Inside Out taught us about our emotions. Zootopia, Trolls: World Tour, and My Little Pony: A New Generation, taught us about racism and stereotyping. Ugly Dolls taught us about superficiality, inner beauty, discrimination, and being yourself. Shrek: Forever After taught us the value of appreciating what we have. The Hunchback of Notre Dame taught us not to be blinded by religious zeal, to be kind to those who are different than us, and that beauty is in the eye of the beholder. I could go on, but I think you get the idea.
Ever since Walt Disney started Disney-ing, we’ve been blessed with a myriad of films aimed at children that teach very grown-up lessons. (Lessons we could all use a refresher on, actually….Especially the adults.) And let’s not forget: the soundtracks are absolutely incredible.
In fact, I’d argue that some of the best (and most overlooked) songs of the past two decades have come from “children’s” film. The lyrics are meaningful. They’re catchy. Unforgettable. Ear worms. But they don’t get the widespread credit they deserve, cause, like the kid-centrist films they originate from, they’re considered child’s play (pardon the pun).
Just sos you know, I’m not going to include well known, obvious choices like “Show Yourself” (an important song to me) from the Frozen franchise, or hits from Moana, The Lion King, Tarzan, Toy Story, Pocahontas, etc. Everybody knows those. *Eyeroll*. (Still great songs, though, don’t get me wrong.)
So, without further adieu, I’d like to introduce you to some of the most powerful, catchy, top-notch, lyrically meaningful songs you’ll ever hear — from kids movies.
(These are in no particular order. I can’t pick favorites, I’m just not decisive enough.)
Danger Danger | My Little Pony: The Next Generation (2021)
This little ditty is a catchy number about the very serious complications of mob mentality. In brilliant lyricism, Alan Schmuckler sings ironically about the dangers of blind anger and judgment. The lyrics paint the portrait of a tribalism that mindlessly follows the orders of a fear-mongering leader: suspend critical thinking and open-mindedness. Different = bad. New = bad. The song also touches on the “wrong is right” mentality — that is, if everyone is doing it, it must be right, right? (Just because it’s legal, doesn’t make it okay, folks. Remember, slavery was once legal.) It masterfully shows how quickly we devolve into hurting each other instead of understanding each other.
Sharpen your senses, sharpen your tongues
Sharpen your moral indignation
Gather in groups and ready your lungs
Holler with pent-up aggravationMob, mob, m-m-mob, mob, mob, mob, angry, angry
Mob, mob, m-m-mob, mob, mob, mob, angry, angryFight, see in black and white
That’s your pony right
Time to lift your manes and proudly
Throng, numbers make you strong
Millions can’t be wrong
Specially when they’re screamin’ loudlyYou might not have a bale of hay to borrow
Written by Michael Mahler / Alan Schmuckler
Are you saddled with your sorrow? Are you scared about tomorrow?
Well, it’s all gonna work out painlessly
If you follow my orders brainlessly
Tried to Save the World | Planet 51 (2009)
In folksy, compelling vocals, Tom Cawte sings about a world fraught with problems, and how overwhelming it feels to live in, unable to fix it all. The chorus, “who can it be, knocking at my door? I hope it ain’t the man coming to start a war against me…” is something we’ve all related to at one point or another — feeling like the whole world is against you, and, sometimes (especially if you’re apart of a marginalized group) it really is.
Well I tried to save the world, but we ran out of words to say;
So instead I’ll write this song, with a guitar full of chords to play;
Well I really didn’t write them anyway.Well I tried to build a boat, so I could sail myself away;
But I ran out of wood, and left standing on the harbor in the rain;
Well I’d only get seasick anyway;
Yeah I’d only get seasick anyway.Who can it be?
Knockin’ on my door;
I hope it ain’t the man;
Comin’ to start a war, against me…So then I bought a car, with four wheels and a radio;
But the engine wouldn’t start, so I traded my car for a horse and cart;
To help me with this heavy load.I climbed aboard a rocket ship, but the people in the cockpit wouldn’t let me in;
I’m left standing on the ground, while these people fly around above my head.
