It’s no secret that music plays an important role in my life, but I never really labeled one specific song as my favorite. I may have favorite songs during a specific time period, but I haven’t paid attention to the song that my heart absolutely fell for and continues falling for every time I hear it.
That wasn’t until I was in the middle of scrolling through my 700+ liked songs that I figured out which song it was – and I hadn’t scrolled past it yet.
The song is…
"A Whole New World" by Lea Salonga and Brad Kane
A Whole New World was created by some of the most talented individuals in the industry – composer, Alan Menken; writers, Menken & Tim Rice; orchestrator, Danny Troob; conductor, David Friedman; and vocalists, Lea Salonga & Brad Kane.
Together, they brought this beautiful work to life with melodious instrumentals, a mixture of playful and gentle vocals, and inspiring lyrics.
Although it is primarily labeled as a Disney song, it’s a song that I feel happy and content with whenever I listen to it.
I first heard this masterpiece while watching one of my favorite films of all time, Aladdin (1992). As a kid full of imagination and wonder, seeing people soar through the sky on a magic carpet while singing this song has been the driving force of keeping my hope, faith, and love in life flourishing within me.
This is the first song (other than nursery rhymes) that I pushed myself to memorize the lyrics and get in tune with my vocals just so I can attempt to sing it just as beautifully as the original version.
Favorite Lyrics
Tell me, Princess
Now when did you last let your heart decide?
—
I’m like a shooting star
I’ve come so far
I can’t go back to where I used to be
My favorite lyrics are often those that after hearing it the first time, specific phrases typically remain in my head, but in more of a guide and conscience kind of way. It’s like an inner voice resonating with me and reminding me that these are the messages I need to remind myself of in order for me to heal, and move forward, as well as be passionate and positive.
The lyrics above are no different. Every time I listen to this song, these are the phrases that stick to me as something more than just a song lyric. They help me to look deeper within myself and allow my heart to guide me with certain decisions and challenges, as well as to keep moving forward even when things seem tough. The more days that pass with me growing and bettering myself, the more I don’t want to go back to where I used to be.
Out of the billion songs in the world, A Whole New World is a brilliantly composed song that has my heart for infinity.
And I am eternally grateful for being able to listen to it every chance I get.
PS, here’s a video of Lea and Brad singing the song 23 years after it was first released (spoiler: it’s just as amazing as the original studio version).
