The Walt Disney Company is guided by a simple mission: “to entertain, inform and inspire people around the globe through the power of unparalleled storytelling.” The mission used to be even simpler: “Make people happy,” a goal that Disney stories have undeniably achieved. Since its founding in 1923, audiences worldwide have grown up with Disney characters, singing their songs, relating to the heroes and heroines of the films, and learning from their experiences.
For generations, classic songs from Disney movies (many of them inspired by mythology and fairy tales) have offered life lessons to both children and adults. Sometimes it’s about making your dreams come true, other times it’s about embracing the differences in the people around you — or in yourself.
No matter the situation, the characters and their songs are relatable and meaningful. The best of them make us feel like we can do and achieve anything, and that feeling stays with us into our daily lives. These 12 lyrics are some of the most inspiring of them all.
And the fears that once controlled me can’t get to me at all / It’s time to see what I can do / To test the limits and break through
“Let It Go” from “Frozen”
Bittersweet and strange / Finding you can change / Learning you were wrong
“Tale As Old As Time” from “Beauty and the Beast”
When you wish upon a star / Makes no difference who you are
“When You Wish Upon a Star” from “Pinocchio”
When there’s a smile in your heart / There’s no better time to start
“You Can Fly” from “Peter Pan”
I know we’re different, but deep inside us / We’re not that different at all
“You’ll Be in My Heart” from “Tarzan”
If you walk the footsteps of a stranger / You’ll learn things you never knew you never knew
“Colors of the Wind” from “Pocahontas”
I remember Daddy told me / “Fairytales can come true / You gotta make ’em happen / It all depends on you”
“Almost There” from “The Princess and the Frog”
I am on my way / I can go the distance / I don’t care how far / Somehow I’ll be strong
“I Can Go the Distance” from “Hercules”
No matter how your heart is grieving / If you keep on believing / The dream that you wish will come true
“A Dream Is a Wish Your Heart Makes” from “Cinderella”
No, I won’t leave, I wanna try everything / I wanna try even though I could fail
“Try Everything” from “Zootopia”
Once you find your center / You are sure to win
“I’ll Make a Man Out of You” from “Mulan”
Look for the bare necessities / The simple bare necessities / Forget about your worries and your strife
“Bare Necessities” from “Jungle Book”
Featured Image Credit: Kitera Dent/ Unsplash
Jennifer Billock
Jennifer is a writer, traveler, witch, and unapologetic Chicagoan. @jenniferbillock
