Menken has collaborated with several renowned lyricists including Howard Ashman (1950-1991), Tim Rice and Stephen Schwartz. He is best known for his work on several Disney animated features, including The Hunchback of Notre Dame, The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast, Hercules, Pocahontas, Aladdin, and Home on the Range. His first successful work was the 1982 off-Broadway musical Little Shop of Horrors. Menken has received eight Academy Awards, and has one of the the highest film to Oscar ratio of anyone in the industry.
Howard Ashman ( May 17, 1950 - March 14, 1991) was an American playwright and movie music lyricist. Ashman first studied at Boston University and Goddard College (with a stop at Tufts University's Summer Theater) and then went on to achieve his master's degree from Indiana University in 1974. He collaborated with Alan Menken on several films, notably animated features for Disney, Ashman writing the lyrics and Menken composing the scores.
Ashman and Menken first worked on a 1979 musical adapted from Kurt Vonnegut's God Bless You, Mr. Rosewater. They also collaborated on Little Shop of Horrors with Ashman as director, lyricist, and librettist.
Along with Menken, Ashman was the co-recipient of two Grammy Awards, two Golden Globes and two Oscars. His second Academy Award in 1992 was awarded posthumuously for Best Song and was accepted by his partner, Bill Lauch. It was the first Academy Award given posthumously to someone who had died of AIDS.
Ashman died on March 14, 1991, at age 40, during the making of both Beauty and the Beast and Aladdin. The song Proud of Your Boy was the one of the last songs ever written by Ashman, for Aladdin but was cut from the movie after the mother was taken out of the story. Ashman and Menken had finished the songs for Beauty and the Beast, but Tim Rice was brought in to finish the Aladdin songs with Menken. Beauty and the Beast was dedicated to him with the following:
To our friend, Howard,
Who gave a mermaid her voice,
and a beast his soul.
We will be forever grateful.
Howard Ashman
1950-1991
Poor Unfortunate Souls
Alan Menken & Howard Ashman Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Can you do that?
My dear, sweet child, that's what I do
It's what I live for
To help unfortunate merfolk like yourself
Poor souls with no one else to turn to
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)
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
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
Have we got a deal?
If I become human, I'll never be with my father or sisters again
But you'll have your man
Life's full of tough choices, isn't it?
Oh, and there is one more thing
We haven't discussed the subject of payment
But I don't have-
I'm not asking much, just a token really, a trifle
What I want from you is your voice
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!
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 preferred 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 gets a man
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
Beluga sevruga
Come winds of the Caspian Sea
Larengix glaucitis
Et max laryngitis
La voce to me
Now, sing
Aa-aa-aah, a-aa-aah
Keep singing!
Aa-aa-aah, a-aa-aah
The song "Poor Unfortunate Souls" is performed by the sea witch Ursula, who is trying to convince Ariel, the Little Mermaid, to give up her voice in exchange for becoming a human and winning the love of Prince Eric. Ursula portrays herself as someone who can offer help to "poor souls with no one else to turn to." Ursula admits that she was once a "nasty witch", but has turned over a new leaf and now uses her magical talent to help the miserable, lonely, and depressed. She sings about how humans care more about body language than conversation, and Ariel could win over Prince Eric by being withdrawn.
Ursula asks Ariel to sign a contract that will make her human, but in return, she will have to give up her voice. Ursula goes on to tell Ariel that the price required to become human involves paying a toll, and this goes beyond signing a contract. She then proceeds to use magic to transform Ariel's tail into legs and provide her with a two-day time limit to win Prince Eric's love, or else she will become Ursula's property.
Overall, the song highlights Ursula's manipulation of Ariel and her attempts to take advantage of her vulnerability. The song's dark themes and villainous lyrics make it a standout in the Disney musical canon.
Line by Line Meaning
The only way to get what you want is to become a human yourself
You can only achieve your desires by transforming into a human
My dear, sweet child, that's what I do
As a witch, I help merfolk in need by granting their wishes
It's what I live for
My purpose in life is to use my magic to aid those who are struggling
To help unfortunate merfolk like yourself
I assist mermaids who are less fortunate and have nowhere to turn
Poor souls with no one else to turn to
These mermaids are unfortunate and have no other options for help
I admit that in the past I've been a nasty
I used to be wicked and selfish
They weren't kidding when they called me, well, a witch
I was truly wicked and deserving of the title
But you'll find that nowadays
In the present day, I've changed my ways
I've mended all my ways
I have transformed myself into a better person
Repented, seen the light, and made a switch
I have reformed and changed my behavior for the better
And I fortunately know a little magic
I am skilled in the art of magical spells
It's a talent that I always have possessed
My magical abilities have always been a part of who I am
And dear lady, please don't laugh
Please don't mock my magical abilities
I use it on behalf
I use my magic to help others
Of the miserable, the lonely, and depressed (Pathetic)
Specifically, I use my magic to aid those who are unhappy and alone
Poor unfortunate souls
These mermaids are unfortunate and in need of help
In pain, in need
These mermaids are suffering and require assistance
This one longing to be thinner
One mermaid wishes to be more physically attractive
That one wants to get the girl
Another mermaid desires the affection of someone else
And do I help them?
And indeed, I offer them my aid
Yes, indeed
Yes, I do help them
So sad, so true
It is unfortunate, but it is the reality
They come flocking to my cauldron
These mermaids seek me out for assistance
Crying, "Spells, Ursula, please!"
