His best known work includes the Disney animated movies, The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin, Pocahontas and The Hunchback of Notre Dame, as well as Little Shop of Horrors, Enchanted, Tangled and most recently, Sister Act the Musical.
Father Knows Best
Alan Menken Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Likes you? Please, Rapunzel, that's demented
This is why you never should have left
Dear, this whole romance that you've invented
Just proves you're too naive to be here
Why would he like you? Come on now, really!
Don't be a dummy
Come with mummy
Mother
No!
No?! Oh, I see how it is
Rapunzel knows best
Rapunzel's so mature now
Such a clever grown-up Miss
Rapunzel knows best
Fine, if you're so sure now
Go ahead, then give him this
This is why he's here!
Don't let him deceive you!
Give it to him, watch, you'll see!
Trust me, my dear
That's how fast he'll leave you
I won't say I told you so
No, Rapunzel knows best!
So if he's such a dreamboat
Go and put him to the test
If he's lying
Don't come crying
Mother knows best
The song "Father Knows Best" from the musical adaptation of Disney's "Tangled" explores the strained relationship between Rapunzel and her mother, Gothel. Gothel, who has been keeping Rapunzel locked away in a tower, dismisses Rapunzel's belief that Flynn Rider, the man she has encountered, may have romantic feelings for her. Gothel asserts that Rapunzel is too innocent and naive to understand the true nature of relationships. She belittles Rapunzel, questioning why someone like Flynn would be interested in her.
Rapunzel, however, starts to assert her independence and refuses to accept Gothel's assertions. She believes that she knows best and is confident in her own judgment and feelings. Gothel, frustrated and threatened by Rapunzel's newfound confidence, tries to dissuade her by declaring that she knows better. She urges Rapunzel to give Flynn a special item and warns her that he will leave her just as quickly as he came.
Line by Line Meaning
Likes you? Please, Rapunzel, that's demented
He couldn't possibly like you, Rapunzel. That idea is insane.
This is why you never should have left
Leaving was a mistake, as it has led you to this delusional infatuation.
Dear, this whole romance that you've invented
Your belief in this romantic relationship is completely fabricated.
Just proves you're too naive to be here
Your unrealistic thoughts show how inexperienced you are in this world.
Why would he like you? Come on now, really!
Let's be realistic, there's no reason for him to feel affection towards you.
Look at you, you think that he's impressed?
You believe he's impressed by you, but that's simply not the case.
Don't be a dummy
Don't be foolish or gullible.
Come with mummy
Listen to your mother's advice and guidance.
No!
I refuse to listen to you.
No?! Oh, I see how it is
Your rejection of my advice shows your defiance and lack of understanding.
Rapunzel knows best
I, Rapunzel's mother, possess superior knowledge and should be trusted.
Rapunzel's so mature now
Rapunzel, being more grown-up, should recognize the reality of the situation.
Such a clever grown-up Miss
She possesses intelligence and wisdom as an adult.
Fine, if you're so sure now
If you truly believe in your convictions, go ahead.
Go ahead, then give him this
Prove me wrong by giving him this message.
This is why he's here!
His true intentions are revealed through this message.
Don't let him deceive you!
Be cautious and don't let his charm blind you.
Give it to him, watch, you'll see!
Hand him the message and witness how he reacts.
Trust me, my dear
Have faith in my wisdom, my beloved daughter.
That's how fast he'll leave you
Once he realizes the truth, he will quickly abandon you.
I won't say I told you so
I won't rub it in your face when my prediction comes true.
No, Rapunzel knows best!
It's clear that Rapunzel's mother possesses the superior knowledge.
So if he's such a dreamboat
If he's really that amazing and attractive.
Go and put him to the test
Test him and see if he lives up to your idealized image.
If he's lying
If he's being dishonest.
Don't come crying
Don't come to me for comfort or support when things go wrong.
Mother knows best
Ultimately, the mother's instincts and wisdom are most reliable.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Alan Irwin Menken, Glenn Evan Slater
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Elliott
on God Bless us Everyone
"Til now once he comes how happy!" is wrong. The correct lyrics are "Til the world becomes a family."
Elliott
on God Bless us Everyone
"Let us LOVE til we die." Not "Let us HAVE til we die."