ones, I'm excited to hear your thoughts!


Thanks,
Laura

Attributions
Sing Sweet Nightingale: http://es.disney.wikia.com/wiki/Oh,_Sing_Sweet_Nightingale
I See the Light: http://disney.wikia.com/wiki/File:TAngled_i_see_the_light_wa_1_by_yamakara-d33mv3a.jpg
Go the Distance: http://glee.wikia.com/wiki/User_blog:Nayaforever/I_Can_Go_the_Distance