The Meaning Behind The Song: Under The Sea by Disney
Disney’s 1989 hit movie The Little Mermaid is a classic, cherished by people of all ages. One of the most memorable moments of the movie is the catchy song “Under the Sea.” This lively tune captures the audience’s attention and has become a staple of many Disney soundtracks. The song’s composer, Alan Menken, perfectly captured the essence of the film by creating an underwater world filled with vibrant and diverse sea creatures. Let’s dive into the meaning behind “Under the Sea” and understand why it continues to be a fan favorite.
Table of Contents
The Song’s Historical Context
The song was composed for the animated movie The Little Mermaid, which premiered in 1989. This was a significant moment for Disney, as it was the studio’s first animated fairy tale musical in 30 years and marked the beginning of the company’s “Disney Renaissance.” It was also the first Disney movie to use a Broadway-style score, with lyrics written by Howard Ashman. “Under the Sea” was one of the songs that helped cement The Little Mermaid’s success and landed Ashman and Menken an Oscar for Best Original Song in 1990.
The Lyrics
The lyrics of “Under the Sea” are primarily about how life is better down in the ocean than on land. The creatures in the sea don’t need to work hard or worry about anything. The song’s protagonist, Sebastian the crab, encourages Ariel, the rebellious mermaid, to forget about her landloving dreams and to embrace her underwater life.
The opening lines, “The seaweed is always greener / In somebody else’s lake,” sets the tone of the song. It’s a universal truth that we often think the grass is greener on the other side, and the sea creatures are no different. The lyrics then go on to describe the wonders of the African savannah, the Australian outback, and the Amazon rainforest, all of which are fantastic on land but pale in comparison to the vibrant life underwater.
The chorus, “Under the sea / Under the sea / Darling, it’s better down where it’s wetter / Take it from me,” is perhaps the most memorable part of the song. It’s a joyful and upbeat invitation to come down to the ocean and experience its magic for oneself. The chorus repeats twice, illustrating how enchanting life under the sea truly is.
The Musical Style
“Under the Sea” is a Broadway-inspired number that features a catchy tune, upbeat tempo, and cheerful lyrics. Menken created a blend of musical styles that draws from Caribbean and calypso music, adding an exotic flair to the sound. The song’s instrumentation includes steel drums, synthesizers, and lively percussion, all of which come together to convey a sense of tropical paradise.
The Message
Beyond the song’s dreamy, whimsical tone, “Under the Sea” promotes the idea of accepting and loving different cultures, societies, and ways of life. It’s a message that resonates with people of all ages and makes it one of the most beloved Disney songs. As Sebastian sings, “We got no troubles, life is the bubbles / Under the sea,” he’s reminding Ariel that there’s an entire world to discover and embrace.
The song also teaches us that sometimes, our dreams might not be what we expect, and the reality is something far better than what we imagined. Ariel might have wanted to trade her fins for legs, but once she discovers the thrill of undersea life, she realizes her true heart’s desire and chooses a life under the sea.
Conclusion
“Under the Sea” is a song that captures the imagination of people young and old. Its catchy tune, joyful lyrics, and masterful composition make it one of the most iconic Disney songs of all time. Through the messages of embracing different cultures and finding our own happiness, Alan Menken and Howard Ashman created a piece that resonates with people across generations. Even 30 years after its debut, “Under the Sea” remains a beloved classic that continues to bring joy to millions of Disney fans.
