Introduction

In this book I am going to discuss the signature song “Part of Your World” from the Walt Disney production film “The Little Mermaid”.

The Little Mermaid is a 1989 American animated musical fantasy film produced by Walt Disney Feature Animation and released by Walt Disney Pictures. It is loosely based on the 1837 Danish fairy tale of the same name by Hans Christian Andersen.

The film was written and directed by John Musker and Ron Clements and produced by Musker and Howard Ashman, who also wrote the film’s songs with Alan Menken. Menken also composed the film’s score. Featuring the voices of René Auberjonois, Christopher Daniel Barnes, Jodi Benson, Pat Carroll, Paddi Edwards, Buddy Hackett, Jason Marin, Kenneth Mars, Ben Wright and Samuel E. Wright.

Walt Disney planned to put the story in a proposed package film containing Andersen’s stories, but scrapped the project. In 1985, Clements and Musker decided to adapt the fairy tale and proposed it to Walt Disney Studios chairman Jeffrey Katzenberg, who initially declined due to its similarities to a proposed sequel to the 1984 film Splash, but ultimately approved of it. They made a Broadway-style structure with musical numbers. Katzenberg warned that the film would earn less since it appealed to female viewers, but he eventually became convinced that it would be Disney’s first blockbuster hit.

The Little Mermaid was released to theaters on November 17, 1989, to critical acclaim, earning praise for the animation, music, and characters. It was also a commercial success, becoming the sixth-highest-grossing film of 1989. The Little Mermaid is given credit for breathing life back into the art of Disney animated feature films after some films produced by Disney were struggling. It also marked the start of the era known as the Disney Renaissance. The film won two Academy Awards for Best Original Score and Best Original Song (“Under the Sea”).

The film’s success led to a media franchise. A direct-to-video sequel was released in 2000, focusing on Ariel’s daughter, Melody. A prequel followed in 2008. The first film was adapted into a stage musical with a book by Doug Wright and additional songs by Alan Menken and new lyricist Glenn Slater opened in Denver in July 2007 and began performances on Broadway January 10, 2008 starring Sierra Boggess.

Other derived works and material inspired by the film, include a 2019 live musical presentation on ABC as part of The Wonderful World of Disney, and a 2023 live-action film adaptation directed by Rob Marshall and starring Halle Bailey.

In 2022, the film was selected for preservation in the United States National Film Registry by the Library of Congress as being “culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant”.

The Narrative

Part of Your World 

Was written by lyricist Howard Ashman and composer Alan Menken for Disney’s animated feature film The Little Mermaid (1989). Performed by American actress and singer Jodi Benson in the main role as Ariel, a mermaid princess. “Part of Your World” is a power ballad in which the main character expresses her strong desire to become human.

Directors Ron Clements and John Musker originally asked Ashman to write a song for Ariel in which she expresses her romantic feelings for Prince Eric, but the lyricist felt that a song that details the character’s fascination with the human world would better serve the film’s plot.

The song has had a significant impact on popular culture and the Disney canon. It is credited with introducing Disney’s Broadway age, popularizing the “I Want” song (a musical number during which the main character sings about what they hope to accomplish by the end of their story) trope in animated musical films, and contributing to the Disney Renaissance era.

The song is considered Jodi Benson’s signature song and has been praised for its enduring popularity and influence.

Disney’s executive almosed removed the song from the film after observing that some children appeared to grow restless during an early test screening of The Little Mermaid but later on he luckily changed his mind after being persuaded and receving positive feedback.

Song Analaysis

Emotions: The emotions conveyed are primarily longing, curiosity, and dissatisfaction. Ariel’s heartfelt vocals express her deep yearning for something more, creating an emotional connection with the audience as they empathize with her desire for change and adventure.

Music: features a memorable melody that builds in intensity as the song progresses. The slow tempo and orchestral arrangement evoke a sense of longing and anticipation, perfectly complementing the song’s lyrical themes. Additionally, the use of musical Motifs and leitmotifs (themes and phrases representing certain characters, places, or ideas used to evoke specific emotions or imagery) throughout the film’s music reinforces the emotional impact of the song and ties it to key moments in the narrative.

Voice: Jodi Benson’s performance as Ariel is characterized by its sincerity, passion, and vulnerability. Her expressive vocals capture the depth of Ariel’s emotions, from her initial longing for change to her growing determination to pursue her dreams. Benson’s delivery brings Ariel’s character to life, making her relatable and empathetic to audiences of all ages.

Uniqueness: “Part of Your World” stands out for its introspective and character-driven nature, focusing on Ariel’s inner thoughts and desires rather than external conflicts. Its emotional depth, iconic melody, and relatable themes have solidified its status as one of Disney’s most beloved songs.