What a way to start my day;
What a way to start my day;
What a way to start my day!It’s a sight I never hope to see.
Well now I’ve been full-circle, but I couldn’t seem to find a miracle;
So I’ll just keep on searchin’, for a world that I believe in.
Yeah I should’ve fixed my car;
Oh, I should’ve fixed my car;
Yeah, I should’ve fixed my car;
Oh, I should’ve fixed my car!It’s a sight, I never hope to;
Written by Dave Clark / Mark Harris / Don Koch
Sight, I never hope to;
Sight, I never hope to see!
Yellow Light | Despicable Me 3 (2017)
Pharrell is a brilliant musician, but there’s nowhere (in my opinion) his brilliance shines more than in the soundtracks for the Despicable Me franchise. I mean, where does he even come up with this stuff??? Mind = blown. My particular favorite is this not-so-thinly-veiled politically-critical masterpiece, Yellow Light.
Using the villain from the film, Balthazar Bratt, as a stand in for our world’s power-hungry, self-serving politicians, Williams artfully argues that there is a “higher power”, that is, a power greater than these leaders pulling the strings. He also derisively and humorously reminds these leaders that life is about more than power (“you control the world now! Woopdeedoo!), and that we (the people) must focus on the “yellow light” as the “cure” for ego centrism. Also addressed in the song is the pursuit of the American dream, and the denial of that dream due to economic, racial, and social barriers– “We don’t care about no fit, we don’t care about no trouble. We just wanna get in! Let’s make out like we’re lovers.”
Overall, it’s a social and political commentary that points back to something greater, a source of freedom, that can’t be controlled by the “powers that be”. A brilliant and meaningful song that is wholly overlooked. Not only that, but it’s freakin’ catchy as crap. A “total bop” as the kids would say.
Everyone’s overdosing the blue light use
United States of anxiety continues
The brat is in his tower singing the flag burning blues
But we feel like the nuts ’cause we feel the screws
We don’t care ’bout no fit
We don’t care ’bout no trouble
We just wanna get in
Let’s make out like we’re loversSo much for taking it slow
Now everybody knows
Here we go!The yellow light shining down (Congratulations)
The yellow light shining down (Whoopi do)
The yellow light shining down (You control the world now)
The yellow light shining down (Look at you)
The yellow light shining down (I said ‘Hey!’)
The yellow light shining down (There’s a higher power)
The yellow light shining down (Like a yellow light)
The yellow light shining downWhen the stupid gets injected
The sunlight’s the best disinfectant
Oh, just let the sun dry
It be like that sometimes
We don’t care ’bout no fit
We don’t care ’bout no trouble
We just wanna get in
Let’s make out like we’re loversSo much for taking it slow
Now everybody knows
Here we go!The yellow light shining down (Congratulations)
The yellow light shining down (Whoopi do)
The yellow light shining down (You control the world now)
The yellow light shining down (Look at you)
The yellow light shining down (I said ‘Hey!’)
The yellow light shining down (There’s a higher power)
The yellow light shining down (Like a yellow light)
The yellow light shining downKill whatever you want
Written by Pharrell Williams
And undo what was done
But one thing you can’t kill is the fun
Dolled Up | Ugly Dolls (2019)
Okay, first of all, this movie did NOT get the attention it deserved. It’s a well-written, desperately needed film with an all-star cast. Second of all, Kelly Clarkson and Janelle Monáe. SINGING TOGETHER. ARE YOU KIDDING ME?? My ears needed it and didn’t even know they needed it. My freakin’ auditory cortex is so happy.
For background, UglyDolls is a movie based on a toy, the Uglydoll. In Ugly Dolls the movie, a group of “reject” dolls live in an isolated world, but one daring doll, Moxy (Kelly Clarkson), wants to go to “The Big World” to fulfill her heart’s desire — being paired with a human child to serve as her toy and comfort object. When she reaches the training grounds for the “pretty” dolls, led by the evil Lou (Nick Jonas) she figures out she and her friends don’t really fit in with all these perfect dolls, and her dream seems farther out of reach than ever. The film is such a necessary lesson about individuality, beauty, and kindness. In a culture that is saturated with perfection, Instagram filters, and fakeness, UglyDolls teaches kids they’re great just the way they are — no changes needed.
