Part of Your World

Disney, Jodi Benson

About Part of Your World

"Part of Your World" is a song 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 titular 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; its lyrics use placeholder names in lieu of several human-related terms that would be unfamiliar to a mermaid. The film's theme song, "Part of Your World" is reprised by Ariel after she rescues Eric, a human prince with whom she has fallen in love, from drowning. Directly influenced by Broadway and musical theatre, Ashman strongly believed that The Little Mermaid would benefit from an "I Want" song – a musical number during which the main character sings about what they hope to accomplish by the end of their story. 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. Ashman recruited Benson, with whom he had previously collaborated on the stage musical Smile (1986), to record "Part of Your World", and worked closely with her to ensure that she delivered a desirable performance. Disney executive Jeffrey Katzenberg initially ordered that "Part of Your World" be removed from the final film due to concerns that the ballad would bore young children. However, Ashman, Clements, Musker and animator Glen Keane ultimately convinced Katzenberg that "Part of Your World" is essential to the film's narrative, and the song was spared after audiences appeared to enjoy it during a subsequent test screening. 


Year:
2006
3:15
13 
#1

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Look at this stuff
Isn't it neat?
Wouldn't you think my collection's complete?
Wouldn't you think I'm the girl
The girl who has ev'rything?
Look at this trove
Treasures untold
How many wonders can one cavern hold?
Lookin' around here you'd think
(Sure) she's got everything

I've got gadgets and gizmos aplenty
I've got whozits and whatzits galore
(You want thingamabobs?
I got twenty)
But who cares?
No big deal
I want more

I want to be where the people are
I want to see
want to see 'em dancin'
Walkin' around on those
(Whad'ya call 'em?) oh - feet
Flippin' your fins you don't get too far
Legs are required for jumpin', dancin'
Strollin' along down a
(What's that word again?) street

Up where they walk
Up where they run
Up where they stay all day in the sun
Wanderin' free
Wish I could be
Part of that world

What would I give
If I could live
Outta these waters?
What would I pay
To spend a day
Warm on the sand?
Betcha on land
They understand
Bet they don't reprimand their daughters
Bright young women
Sick o' swimmin'
Ready to stand

And ready to know what the people know
Ask 'em my questions
And get some answers
What's a fire and why does it
(What's the word?) burn?

When's it my turn?
Wouldn't I love
Love to explore that shore above?
Out of the sea
Wish I could be
Part of that world

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Disney

The Walt Disney Company (NYSE: DIS), commonly referred to as Disney, is an American diversified multinational mass media corporation headquartered in Walt Disney Studios, Burbank, California, United States. It is the largest media conglomerate in the world in terms of revenue. Founded on October 16, 1923, by Walt and Roy Disney as the Disney Brothers Cartoon Studio, Walt Disney Productions established itself as a leader in the American animation industry before diversifying into live-action film production, television, and travel. Taking on its current name in 1986, The Walt Disney Company expanded its existing operations and also started divisions focused upon theatre, radio, music, publishing, and online media. In addition, it has created new divisions of t… more »

14 fans

Written by: Howard Elliott Ashman, Alan Menken

Lyrics © Walt Disney Music Company

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


12 facts about this song

Song Creation
"Part of Your World" was written by Alan Menken and Howard Ashman. Menken handled the music while Ashman wrote the lyrics.
Premiered in Film
This song premiered in "The Little Mermaid," a 1989 Disney animated film. It became one of the most recognized songs from the movie.
Character Theme Song
It is essentially the 'I want' song of Ariel, the film's protagonist, expressing her desire to fit into the human world above the sea.
Almost Cut From The Film
"Part of Your World" was almost cut from "The Little Mermaid" since it initially did not perform well with test audiences, particularly with some children who seemed bored.
Critical Reception
Despite its initial lukewarm reception, the song has since been critically acclaimed. It is praised for its lyrical storytelling and character development.
Soundtrack Success
The song is part of "The Little Mermaid" soundtrack, which peaked at No.7 on the Billboard 200 Albums Chart.
Impact on Animated Musicals
"Part of Your World" is considered a pivotal song in the history of Disney animated films, marking the return of musical films where characters express their thoughts, feelings, and desires through songs.
Jodi Benson's Performance
The song is performed by actress and singer Jodi Benson, who provides the voice for Ariel.
Inspirations
The structure and theme of "Part of Your World" were inspired by musical theater, particularly the song "Somewhere That’s Green" from "Little Shop of Horrors," another musical Menken and Ashman collaborated on.
Numerous Covers
The song has been covered by various artists over the years, which further highlights its influence and popularity. Some famous covers include those by Miley Cyrus, Jessica Simpson, and Carly Rae Jepsen.
Broadway Musical
"Part of Your World" also features prominently in the Broadway musical adaptation of "The Little Mermaid," further testifying to its enduring appeal.
Position in the Film
In the context of the film, "Part of Your World" occurs when Ariel is in her secluded grotto filled with numerous items salvaged from shipwrecks, expressing her longing to understand and be part of the human world.

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