The lyrics: of “Part of Your World” express Ariel’s longing for exploration and change, revealing her desire to break free from her confined life under the sea and immerse herself in the human world. The song sets the stage for Ariel’s character path and establishes her motivations, making it a crucial narrative element in the film. Ariel’s longing for a life beyond her underwater world is conveyed through the song’s specific lyrics and themes. Despite being a princess with a vast collection of treasures, Ariel feels a profound sense of emptiness and seeks something more fulfilling. For instance, in the opening lines, she sings, “Wouldn’t you think I’m the girl who has everything?” This reflects Ariel’s acknowledgment of her privileged status but also her discontent with her current life. The song further emphasizes Ariel’s curiosity about the human world and her desire to explore it through the song’s title, which symbolizes humanity as a whole since it doesn’t address a specific individual. Furthermore, she sings, “Look at this stuff, isn’t it neat? Wouldn’t you think my collection’s complete?” Here, Ariel uses her collection of human artifacts to vicariously experience life on land, highlighting her longing for adventure and discovery.
Moreover, the lyrics of “Part of Your World” contain empowering messages and feminist undertones. Ariel’s desire for independence and self-discovery resonates with audiences, who interpret the song as a universal anthem for anyone who has ever felt constrained by societal expectations. For instance, in the line, “Bet you on land, they understand/Bet they don’t reprimand their daughters,” Ariel expresses her longing for a society where women are free to pursue their dreams without judgment. This feminist sentiment is further reinforced by the song’s symbolic potential, with some critics viewing it as a commentary on gender roles and the struggle for acceptance.

“Part of Your World” from Disney’s “The Little Mermaid” is admired for its emotional depth, powerful vocals, and memorable melody, capturing the essence of Ariel’s journey and aspirations. Musically, “Part of Your World” is a Broadway-style power ballad with a slow build and a soaring melody.

Overall, “Part of Your World” is a standout example of the power of music in storytelling, showcasing Disney’s ability to create compelling characters and narratives through song. And is remembered for its emotional depth, relatable themes, and timeless appeal. The song’s importance lies in its ability to convey the importance of self-discovery and self-expression, inspiring audiences to stay true to themselves despite societal pressures.

Critisim on the Film

“The Little Mermaid” has faced criticism, particularly regarding its portrayal of gender roles and its departure from the original Hans Christian Andersen fairy tale. Some critics argue that the film perpetuates traditional gender stereotypes, portraying Ariel as a passive character whose primary goal is to win the love of Prince Eric. They contend that Ariel’s decision to give up her voice for a chance at romance sends a problematic message to young audiences.

Additionally, some critics have raised concerns about the film’s treatment of its villain, Ursula, who is depicted as a larger-bodied, darker-skinned character with stereotypically negative traits. This portrayal has been criticized as perpetuating harmful stereotypes and reinforcing beauty standards.

Furthermore, the film has been criticized for its departure from Andersen’s original story, which has a darker and more morally ambiguous tone. In the original tale, the Little Mermaid faces consequences for her choices, whereas in the Disney adaptation, her story is given a more optimistic and romanticized ending.

Covers for Part of Your World

“Part of Your World” continues to be covered extensively by various recording artists and musicians, leading some critics to name it one of the most covered Disney songs in recent memory. According to the music database SecondHandSongs, “Part of Your World” is the 10th most covered song released in 1989, with over 45 recognized versions of the ballad.

The Little Mermaid Live Action Film and its enhancements 

directed by Rob Marshall and Co-produced by Walt Disney Pictures etc. It is a live-action adaptation of Disney’s 1989 animated film. Halle Bailey is in the film stars singer title role.

“The Little Mermaid” premiered on May 8, 2023. While the film received mixed reviews from critics directed especialy towards the visual effects, it received a positive feedback for the performances of the cast and the quality of the musical sequences. However, Despite the mixed reception, the film proved to be commercially successful, grossing over $569 million worldwide, positioning it as the tenth-highest-grossing film of 2023 and the seventh-highest-grossing Disney remake.

The 2023 live-action remake of “The Little Mermaid” addressed criticisms of the original film by updating classic songs such as “Kiss the Girl” and “Poor Unfortunate Souls” to address issues of consent and agency. Alan Menken, who wrote the music for the original film and returned for the remake, mentioned revisions to the lyrics of these songs to ensure they align with modern sensibilities. Specifically, changes were made to “Kiss the Girl” to avoid any implication of Prince Eric forcing himself on Ariel, and adjustments were made to “Poor Unfortunate Souls” to avoid conveying messages that might discourage young girls from speaking out.

Furthermore, Halle Bailey, who plays Ariel in the remake, emphasized that the film offers a broader perspective on Ariel’s motivations beyond simply wanting to leave the ocean for a romantic interest. The remake portrays Ariel’s journey as one of self-discovery, empowerment, and pursuing her own desires, highlighting themes of purpose, freedom, and personal agency. This shift in perspective aims to address criticisms of the original film’s portrayal of Ariel’s character and storyline.

The Little Mermaid “Part Of Your World” Evolution (1989 – 2023)

Conclusion

“Part Of Your World” is a masterpiece that has touched the hearts of millions around the world and has had a significant impact on popular culture and Disney.

Although written and released 30 years ago, the song is still impossible not know and love, in addition to the conduction of covers by dozens of well known artists it has been ranked as the 19th most streamed Disney song in 2017 (According to music streaming service Deezer).

This demonstrates that it remains one of the studio’s most popular songs to-date as it keeps till this day inspiring listeners to break down barriers and live their lives to the fullest, as we search for meaning and purpose in our own lives. May we all have the courage to pursue our dreams and chart our paths in this “big blue world.”