There are a lot of great musical numbers in the film, but perhaps the most poignant is Janelle Monáe’s song “All Dolled Up”, featuring Kelly Clarkson. In the catchy pop-tune, Janelle’s character sings as she gives the “ugly” dolls makeovers. As she sings, we quickly understand that the makeover isn’t as fun as it seems — changing yourself to fit with societal beauty standards, we hear the sorrow in her voice, the regret in the refrain “yeah, we’re getting all dolled up, gosh how I wish that I didn’t need to. Sure, look at me all dolled up, stuck playing a part someone else agreed to.”
This is one of my favorite messages in a kids movie ever. But don’t take my word for it, listen to the song and read the powerful lyrics for yourself. Then maybe share them with a kid you care about, so you can show them not to conceal who they really are in order to fit in.
Hey (Hey), we’re getting all dolled up
Blend in with the crowd like we know we’ve got to
Hey (Hey), ’cause when you’re all dolled up
That’s when you’re allowed to pretend you’re not you
Hey, once you conceal what’s real and true
You’ll see a whole new youEveryone, choose your weapons!
Step one, find the trendiest of outfits
Step two, pick the one that just about fits
Step three, this is absolutely key
Choose it not for you, but for who you wanna be
And then, once you know which look you’re into
Say when, and I guess we can begin to squeeze
And stretch and stuff until we nail the whole displayHey (Hey), we’re getting all dolled up
Feeling fresh and free, looking oh, so juice
Hey (Hey), ’cause when you’re all dolled up
People only see what you want them to see
Hey, once who you are is hidden from view
You’ll be a whole new you
You’ll be a whole new you
You’ll be a whole new youYeah, we’re getting all dolled up
Written by Christopher J. Lennertz / Glenn Evan Slater
Gosh, though how I wish that I didn’t need to
Sure, look at me, all dolled up
Stuck playing a part someone else agreed to
Ooh, if I could choose who I could be
I’d choose a whole new me
I’d choose a whole new me
I’d choose a whole new me
Also, check out the finale song “Unbreakable” featuring Janelle, Kelly, Blake Shelton, and the whole cast. It’s a beautiful song as well, but it’s more straight-forward about the “being yourself” message.
(Okay, we might be getting into the songs that are most personally meaningful to me now…)
Rainbow | My Little Pony: The Movie (2017)
Okay, two songs from MLP franchise, bear with me though.
Sia is another brilliant creator whom I love, and this song is no exception. Sia, as Songbird Serenade, showcases her unique tone with a special song about being misunderstood, suffering, and surviving. “I can see a rainbow through your tears as they fall on down, I can see your soul grow as they hit the ground.” Seems simple, but with Sia’s gorgeous vocals, it’s ethereal, zesty encouragement.
We’ve all felt the sting of rejection, of feeling like we don’t fit, or that we aren’t welcome. We dreamers feel hope deeply, but we feel pain and disappointment even deeper. In this pop-anthem, Songbird Serenade reminds us there is beauty after pain, and that sometimes we are our own obstacle to healing.
I know you, you’re a special one
Some see crazy where I see love
You fall so low but shoot so high
Big dreamers shoot for open sky
So much life in those open eyes
So much depth, you look for the light
But when your wounds open, you will cry
You’ll cry out now and you’ll question whyI can see a rainbow
In your tears as they fall on down
I can see your soul grow
Through the pain as they hit the ground
I can see a rainbow
In your tears as the sun comes out
As the sun comes outI am here and I see your pain
Through the storms, through the clouds, the rain
I’m telling you you cannot escape
You can do it, just feel babyI can see a rainbow
In your tears as they fall on down
I can see your soul grow
Through the pain as they hit the ground
I can see a rainbow
In your tears as the sun comes out
As the sun comes outHere comes the sun
Written by Sia Furler
Smiling down
Here comes the sun
Smiling down
Here comes the sun
Smiling down
Smiling down
P.S. Check out Sia’s contribution to the Doolittle soundtrack, “Original“, an equally inspiring, effervescent tune about retaining your originality in spite of critics.
