Colors of the Wind

Vanessa Williams

About Colors of the Wind

"Colors of the Wind" is a song written by composer Alan Menken and lyricist Stephen Schwartz for Walt Disney Pictures' 33rd animated feature film Pocahontas (1995). The film's theme song, "Colors of the Wind" was originally recorded by American singer and actress Judy Kuhn in her role as the singing voice of Pocahontas. A pop ballad, the song's lyrics are about animism and respecting nature, and have been compared to both transcendentalist literature and New Age spirituality. "Colors of the Wind" received a mostly positive reception from critics, with a number of them citing it as one of the best songs from a Disney film. The song would go on to win the Academy Award for Best Original Song, the Grammy Award for Best Song Written for a Motion Picture, Television or Other Visual Media, and the Golden Globe Award for Best Original Song. American actress and recording artist Vanessa Williams's adult contemporary cover of the song was released as the lead single from the film's soundtrack, and became a top ten hit on the Billboard Hot 100. "Colors of the Wind" would also be covered by other artists, including Ashanti and Brian Wilson, and was featured on an episode of Lip Sync Battle. 


Year:
1998
4:18
227 
#2

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You think you own whatever land you land on
The earth is just a dead thing you can claim
But I know every rock and tree and creature
Has a life, has a spirit, has a name

You think the only people who are people
Are the people who look and think like you
But if you walk the footsteps of a stranger
You'll learn things you never knew, you never knew

Have you ever heard the wolf cry to the blue corn moon
Or asked the grinning bobcat why he grinned?
Can you sing with all the voices of the mountain?
Can you paint with all the colors of the wind?
Can you paint with all the colors of the wind?

Come run the hidden pine trails of the forest
Come taste the sun-sweet berries of the earth
Come roll in all the riches all around you
And for once, never wonder what they're worth

The rainstorm and the river are my brothers
The heron and the otter are my friends
And we are all connected to each other,
In a circle, in a hoop that never ends

Have you ever heard the wolf cry to the blue corn moon
Or let the eagle tell you where he's been
Can you sing with all the voices of the mountain?
Can you paint with all the colors of the wind
Can you paint with all the colors of the wind

How high does the sycamore grow?
If you cut it down, then you'll never know

And you'll never hear the wolf cry to the blue corn moon
For whether we are white or copper-skinned
We need to sing with all the voices of the mountain
Need to paint with all the colors of the wind
You can own the earth and still
All you'll own is earth until
You can paint with all the colors of the wind

 Watch: New Singing Lesson Videos Can Make Anyone A Great Singer


Vanessa Williams

Vanessa Lynn Williams (born March 18, 1963) is an American singer, actress, and fashion designer. She initially gained recognition as the first woman of African-American descent to receive the Miss America title when she was crowned Miss America 1984 in 1983. However, a scandal arose the following year when, a few weeks prior to the end of her reign, Williams learned that Penthouse magazine would be publishing unauthorized nude photographs of her in an upcoming issue. Amid growing media controversy and scrutiny, Williams resigned as Miss America in July 1984 (under pressure from the Miss America Organization), and was replaced by first runner-up Miss New Jersey Suzette Charles. Thirty-two years later, Miss America CEO Sam Haskell offered her a public apology … more »

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Written by: Alan Menken, Stephen Laurence Schwartz

Lyrics © Walt Disney Music Company

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


6 facts about this song

Composer
Alan Menken is an acclaimed composer who composed the music for "Colors of the Wind," a song from Disney's "Pocahontas." - Alan Menken frequently works with Disney and has won multiple Academy Awards for his brilliant scores and songs.
Misclassification
Brian Wilson is not associated with the song "Colors of the Wind"; he is a member of the Beach Boys.
Company
Disney produced the animated film "Pocahontas" in 1995, the original source of the award-winning song "Colors of the Wind." - This song helps communicate the movie's primary themes of respect for nature and understanding different cultures.
Original Singer
Broadway actress Judy Kuhn provided the singing voice for the protagonist Pocahontas in the movie. - Kuhn's rendition of "Colors of the Wind" is considered one of the iconic moments of the film, showcasing her rich and emotive voice.
Pop Version Singer
Vanessa Williams recorded a pop version of "Colors of the Wind" that was played over the film's end credits and released as a single. - Williams' version of the song reached number four on the Billboard Hot 100 and sold 500,000 units, earning a gold certification.
Song
"Colors of the Wind" won both the Academy Award for Best Original Song and the Golden Globe Award for Best Original Song in 1995. - The song's lyrics were written by Stephen Schwartz, conveying a message about the interconnectedness of all living things and the importance of respect for the natural world. - The lyric: "You can own the Earth and still/All you'll own is earth until/You can paint with all the colors of the wind" is considered one of the most significant and influential moments in the song. - "Colors of the Wind" became a pop culture reference and has been covered by various artists in different languages around the world.

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