Poor Unfortunate Souls
Alan Menken
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The only way to get what you want is to become a human yourself Can you do that? My dear, sweet child. That's what I do. It's what I live for To help unfortunate merfolk like yourself Poor souls with no one else to turn to I admit that in the past I've been a nasty They weren't kidding when they called me, well, a witch But you'll find that nowadays I've mended all my ways Repented, seen the light, and made a switch To this And I fortunately know a little magic It's a talent that I always have possessed And dear lady, please don't laugh I use it on behalf Of the miserable, the lonely, and depressed (pathetic) Poor unfortunate souls In pain, in need This one longing to be thinner That one wants to get the girl And do I help them? Yes, indeed Those poor unfortunate souls So sad, so true They come flocking to my cauldron Crying, "Spells, Ursula, please!" And I help them! Yes I do Now it's happened once or twice Someone couldn't pay the price And I'm afraid I had to rake 'em 'cross the coals Yes I've had the odd complaint But on the whole I've been a saint To those poor unfortunate souls Have we got a deal? If I become human, I'll never be with my father or sisters again. But you'll have your man, heh heh. Life's full of tough choices, isn't it? Heh heh Oh, and there is one more thing We haven't discussed the subject of payment But I don't have I'm not asking much, just a token really, a trifle What I want from you is, your voice But without my voice, how can I You'll have your looks, your pretty face. And don't underestimate the importance of body language, ha The men up there don't like a lot of blabber They think a girl who gossips is a bore! Yet on land it's much preferred for ladies not to say a word And after all dear, what is idle babble for? Come on, they're not all that impressed with conversation True gentlemen avoid it when they can But they dote and swoon and fawn On a lady who's withdrawn It's she who holds her tongue who get's a man Come on you poor unfortunate soul Go ahead! Make your choice I'm a very busy woman and I haven't got all day It won't cost much Just your voice You poor unfortunate soul It's sad but true If you want to cross the bridge, my sweet You've got the pay the toll Take a gulp and take a breath And go ahead and sign the scroll Flotsam, Jetsam, now I've got her, boys The boss is on a roll This poor unfortunate soul Beluga sevruga Come winds of the Caspian SeaLarengix glaucitis Et max laryngitis La voce to me Now, sing Aah Keep singing
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Written by: Alan Menken, Howard Elliott Ashman
Lyrics © Walt Disney Music Company
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
10 facts about this song
Disney Classification"Poor Unfortunate Souls" is a song featured in the factory-smashing Disney animated movie "The Little Mermaid," released in 1989.
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Composer/Famed MusicianThe enchanting score and song is composed by Alan Menken, who is a well-known, award-winning Disney composer.
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Significant Character PerformanceIt is performed by the movie's villain Ursula, voiced by Pat Carroll, this song is part of her scheme to trick Ariel into signing a contract that transforms her into a human.
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Theatrical SchemesThe song can be classified as a Villain Song, which is a common feature in the Disney universe, where the villain captures an entertaining moment to elaborate on their schemes.
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Composition FactsThe song imposes the theatrical style of a "cabaret" number, offering an atmospheric and deceitful mood matching Ursula's character.
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Inspirational Art"Poor Unfortunate Souls" inspired Broadway versions after the massive success of the film, with a live theatrical performance in the Broadway adaptation of "The Little Mermaid."
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Song MessageThe song presents the bleak and treacherous manipulation by Ursula to convince Ariel to give up her voice for a pair of human legs.
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PopularityThis villainous Broadway-style song is one of Disney's most famous and beloved villain songs due to its catchy melody and charismatic performance.
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AwardsWhile "Poor Unfortunate Souls" may not have won any significant awards, its composer, Alan Menken, bagged two Oscars for his work on "The Little Mermaid," one for Best Original Score and another for Best Original Song (notably for "Under the Sea").
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Song SequencesIn terms of the movie sequence, "Poor Unfortunate Souls" marks the beginning of a pivotal transition in the film's plot, changing Ariel’s life forever.
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Citation
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"Poor Unfortunate Souls Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 14 May 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/26887736/Alan+Menken/Poor+Unfortunate+Souls>.
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