All I Know | Chicken Little (2008)
This Zach Braff-led animated retelling of the classic “sky is falling” tale isn’t really my favorite. It’s cute, but for me it’s just meh. For my son, however, it’s a masterpiece only rivaled by Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel…or whatever animated movie came out most recently. Lol. The stand out of this film for me is the earworm-inducing soundtrack, which includes a cover of “All I Know” by one of my favorite voices, Five for Fighting (which is, ironically, just one guy).
The lyrics speak of a love that can’t — or won’t — let go, despite the turmoil and dysfunction (or loss?) that may exist. I’ve always loved Five for Fighting (AKA Vladimir John Ondrasik III)’s vocals and songwriting, and as a child of the 90s, there’s a certain nostalgia for me in hearing his rendition of this beautiful song. There’s a woundedness behind it that makes this kid’s movie sound a whole lot less silly.
Cue the jazzy horns and tissues.
I bruise you
You bruise me
We both bruise so easily
Too easily to let it show
I love you and that’s all I knowAnd all my plans
Keep fallin’ through
All my plans, they
Depend on you
Depend on you
To help them grow
I love you
And that’s all I knowWhen the singer’s gone
Let the song go on
There’s a fine line between
The darkness and the dawnThey say in the darkest night
There’s a light beyond
And the ending always
Comes at last
Endings always
Come too fast
They come too fast
And they pass too slow
I love you
And that’s all, it’s really all I know
It’s all I knowIt’s all I know
Written by Jimmy Webb
Pssssst. There’s nobody that can do a pop-rock ballad like Vladimir John Ondrasik III. If you liked the music in Braff’s TV series Scrubs, you’ll like the Chicken Little soundtrack — heavily influenced by Braff’s musical pals (like Five for Fighting).
Darling I Do | Shrek: Forever After (2010)
Potentially the sweetest love song ever written was for a kid’s movie about an ogre? Um, yes.
Excuse me while I compose myself. Ahem.
In this song composed and performed by Landon Pigg and Lucy Schwartz, the duo sing about truly seeing your romantic partner, and how everything else pales in comparison. In a world where we’re misunderstood, overlooked, and blend into faceless crowds, “Darling I Do” says “you’re someone to me”. We’re not walking around “with eyes closed”. We see each other.
I’m not crying, you are.
Simple, sweet, quaint lyrics and lighter-than-air vocals make this song the perfect addition to your cottage core daydreams. (Or your wedding, if you actually have someone to marry.)
Golden leaves looked brown to me
The world had less color without you
Shapes in the sky looked plain to my eyes
The world had less color without youI know plenty of people with eyes closed
They don’t see you like I do
Darling, I doNotes on the keys meant nothing to me
The world didn’t sing without you
Birds in the trees fell silent for me
The world didn’t sing without you, without youI know plenty of people with eyes closed
Written by Landon Christian Anderson Pigg and Lucy Schwartz
They don’t see you like I do
Darling, I do
Darling, I do see you
You Can’t Take Me | Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron (2002)
Okay, this is INDISPUTABLY one of the best movie soundtracks of all time. Why? Um. Bryan Adams and Hans Zimmer, that’s why. Duh.
Spirit is one of those movies I had to rewatch as an adult to truly appreciate the sheer genius of it. Now, I’m not going to ignore the glaring issue that this movie about Native American land, Native American people, and persecution against Native American people, has only like, one Native American cast member. Matt Damon did a great job as Spirit, but the part definitely should’ve gone to a Native American actor.
Now that that’s out of the way, let’s talk about the absolute gold mine (no pun intended) of songs created by Mr. Adams and the gang for this movie. Every single song on this album is gorgeous and fits perfectly with the theme of the film. But my favorite, and the one I’m including here, is Spirit’s big inspirational anthem “You Can’t Take Me”. Perhaps one of my favorite lines of all time, Adams sings, “Don’t judge a thing ’till you know what’s inside it”.
