The Secret Formula for Writing a Disney Song

How Disney Songs Combine Music and Storytelling

Disney songs use musical variety to help move a story forward rather than simply serving as breaks. A song that doesn’t advance the plot may be cut.

Common Song Roles

• Introductory songs establish characters and setting.
• “I want” songs reveal what a hero longs for, as “Part of Your World” does in The Little Mermaid.
• Villain songs give antagonists a chance to express their aims.
• Work songs accompany characters as they do tasks, as in “Whistle While You Work” and “A Spoonful of Sugar.”

Techniques That Make the Songs Work

• Pack in story and lyrical detail. Disney songs often use a refrain or title hook instead of a full, repeated chorus, leaving room for more distinct lyrics.
• Use concise song forms. A verse may be shortened the second time it appears, and bridges can be unusually brief.
• Vary rhythm and pace. Songs may shift tempo or meter, or end with a playful speed-up. “Winnie the Pooh” changes from 3/4 to 4/4, while “Be Our Guest” uses several tempos.
• Use rich harmony. The video says Disney songs tend to use more chord types than typical pop songs, including chords outside the key’s diatonic scale.
• Add key changes. The songs discussed average just over one key change, which the video describes as much more common than in the Rolling Stone list of top songs.

Comparing the Film and Pop Versions of “Let It Go”

The Frozen version, sung by Idina Menzel, has more chord types, a shortened verse, and a speed-up motif. Demi Lovato’s pop version removes those features and repeats the title phrase more often, while the film version uses more unique words.

Writing an “I Want” Song

To demonstrate these ideas, the hosts and singer Alexandra “Ally” Smither try writing an “I want” song about gaining one more subscriber. They work on the melody and lyrics, using earnest language and chord changes that prompt a comparison to a sappy Korean drama.

Featured Creators and Contributors

LA Buckner, Nahre Sol, and Alexandra “Ally” Smither.