Seven Enchanted Disney Songs to Learn (From ‘The Lion King’, ‘Coco’, and More)
When it comes to inspiration and provoking strong emotions, few things in this world are as powerful as music. The right song can improve your mood or strengthen your connection to others. It can also unlock a memory, instantly transporting you back to a certain time or place. Media such as films and television shows also share this power with music, particularly classic works from the Walt Disney Company.
There are very few people who haven’t heard of Mickey Mouse or fallen under the spell of enchanted Disney works such as Snow White and the Seven Dwarves or Toy Story. As iconic as Disney characters and media have been, Disney music is every bit as timeless and enduring. From classic ballads from movie soundtracks to catchy theme songs and more, the music of Disney is an enduring force. Do you remember where you were the first time you heard Jiminy Cricket wish upon a star? Which theme songs can you sing by heart? Here are some of the best Disney enchanted songs available to learn.
The Music of Young Simba
1994’s The Lion King is one of Disney’s most widely loved films. Based on William Shakespeare’s play Hamlet, this movie tells the tale of Simba, the lion prince of an African savanna, and his path from precocious kid to disgraced outcast and eventually the King. One of the most popular songs from this soundtrack was “I Just Can’t Wait To Be King.” Young Simba frolics about the Kingdom with his best friend Nala and looks forward to the day when he’ll be in charge in this upbeat number. For anyone learning how to play Disney songs on guitar, look for sheet music with chord symbols and guitar fingerings.
All Work and All Play
The first animated film from Disney was 1937’s Snow White and the Seven Dwarves. Written by Frank Churchill and Larry Morey, this classic tune was sung by the Dwarves as they worked in the mine. This song is one of Disney’s oldest and most well-known tunes. Perhaps this is because it marks the first time you meet Happy, Sleepy, Sneezy, Bashful, Grumpy, Dopey, and Doc. The phrase “heigh-ho” is a very old term that was commonly used when there was heavy lifting to be done. Whether you know how to play Disney music or not, “Heigh Ho” is available for beginners and advanced players alike.
A Stirring March
The Mickey Mouse Club was a variety show that originally aired in the late 1950s. The theme song for the show was “Mickey Mouse March,” a tune that is widely considered the signature song for Disney’s most well-known character, Mickey Mouse. Each episode started with a march-style version and ended with a slowed-down version. Even if you already know how to play Disney songs on piano, this sheet music may inspire nostalgia for weekday afternoons with Mickey and company.
Voices of the Mountain
“Colors of the Wind” was a song first introduced as the theme song for the animated movie Pocahontas. Written and produced by Alan Menken and Stephen Schwartz, it was performed by Judy Kahn as the singing voice actress for the titular role. It was also recorded by Vanessa L. Williams and released as a pop single, where it went to #4 on the Billboard Magazine Hot 100. It is one of the most popular examples of a Disney song performed in a film and also released as a song. The lyrics ask if the listener can “paint with all the colors of the wind.” The answer to that is debatable, but the enchanted music sheet for both the original and pop single versions is available.
The Big Production
Music and Disney productions go hand-in-hand. Many of Disney’s animated movies would be considered musicals wherein songs are sung by the characters and incorporated into the script and narrative. 1991’s Beauty and the Beast has the distinction of being the first animated film ever to be nominated for “Best Picture” at the Academy Awards. Multiple songs were also nominated for Academy Awards, including “Be Our Guest.” In the film, this piece is presented as a big production, reminiscent of something seen on Broadway or the Las Vegas Strip. The original version featured a full ensemble of voices. You and a choir of sopranos, altos, tenors, and bases can learn this tune with this piano accompaniment.
Freedom and Inspiration
“Let It Go” is the theme from Disney’s 2013 computer-animated film, Frozen. It is sung by the character Queen Elsa after losing control of her ability to generate ice. While living in the mountains and away from others, she feels a sense of freedom, no longer burdened by fear of others knowing her ability. “Let It Go” is one of Disney’s most commercially successful singles. It was the first to be released as a pop single from a computer-animated film and sold almost 3.5 million copies in the United States alone. It reached the Top 5 of the Billboard Hot 100 and earned an Academy Award and a Grammy Award. This song has been re-recorded in over 25 languages and stands as an international hit. Learn how to play it with an easy piano version.
Lullabies and Lead Sheets
In 2017, Disney released Coco, the tale of a young Mexican boy who is transported accidentally to the Land of the Dead where he seeks the help of his ancestor to return home and reintroduce a love of music to his family. Inspired by the Mexican holiday, the Day of the Dead, Coco was well-received for its story, acting, and its respect for Mexican culture. The theme song for this movie was “Remember Me,” which was performed several times throughout the film, most notably as a lullaby to the titular character. Learn this lullaby with a lead sheet that isolates the melody with lyrics and chord symbols.
You’ve enjoyed the magic of Disney productions and music as a listener. Now enjoy classic tunes as a performer. No matter your skill level, you can find sheet music for enchanted Disney songs. Whether you’re a vocalist, a musician, or both, take your Disney fandom to a fun new level with Musicnotes digital sheet music.