Spirit is determined, stubborn, a little prideful, but he’s got an unbreakable, untamable spirit (get it??) and a fire for freedom that can’t be quenched. The entire soundtrack is full of pop-rock ballads with soulful, scratchy vocals from Adams, which propel the story and well, yeah, our SOULS.
Simple lyrics, perhaps, but powerful and inspiring. Put this on your workout playlist when you need some motivation. Thank me later.
You can’t take me, yeah
Got to fight another fight
I gotta run another night
Get it out, check it out
I’m on my way and I don’t feel right
I gotta get me back
I can’t be beat and that’s a fact
It’s OK, I’ll find a way
You ain’t gonna take me down, no wayYeah
Don’t judge a thing till you know what’s inside it
Don’t push me, I’ll fight it
Never gonna give in, never gonna give it up, no
If you can’t catch a wave then you’re never gonna ride it
You can’t come uninvited
Never gonna give in, never gonna give it up, no
You can’t take me, I’m freeWhy did it all go wrong?
I wanna know what’s going on
And what’s this holding me?
I’m not where I’m supposed to be
I gotta fight another fight
I gotta fight with all my might
I’m getting out, so check it out
You’re in my way, yeah, you better watch out
Oh, come on!Don’t judge a thing till you know what’s inside it
Don’t push me, I’ll fight it
Never gonna give in, never gonna give it up, no
If you can’t catch a wave then you’re never gonna ride it
You can’t come uninvited
Never gonna give in, never gonna give it up, no
You can’t take me, I’m freeOh yeah, I’m free
Written by Bryan Adams / Gavin Greenway / Robert John Lange
Wonderful | Over the Moon (2020)
Over the Moon is a gorgeous film about grief, new beginnings, and moving on from pain. It’s a creative stand-out, both for its emotional depth and beauty. The soundtrack, filled with hip-hop, pop, and sing-songy numbers, is equally compelling. This gentle but upbeat tune, sung by the character Gobi (Ken Jeong) deals with the main subject matter of learning to let go after a loss and discover new opportunities, beauty, and love.
The reprise of the song, sung by Cathy Ang with additional lyrics, takes place when the characters find themselves in “The Chamber of Exquisite Sadness” (I have visited this chamber frequently myself, as I’m sure you have, too). It is this song that resolves the conflict Chang’e feels about losing her beloved Houyi, and gives her the strength to live again. (Same for our main character realizing there’s life after losing her beloved mother).
Do yourself a favor and just watch the whole movie. Even the Grinchiest of hearts will grow three sizes. You’re not too old for it, I promise.
Pssst. Listen to Phillipa Soo’s “Yours Forever” and weep over the ancient lost love from the past life you never had.
Learn Me Right | Brave (2011)
This is perhaps the most poignant and lovely track on my list. A favorite of the lad also, this Irish-inspired number plays during the end credits of Pixar’s “Brave”. A collaboration between Birdy and Mumford & Sons, it’s a regular Irish affair, and rightly so.
The song gives the air of ancient tradition and timeless ideals as the speaker acknowledges that no amount of prestige in the world can make up for the inability to accept help from others. Admitting when you’re wrong or need guidance is a form of honor all its own. The speaker admits that regardless of their strengths, they’re still human, and they want to do this journey together.
If you’ve seen the film, you know this poetic, interdependent call from home is the perfect wrap up to Merida’s relationship with her mam, and with herself. Not only is it a love letter to Ireland, it’s a letter of reconciliation to whomever you may share it with.
The lyrics are particularly beautiful:
Though I may speak some tongue of old
Or even spit out some holy word
I have no strength with which to speak
When you sit me down and see I’m weakWe will run and scream
You will dance with me
We’ll fulfill our dreams and we’ll be freeWe will run and scream
You will dance with me
We’ll fulfill our dreams and we’ll be freeWe will be who we are
And they’ll heal our scars
Sadness will be far awaySo I had done wrong but you put me right
My judgement burned in the black of night
When I give less than I take
It is my fault my own mistakeWe will run and scream
Written by Ben Lovett / Marcus Mumford / Ted Dwane / Winston Marshall
You will dance with me
We’ll fulfill our dreams and we’ll be free
We will be who we are
And they’ll heal our scars
Sadness will be far away
I’m Still Here (Jim’s Theme) | Treasure Planet (2002)
I’ve saved the best (well, the most dear to me, anyway) for last. Allow me to introduce you to a breathtaking box-office failure called “Treasure Planet”. It’s a brilliant re-imagining of the novel “Treasure Island”, filled with pirates, aliens, solar-surfing, and betrayal…but also discovering who you are, recovering from the rejection of a parent, and not fitting into the expectations society has placed on you. It bombed at the box office, but it’s the highest-grossing film in my heart.
