The soundtrack of Disney’s 1989 animated classic The Little Mermaid did more than just provide background music for a fairy tale; it fundamentally altered the course of animation history. Before Ariel ever sang her first note, Disney’s musical output had drifted away from the tight, narrative-driven structures of its golden age. The collaboration between composer Alan Menken and lyricist Howard Ashman introduced the sophisticated sensibilities of Broadway to the world of hand-drawn animation, effectively launching what is now known as the Disney Renaissance.

The Genesis of a Musical Revolution

To understand why The Little Mermaid songs resonate so deeply even decades later, one must look at the transition from 1980s pop-influenced scores back to structured musical theater storytelling. Howard Ashman, a veteran of the New York stage, insisted that every song in The Little Mermaid serve a narrative purpose. In his view, a character should only burst into song when the emotion becomes too great for mere speech. This philosophy transformed the film into a "book musical" on screen, where the songs are the engine of the plot rather than decorative interludes.

The selection of styles—ranging from Caribbean Calypso to Germanic cabaret and classic Broadway ballads—showcased a versatility that hadn't been seen in family entertainment for years. This strategic blending of genres ensured that the soundtrack appealed to both children and adults, a hallmark of the Menken-Ashman era.

Analysis of the "Big Four" Iconic Tracks

Four specific songs form the emotional and narrative backbone of the franchise. These tracks have been reinterpreted across film, stage, and live-action adaptations, yet their core structure remains remarkably consistent.

Part of Your World: The Definitive "I Want" Song

In musical theater, the "I Want" song occurs early in the first act to establish the protagonist's internal conflict and ultimate goal. Part of Your World is the gold standard of this trope. Performed by Jodi Benson in the original 1989 film, the song is a masterpiece of storytelling.

The lyrics move from curiosity to intense longing, utilizing "found objects" (dinglehoppers and snarfblats) to ground Ariel's alien perspective. Musically, the song relies on a recurring arpeggiated motif that mimics the movement of water. In the 2023 live-action version, Halle Bailey brings a more contemporary vocal texture to the piece, emphasizing the soulful yearning through subtle riffs and a powerful climax that reflects a more modern cinematic energy.

Under the Sea: The Oscar-Winning Spectacle

If Part of Your World is the heart of the movie, Under the Sea is its pulse. Sung by Sebastian the crab, this track utilizes a Calypso beat to create an infectious, upbeat atmosphere. The cleverness of the song lies in its irony: it is a desperate plea from Sebastian to keep Ariel from the surface, yet its sheer joy makes the underwater world seem irresistible.

The use of steel drums and a brass section creates a "crustacean band" sound that was revolutionary for Disney at the time. The song won the Academy Award for Best Original Song, proving that a character-driven comedic number could achieve the highest levels of critical acclaim.

Poor Unfortunate Souls: A Masterclass in Villainy

Ursula’s signature anthem, Poor Unfortunate Souls, is perhaps the most theatrical song in the Disney catalog. Influenced by the dark cabaret style of Kurt Weill and the larger-than-life presence of drag icon Divine (who inspired Ursula's character design), the song is a masterclass in manipulation.

The track begins with a slow, menacing crawl as Ursula feigns sympathy for her victims. As she begins her "spell" to transform Ariel, the tempo accelerates into a frantic, brass-heavy climax. Pat Carroll’s original performance is noted for its gravelly vocals and impeccable comedic timing, while Melissa McCarthy’s 2023 interpretation leans into the burlesque elements of the character, highlighting the song's enduring versatility.

Kiss the Girl: The Power of Atmospheric Romance

Kiss the Girl serves as the romantic centerpiece of the film's second act. Unlike traditional love ballads, the song is performed by a third party (Sebastian) who orchestrates the environment to encourage the two leads to act on their feelings.

The song utilizes a "shoo-be-doo" backup chorus and a relaxed, rhythmic tempo that evokes a moonlit lagoon. It demonstrates Ashman’s ability to use music to build tension without the characters themselves having to speak. In both the animated and live-action versions, the song creates a pivotal moment where the lack of Ariel’s voice is compensated for by the richness of the surrounding musical environment.

The Evolution in the 2023 Live-Action Adaptation

The 2023 reimagining of The Little Mermaid faced the daunting task of honoring the original score while expanding it for a modern audience. To achieve this, Disney brought back Alan Menken and paired him with Lin-Manuel Miranda.

