The Basics
Alan Menken Lyrics

The only way to get what you want is to become a human yourself.
In order to achieve your dream, you must acquire the qualities and characteristics that align with that dream.

Can you do that?
Is it possible for me to turn into a human?

My dear, sweet child. That's what I do. It's what I live for.
Helping people with their unfortunate situations is my life's purpose, especially merfolk like yourself in need of transformation.

To help unfortunate merfolk like yourself. Poor souls with no one else to turn to.
I help those who have no other options for help, who are in difficult situations, such as merfolk who wish to change their form.

I admit that in the past I've been a nasty They weren't kidding when they called me, well, a witch But you'll find that nowadays I've mended all my ways Repented, seen the light, and made a switch To this And I fortunately know a little magic It's a talent that I always have possessed And dear lady, please don't laugh I use it on behalf Of the miserable, the lonely, and depressed (pathetic)
I acknowledge that I have behaved poorly in the past, but I have since changed and learned to use my magic to help those in need, such as those who are unhappy and alone.

Poor unfortunate souls In pain, in need This one longing to be thinner That one wants to get the girl And do I help them? Yes, indeed Those poor unfortunate souls So sad, so true They come flocking to my cauldron Crying, "Spells, Ursula, please!" And I help them! Yes I do
There are many souls who are suffering and seeking help, including those who are unhappy with their appearance, those who struggle with love, and more. They come to me for spells and I do help them.

Now it's happened once or twice Someone couldn't pay the price And I'm afraid I had to rake 'em 'cross the coals Yes I've had the odd complaint But on the whole I've been a saint To those poor unfortunate souls
Although I have occasionally had to be strict with those who are unable to pay the price of my services, in general I have been kind to those who come to me for help.

But you'll have your man, heh heh. Life's full of tough choices, isn't it? Heh heh. Oh, and there is one more thing. We haven't discussed the subject of payment.
Although you will be with the man you love if you transform into a human, life is full of difficult choices, and you also need to consider the cost of transformation, which we have yet to discuss.

But I don't have- I'm not asking much, just a token really, a trifle! What I want from you is - your voice.
Although you may not have a lot to give, I only ask for a small token - your voice - which is necessary for the transformation process.

But without my voice, how can I- You'll have your looks, your pretty face. And don't underestimate the importance of body language, ha!
Although losing your voice may seem like a large sacrifice, you will still have your physical appearance which is important for attracting others, and can learn to communicate with your body instead.

Come on you poor unfortunate soul Go ahead! Make your choice! I'm a very busy woman and I haven't got all day It won't cost much Just your voice! You poor unfortunate soul It's sad but true If you want to cross the bridge, my sweet You've got the pay the toll Take a gulp and take a breath And go ahead and sign the scroll Flotsam, Jetsam, now I've got her, boys The boss is on a roll This poor unfortunate soul
You must make a choice if you wish to obtain what you desire - whether it is worth sacrificing your voice for transformation. The cost is small, but it must be paid. Once you make your decision, you must commit and sign the contract.

The men up there don't like a lot of blabber They think a girl who gossips is a bore! Yet on land it's much prefered for ladies not to say a word And after all dear, what is idle babble for? Come on, they're not all that impressed with conversation True gentlemen avoid it when they can But they dote and swoon and fawn On a lady who's withdrawn It's she who holds her tongue who get's a man
Although people may value talkativeness in certain situations, on land it is often seen as more desirable for women to be quiet and reserved. Men are not necessarily impressed by conversation, but rather by someone who is mysterious and withholds information.

Now, sing! Aah... Keep singing
You must use your voice for the transformation to work properly, so sing as directed.