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Disney is one of those things, like Harry Potter or Star Warns (the original, I suppose), that most people love once they’ve been introduced to it. It’s wholesome, it’s classic, it reminds us of childhood in the best way possible…it really is, in its purest form, magic.
So magical, in fact, that we forgive them for things like blatant racism, sexism, and other isms – and also for the strange sexual feelings we all once had for an animated fox.
Don’t act like you don’t know what I’m talking about, Disney fans who are attracted to men (and men-foxes).
So it makes sense that a Twitter thread breaking down each and every type of Disney song would really resonate with people, right?
Here are 9 of the 18 types he’s identified, and get ready for quite an essay, my friends.
#1. This Is The Movie
You know, like where they tell you what you’re about to watch (or in rare cases, what you’ve just watched).
This Is The Movie (26 entries):
– It summarizes the theme of the film or says its title several times
– It is at the beginning of the film (exception: Beauty and the Beast, Pocahontas)
– It is first sung by a chorus, or an unseen or minor character (exception: Pocahontas) pic.twitter.com/yEk048reux— Justin McElroy (@j_mcelroy) May 18, 2020
#2. I Want
The character tells you what they want (it might seem obvious, but not to little kids!).
This Is The Movie (26 entries):
– It summarizes the theme of the film or says its title several times
– It is at the beginning of the film (exception: Beauty and the Beast, Pocahontas)
– It is first sung by a chorus, or an unseen or minor character (exception: Pocahontas) pic.twitter.com/yEk048reux— Justin McElroy (@j_mcelroy) May 18, 2020
#3. I Am The Villain
We meet the bad guy and find out why and how they’re going to thwart the main character’s desires.
I’m The Villain (18 entries):
– It’s sung by the villain (exception: Cruella De Vil)
– It always comes after the I Want songs
– It usually expresses the villain’s desire, but can also be mocking the main character pic.twitter.com/DQRtChVjRC— Justin McElroy (@j_mcelroy) May 18, 2020
#4. We Should Bone
But you know, in a children’s movie way.
We Should Bone (17 entries):
– Never happens in the first-third of the movie (exception: One Song, Love is an Open Door)
– Can be a duet, monologue, montage, OR a separate character egging things on
– If a man is singing, he’s either egging things on, or in a duet pic.twitter.com/TgJFyAkzlX— Justin McElroy (@j_mcelroy) May 18, 2020
#5. Cheer Up, Kid!
Because we all need a little boost when an evil villain is getting us down (and a song and dance number never hurt anyone!).
Cheer Up, Kid! (17 entries):
– It’s always sung by a supporting character who likes the protagonist
– The theme is always positive
– It generally builds up to dancing or fevered choreography, with an element of “let’s put on a show!” pic.twitter.com/CIhAbY1IIt— Justin McElroy (@j_mcelroy) May 18, 2020
#6. Here’s My Deal
It’s happy, it’s outgoing, and sure, it re-treads some territory, but so what?
Cheer Up, Kid! (17 entries):
– It’s always sung by a supporting character who likes the protagonist
– The theme is always positive
– It generally builds up to dancing or fevered choreography, with an element of “let’s put on a show!” pic.twitter.com/CIhAbY1IIt— Justin McElroy (@j_mcelroy) May 18, 2020
#7. Here’s Our Deal
For the ensemble casts in the group.
Here’s Our Deal (18 entries):
– It expresses the MO of a group of characters and their motivations within the movie
– It is usually very early on the film
– The song generally shows the characters working, or talking about a specific desire pic.twitter.com/1fzSGNJXzD— Justin McElroy (@j_mcelroy) May 18, 2020
#8. Here’s Their Deal
When we learn about the main character from someone else’s perspective.
Here’s Their Deal (13 entries):
– A character or two best friends is being described by another person or group
– Usually sung shortly after we meet the character (or Aladdin’s case, reinvention of the character)
– Often has elements of a montage & and an unseen singer pic.twitter.com/ZGufU78L2z— Justin McElroy (@j_mcelroy) May 18, 2020
#9. Things Will Be Okay
It’s not cheer up, and there’s no song and dance, but it still should make you feel better.
Things Will Be Okay (17 entries):
– The downbeat counter to “Cheer Up, Kid!”
– The song expresses hope, but can indicate doubt
– The tone is warm, quieter, or downbeat. No dancing happens
– It’s generally sung by a supporting character that helps the protagonist pic.twitter.com/VeSWD0bXf0— Justin McElroy (@j_mcelroy) May 18, 2020
I love this! I’m going to check out the next 9 types, and then we can talk about those, too!
Do you think he’s right? How could you argue, and why would you want to, right?