Modernizing the Classics

The arrangements in the 2023 film are noticeably more orchestral and "big screen" in scale. While the 1989 versions had a certain intimate, synthesizer-influenced charm typical of the era, the new versions utilize full live orchestras to create a more immersive soundscape. Halle Bailey’s vocal performance in Part of Your World (Reprise) is particularly noteworthy for its power, moving away from the "ingénue" style toward something more epic and assertive.

New Additions to the Canon

Three new songs were added to the 2023 film to provide more depth to characters who previously lacked musical moments:

  1. Wild Uncharted Waters: This power ballad gives Prince Eric a much-needed musical voice. It establishes his own longing for adventure, making him a more symmetrical match for Ariel.
  2. For the First Time: This song captures Ariel's sensory overload upon arriving on land. It functions as an internal monologue, allowing the audience to hear her thoughts even while she is mute.
  3. The Scuttlebutt: A significant departure from the Menken-Ashman style, this track features the rapid-fire lyrical delivery and hip-hop influences characteristic of Lin-Manuel Miranda. Performed by Awkwafina and Daveed Diggs, it provides a modern comedic interlude that reflects the evolving tastes of contemporary audiences.

The Broadway Expansion: Adding Narrative Depth

When The Little Mermaid was adapted for Broadway in 2008, the creative team had to double the amount of music to fill a two-hour stage show. This led to the creation of several songs that explored the backstories of secondary characters.

  • The World Above: An introductory piece for Ariel that reinforces her fascination with the surface.
  • Her Voice: A hauntingly beautiful melody sung by Prince Eric as he searches for the girl who saved him.
  • She’s in Love: A 1960s-style girl group number performed by Ariel’s sisters, providing a more lighthearted look at the family dynamics under the sea.
  • If Only: A poignant quartet that blends the voices of Ariel, Eric, Sebastian, and King Triton, showcasing how their individual desires and fears intersect.

These additions demonstrate that the musical DNA of The Little Mermaid is flexible enough to transition from the 80-minute animated format to a full-scale theatrical production.

What is the Significance of the Menken-Ashman Collaboration?

The success of The Little Mermaid songs can be attributed to the unique synergy between Alan Menken and Howard Ashman. Menken provided the melodic "hooks" that made the songs radio-friendly and memorable, while Ashman provided the intellectual and emotional "bite" in the lyrics.

They understood that a great Disney song should be three things: catchy, emotionally resonant, and narratively essential. This "triple threat" approach became the template for every successful Disney musical that followed. Without the groundwork laid by The Little Mermaid, it is unlikely that films like The Lion King or Frozen would have achieved the same level of global musical impact.

Summary of Musical Legacy

The music of The Little Mermaid remains a cornerstone of popular culture. Whether it is the 1989 original, the Broadway stage show, or the 2023 live-action spectacle, the core melodies and themes remain untouched by time. The soundtrack achieved multi-platinum status, won two Academy Awards, and secured a place in the Library of Congress’s National Recording Registry. More importantly, it taught generations of viewers that music is the most powerful tool for expressing the "parts of our world" that we yearn for the most.

FAQ: Common Questions About Little Mermaid Songs

Who wrote the original songs for The Little Mermaid? The original 1989 songs were written by Alan Menken (music) and Howard Ashman (lyrics).

How many songs are in the original 1989 Little Mermaid movie? The 1989 film features seven main songs: Fathoms Below, Daughters of Triton, Part of Your World (and its reprise), Under the Sea, Poor Unfortunate Souls, Les Poissons, and Kiss the Girl.

Are there new songs in the 2023 Little Mermaid? Yes, the 2023 version includes three new songs: Wild Uncharted Waters, For the First Time, and The Scuttlebutt, with lyrics by Lin-Manuel Miranda.

Which Little Mermaid song won an Oscar? Under the Sea won the Academy Award for Best Original Song in 1990. The film also won Best Original Score for Alan Menken.

Who sings "Part of Your World" in the different versions? In the 1989 animated film, the song is performed by Jodi Benson. In the 2008 Broadway musical, it was originally performed by Sierra Boggess. In the 2023 live-action film, it is performed by Halle Bailey.

What style of music is "Under the Sea"? The song is primarily influenced by Calypso and Reggae, which are styles of music originating from the Caribbean.

Is there a song for King Triton? In the original film, he does not have a full solo song. However, the Broadway musical includes the song If Only (Reprise) and The World Above (Reprise) where Triton expresses his paternal struggles.