I've Got No Strings
[Disney] Lyrics

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Why does the gay little dicky bird sing?
What put the "zing" in a butterfly's wing?
What's the reason for the smile of a troubadour?
Why does a breeze have a barrel of fun?
Even the bee who's a son-of-a-gun,
It's all because they're free
And stringless, the same as me

I've got no strings to hold me down
To make me fret
Or make me frown

I had strings but now I'm free
There are no strings on me

Hi-o the merri-o
I'm as happy as can be
I want the world to know
Nothing ever worries me

I've got no strings so I have fun
I'm not tied up to anyone
How I love my liberty
There are no strings on me

I've got no strings so I have fun
I'm not tied up to anyone

How I love my liberty
There are no strings on me

Overall Meaning

The song "I've Got No Strings" from Disney's Pinocchio is a lighthearted tune that embodies the carefree spirit of the wooden puppet freed from the constraints of his puppet strings. Through playful, rhetorical questioning, the lyrics ponder why birds sing and butterflies can flutter with such joy and ease, but the answer is quite apparent: because they too have no strings. The imagery of freedom and the joy that comes with a lack of restraints are evoked throughout the song, emphasizing the newfound liberty of the puppet who has broken free from enslavement to a puppet master.

The song's message of unrestrained sovereignty and the dismissal of societal conventions is one that could have been meant to inspire audiences to think of freedom and independence, especially during the time that Pinocchio was released. The song reflects a time when children have the freedom to explore their imaginations, their passions, and the world, free from the weight of adult responsibilities or social norms.

Overall, "I've Got No Strings" is a reflection of Pinocchio's character development and his newfound freedom. The song teaches viewers that, while it is important to work towards a fulfilling life, it is equally important to live a life full of happiness and freedom, free from being held down.

Line by Line Meaning

Why does the gay little dicky bird sing?
What brings joy to the little bird's song?

What put the "zing" in a butterfly's wing?
What gives butterflies their unique and beautiful flutter?

What's the reason for the smile of a troubadour?
What brings happiness to the heart of a traveling musician?

Why does a breeze have a barrel of fun?
What makes the wind so playful and lively?

Even the bee who's a son-of-a-gun,
Even the hardworking bee,

It's all because they're free
It's all because they have no strings attached,

And stringless, the same as me
Just like me, who is also free from any ties,

I've got no strings to hold me down
I am unencumbered by any restraints,

To make me fret
Which means nothing can make me worry,

Or make me frown
Or make me unhappy,

I had strings but now I'm free
I used to be bound, but now I am liberated,