I've been on a bit of a Disney kick lately for reasons that will later be revealed. But safe to say, I've been watching a lot more Disney movies and listening to more Disney music than usual. And of course, I regret nothing.
Like most people, I'm quite a fan of this brand that has spawned so many classics over the years. Perhaps my favorite thing about Disney is the nostalgia it brings, especially for us 90's kids who grew up in the midst of the Disney Renaissance. Movies like The Little Mermaid, Toy Story and The Lion King feel like they belong to my generation. Because, well, in a way they do. At least, they did originally. The first merchandise for these movies was part of my toys, cups and lunch boxes. So naturally, it's a treasured part of my childhood.
Even to this day, some of my favorite movies are Disney movies, such as the 2015 live action Cinderella and Pocahontas. Those films are probably within my top 5 favorite movies ever. I think a lot of adults have the misconception that for a movie to be deep and relatable it must be full of "adult" themes and complications. But the way I see it, that couldn't be further from the truth. There is something profound about the purity and simplicity of some movies written for children. Their themes often revolve around kindness, courage and being true to yourself, and movies like that end up being a lot deeper than they appear on the surface (see: Toy Story 4, which I thought had such an amazing message that was definitely more relatable to adults).
Anyway, all that to say, I will probably always love Disney movies for those reasons. They are pure and idealistic, and we need more things like that in this world.
So, in spirit of that (and also because I spent all day listening to Disney playlists), I thought I'd share my top 5 favorite Disney songs ever. This is only from animated movies of course, and because I can't actually just mention 5, I added a few honorable mentions at the end.
Colors of the Wind is obviously the most popular song from Pocahontas, but I've always loved this one just a little bit more. It's just so wonderfully rebellious, but also full of wisdom and honesty. I relate so much to Pocahontas as a character, and this song is part of the reason. It starts off playful and adventurous, but soon gets to the heart of Pocahontas' contemplative nature, and her need to choose her own path.
Know Who You Are (Moana)
Fun fact: Though this is the shortest song on this list (it's literally only six lines), it's also the one that makes me cry probably every single time I hear it. The scene where (spoiler alert) Moana sings this to Te Fiti was my favorite out of the movie. The lyrics are so beautiful and powerful and Auli'i Cravalho's voice fits them so perfectly. This song feels almost like a poem to me. Short, but so poignant and emotional, not to mention empowering.
Part of Your World (The Little Mermaid)
This is partly on this list because I'm pretty sure it's the first song I learned all the lyrics to. The Little Mermaid was my favorite Disney princess when I was a kid (she's probably the reason I've always wanted red hair...). And I know this song gets a bad rep for being all about wanting more. But that's not really what it's about. It's more of a daydream in song form. Ariel's wistful longing for the human world combined with Jodi Benson's incredible voice make it forever a classic. Also, her reprise on the shore is epic.
I See The Light (Tangled)
This is perhaps my favorite Disney love song, in part because Mandy Moore has such a perfect Disney princess voice. I wouldn't say Tangled is one of my top Disney movies, but this song surprised me because it really grew on me the more I heard it. It's sweet and romantic and almost bittersweet. My favorite kind of song. I also love how well the song is able to connect Rapunzel's dream of seeing the lights to her and Flynn realizing how they feel about each other.
You'll Be in My Heart (Tarzan)
First of all, let me start by saying that Tarzan is such an underrated movie. This song is even more underrated though. The first version is so sweet and always makes me tear up. The longer version is also very sweet, but more energetic. Both the melody (which is so catchy) and lyrics make this one of my favorite Disney songs ever. Such a beautiful song that's all about the power of love and family.
Honorable mentions:
Reflection (Mulan)
How Far I'll Go (Moana) (Honestly the whole Moana soundtrack...)
Colors of the Wind (Pocahontas)
Can You Feel the Love Tonight (The Lion King)
Belle (Beauty and the Beast)
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