By very little exaggeration, Disney has a song or musical number for any occasion. Whether a character is in love, happy, sad, or embarking on a grand and glorious adventure, chances are that there's a vibrant and expressive tune ready to be sung at a moment's notice.
As fun as it would be to live in a Disney movie amongst their litany of beloved characters, not everyone can suddenly burst into song at the drop of a hat. Fortunately for fans, the house of mouse has more than enough mood-boosting musical numbers to help light their sparks and get their own adventures well underway.
Let It Go (Frozen)
Love it or hate it, there's no denying that the infamous "Let It Go" has some serious motivational merit. While it's definitely one of the most overplayed and overused songs ever created by the studio, it's still a fabulous composition on a musical level.
Not only is it Elsa's titular song, as well as the film's major hit, but it's a very expressive number that goes against the normal Disney princess standards. It's a song about self-reliance, self-worth, and self-acceptance in the face of societal standards. It's not just a princess's "I want" song, but one that says "I'm enough."
When Will My Life Begin (Tangled)
With this Alan Menken composition, Rapunzel declares herself the ultimate morning person, anyone who can manage a full list of hobbies all before 7:15 certainly deserves the title. It might sound like an over-indulgent princess number at first, but the tune, lyrics, and positive attitude forces to create a very intoxicating and smile-inducing number.
Not everyone enjoys waking up early in the morning, but a little bit of Disney magic can go a long way. If they aren't sucked in by the lyrics and Mandy Moore's performance as Rapunzel, the music itself can certainly help kickstart the day.
They Live In You/He Lives In You (The Lion King)
The spiritual symbolism of The Lion King is present in the film, but all the more upfront in the stage play. There's a certain scriptural flavor to Mufasa's heart-to-heart message to Simba after the encounter in the Elephant Graveyard, and the lyrics of "They Live In You/He Lives In You" make for one seriously mystical pep talk.
Everyone needs a Mufasa in their lives, someone to offer some fatherly wisdom to steer them in the right direction. The song is a message of looking to a higher power for a sense of guidance, an activity which many do on both the best and worst of days. Simply put, sometimes it's about looking at the grander scheme of things.
A Spoonful of Sugar (Mary Poppins)
Mary Poppins said it best. "In every job that must be done, there is an element of fun. You find the fun and snap, the job's a game." Whether it's tidying up the bedroom, going to work, school, or running errands, a positive perspective can make a whole world of difference.
One thing everyone has to learn at some point in their lives is that sometimes someone has to do something they'd really rather not. While a positive attitude about the situation might not make things "become a piece of cake," a change in outlook can have beneficial effects.
Almost There (The Princess And The Frog)
A Disney princess who's also a workaholic might sound like a contradictory mixture of elements, but it describes Tiana to a T. Her dream isn't a prince and a faraway castle, but to run her own business and build her own success. The rise-and-grind life isn't easy, but this song easily reflects that finish line when the goal is almost in reach.
It might be running a business or it might just be getting to the weekend after a long and arduous work week, but everyone has been in that "almost there" frame of mind. This song serves to give listeners that extra oomph of optimism to make it to that last leg of the journey.
I Can’t Let You Throw Yourself Away (Toy Story 4)
As weird as a gospel song by Randy Newman about a spork with a semi-deathwish might sound, the lyrics of this strange composition come packed with an affirming message that some people just need to hear. In a time of pandemics, political and social discourse, and more, sometimes a reminder to keep going is called for.
Although the average Disney fan might not be going through an existential crisis like Forky, everyone has days when they feel like trash. Newman's song is one that acts as a push of positive energy to help the listener keep going, promising that there's always something to look forward to.
Out There (The Hunchback Of Notre Dame)
Perspective is everything, as the saying goes. For someone who's spent their entire existence locked away in a tower, a day walking the streets of Paris could rival a trip to Disneyland, and Quasimodo makes that blatantly clear in this optimistic rendition. Everyone has been in a position of wanting something outside of their individual circle, and it's typically something in the proverbial "out there."
Disney has often penned a message of how life is a great adventure, and that's clearly the case Quasi is trying to make in his declaration. Adding this motivational musical number can give a listener the boost to go out and take on the day and whatever might come their way.
Zero To Hero (Hercules)
Some mornings call for a trip to the gym, and there's perhaps no better album for a Disney fan's workout than the Hercules soundtrack. The movie already takes a few notes from Rocky, so it's only natural a fan would want to bring things full circle and blast songs like "Zero to Hero" while they're hitting the treill or the speedbag.
Determination is certainly the name of the game in this musical rags-to-riches montage, and listeners can't help but get swept up in the Muses' rich performance as they take on their own hydras, gorgons, and monsters. They might not be built like Hercules, but they can certainly feel like him at the end of their own training session with this track.
Try Everything (Zootopia)
If there's one modern Disney song everyone should start their day with, it's "Try Everything" from an iconic Disney mood-booster song, and it is by no means ashamed of it.
It features a driving beat and inspiring lyrics, a memorable tune, and a positive message that's more about getting out and trying than winning or losing. The never-say-die spirit is something very Disney, but the blatant point about getting up and trying again over and over is a motif more people need to hear. Simply put, it's top-tier motivational material regardless of the time of day.
I’ll Make A Man Out Of You (Mulan)
"I'll Make a Man Out of You" is a song that needs a little introduction. The opening line of "Let's get down to business..." is enough to get a legion of fans ready to defeat the Huns without a second thought. Possibly the most memorable song from Mulan, the track is great for a kung-fu training montage or the simple act of getting out of bed in the morning.
It's a song that can ignite a fire in the listener, sparking a get-up-and-go reaction to take on the day ahead. While most Disney fans won't have to cross swords with Shan-Yu, a little taste of warrior spirit can help them overcome just about anything if properly applied.