As a kid, Treasure Planet was my favorite film of all time, but I didn’t watch it frequently. Like an emergency stash of chocolate you hide and savor at the right moment, this film was a luscious treat I only indulged in once in a while. I still keep this mentality, only whipping out this gem when the time calls for it. I did, however, watch the music video for “I’m Still Here” (below) on repeat. The music of the film spoke to me, this misunderstood, weird kid — and made me feel known.
The soundtrack is the brainchild of Goo Goo Dolls rocker John Rzeznik (who captures the angsty desperation of our main character), and James Newton Howard, the composer of the score for the film (who captures the wonder and drama of our outer-space swashbuckling adventure).
James Pleiades Hawkins, AKA Jim Hawkins, is a hurting teen guy with a chip on his shoulder. He goes on an incredible adventure, sailing through the stars, in search of a mythical treasure. Rzeznik’s gritty guitars and vocals gave a voice to the oddballs among us, the ones who longed for greater, dreamt of more, and desired acceptance and understanding.
(P.S., James Pleiades Hawkins — and by extension, Mr. Rzeznik — was probably my first crush. Rightfully so.)
Enjoy this stripped-down version as well:
Honorable Mentions
This post was getting too long, and my song choices might become questionable toward the end here.
It’s Tough to Be a God | The Road to El Dorado (2000)
Okay, so I can’t technically include “It’s Tough to Be a God” from The Road to El Dorado (one of my all time favorite movies) because Elton John’s version is the only one on the soundtrack, and my preferred version is the one used in the movie. Costars Kevin Kline and Kenneth Branagh sing excitedly about being worshiped and idolized. “It’s great to be a god/Tread where mortals have not trod/Be deified when really you’re a sham/Be an object of devotion/Be the subject of psalms/It’s a terrifying notion/All those prayers and those salaams/Any normal man would bridle if he’s forced to be an idol/And a normal man’s exactly what I am”. The song is an inspired (forgive the pun) way to illustrate the trappings of celebrity and religious zeal.
She’s So Gone | Lemonade Mouth (2011)
Okay, let’s face it: pretty much every song from the Lemonade Mouth soundtrack is a banger…but this one has a special place in my heart. It’s about a girl finding her own way and standing up for herself. The character who sings the song, Mo (Naomi Scott), comes from a strict Indian family, has a semi-controlling and self-absorbed boyfriend, and discovers her voice — literally and figuratively — through forming a band with her newfound detention buddies. “She’s So Gone” is a short but catchy anthem you’ll want to yell-scream-sing-cry while you’re driving.
Feel the Light | Home (2015)
Jennifer Lopez blesses us with airy yet assertive vocals on this track for the Rihanna-led animated film “Home”. The main character, Tip (Rihanna), becomes separated from her mom (Jennifer Lopez) during an alien invasion. A camaraderie ensues between Tip and a mishap prone alien named Oh (Jim Parsons). “Feel the Light” is the song which sets the climax of Tip and her mother’s long-awaited reunion. It’s about love, reconciliation, and being grateful for how far you’ve come. The live version (linked above) is a stunning visual performance.
Hero | Starstruck (2010)
Maybe it’s the love-struck teenager in me, but this DCOM song hits my nostalgia and romance buttons in all the right ways. It’s a sappy teenage love song about your girl empowering you to be a better dude. Unrealistic expectations and hormones, awwww how cuuuuuteeeee. (The “unplugged” version is the best, imo.)
jeryn cambrah 