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," "Frozen"
Bittersweet and strange
Finding you can change
Learning you were wrong
— “Tale As Old As Time,” "Beauty and the Beast"
When you wish upon a star
Makes no difference who you are
— "When You Wish Upon a Star," "Pinocchio"
When there’s a smile in your heart
There’s no better time to start
— “You Can Fly,” "Peter Pan"
I know we're different, but deep inside us
We're not that different at all
— “You’ll Be in My Heart,” "Tarzan"
If you walk the footsteps of a stranger
You’ll learn things you never knew you never knew
— “Colors of the Wind,” "Pocahontas"
I remember Daddy told me
"Fairytales can come true
You gotta make 'em happen
It all depends on you"
— “Almost There,” "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,” "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,” "Cinderella"
No, I won't leave, I wanna try everything
I wanna try even though I could fail
— “Try Everything,” "Zootopia"
Once you find your center
You are sure to win
— "I'll Make a Man Out of You," "Mulan"
Look for the bare necessities
The simple bare necessities
Forget about your worries and your strife
— “Bare Necessities,” "Jungle Book"
Photo credit: Kitera Dent/ Unsplash