They beg me to use my magic to help them
Now it's happened once or twice
There have been occasions
Someone couldn't pay the price
Where someone could not fulfill their part of the bargain
And I'm afraid I had to rake 'em 'cross the coals
I had to punish them severely for their failure
Yes I've had the odd complaint
Occasionally, someone has had issues with my methods
But on the whole I've been a saint
Despite this, I feel that I have generally acted justly and righteously
Have we got a deal?
Do we have an agreement?
If I become human, I'll never be with my father or sisters again
If I transform into a human, I will sacrifice my previous life and relationships
But you'll have your man
In return, I will receive the man I desire
Life's full of tough choices, isn't it?
The decisions we must make in life can often be challenging
Oh, and there is one more thing
Additionally, there is one more detail
We haven't discussed the subject of payment
We have not yet talked about what I am owed in exchange for my magic
But I don't have-
I do not possess-
I'm not asking much, just a token really, a trifle
I am requesting very little, just a small offering
What I want from you is your voice
Specifically, I require you to surrender your vocal abilities
But without my voice, how can I-
Without my voice, how can I express myself or communicate?
You'll have your looks, your pretty face
You will retain your physical beauty
And don't underestimate the importance of body language, ha!
In addition, remember the significance of nonverbal communication
The men up there don't like a lot of blabber
Men on land do not appreciate excessive talking
They think a girl who gossips is a bore
They view women who gossip as dull and uninteresting
Yet on land it's much preferred for ladies not to say a word
Conversely, women are expected to be quieter and more reserved on land
And after all dear, what is idle babble for?
After all, what is the point of meaningless chatter?
Come on, they're not all that impressed with conversation
In reality, men are not easily impressed by talking
True gentlemen avoid it when they can
Truly refined men will avoid it if possible
But they dote and swoon and fawn
However, they still become flustered and enamored
On a lady who's withdrawn
Around a woman who is more reserved and quiet
It's she who holds her tongue who gets a man
It is the woman who says less who is more likely to attract a man
Go ahead
Proceed
Make your choice
Decide what you want
I'm a very busy woman and I haven't got all day
I have many obligations and cannot waste time
It won't cost much
The price is not high
Just your voice!
All I require is your vocal abilities
If you want to cross the bridge, my sweet
If you desire to reach your goal
You've got the pay the toll
You must accept the price and fulfill your end of the bargain
Take a gulp and take a breath
Prepare yourself for the transformation
And go ahead and sign the scroll
Sign the document to cement the deal
Flotsam, Jetsam, now I've got her, boys
I have successfully claimed my latest victim
The boss is on a roll
I am on a winning streak
Beluga sevruga
Names of fish species used as an incantation
Come winds of the Caspian Sea
Invoking the power of wind from a specific region
Larengix glaucitis
More words for the magical incantation
Et max laryngitis
And another phrase to complete the spell
La voce to me
Translation: The voice to me
Now, sing
Use your voice to sing
Keep singing!
Continue to use your voice
Aa-aa-aah, a-aa-aah
Sounds made during the singing
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA/AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Karim Ashraf
My dear, sweet child. That's what I live for. It's what I do
To help poor unfortunate merfolk like yourself
Poor souls with no one else to turn to
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
True? Yes
And I fortunately know a little magic
It's a talent that I always have possessed
And here lately, please don't laugh
I use it on bеhalf
Of the miserable, thе lonely, and depressed pa-the-tic
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
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
(Spoken)
Here's the deal
I'll make you a potion that will turn you into a human for three days, got that? Three days
Now listen, this is important, before the sun sets on the third day you've got to get dear old princey to fall in love with ya, specifically he's got to kiss you. Not just any kiss, a special kiss. The kiss of true love and if he does kiss you before the sun sets on the third day you'll remain human permanently, if he doesn't, you'll turn back into a mermaid and you'll belong to me
(Spoken)
No Ariel, don't be stupid, don't listen to her she'll-
(Spoken)
Have we got a deal?
(Spoken)
If I become human, I'll never be with my father or sisters again
(Spoken)
That's right, But you'll have your man. Life's full of tough choices, isn't it?
C'mon I know you need a little magic, and magic is my special dett-á-jour
Don't just stand there looking sick
Would I kid you? Play a trick? Like I told you I don't do that anymore
So, I think you oughta take my little bargain
Yes, I think ya oughta make my little deal. Sure its hard to leave your life, but you could be a prince's wife!
Why don't cha let me take that dream and make it real
C'mon you poor unfortunate soul
Poor child, poor fish
Aren't you glad you brought your problem to a lady you can trust
Won't cha let me, grant your wish
You, poor unfortunate soul
Poor switch, poor dear
Aren't you lucky that I'm ready with a potion and a plan
Aren't you glad you came and asked if I can help you and I can
When a mermaid comes to Ursula, she always gets her man
You poor unfortunate soul
(Spoken)
Atta girl oh, i almost forgot
We haven't discussed the subject of payment. You know you can't get something for nothing
(Spoken)
But I don't have any-
(Spoken)
I'm not asking much, just a token really, a trifle! You'll never even miss it
What I want from you is - your voice
(Spoken)
My voice?
(Spoken)
You got it sweetcakes, no more talking, singing, zip
(Spoken)
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!
The men up there don't like a lot of blabber
They think a girl who gossips is a bore!
Yes 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
You, you, 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
micah
The only way to get what you want is to become a human yourself.
Can you do that?
My dear, sweet child. That's what I do. It's what I live for.
To help unfortunate merfolk like yourself.
Poor souls with no one else to turn to.
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
True? Yes.
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)
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
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
Have we got a deal?
If I become human, I'll never be with my father or sisters again.
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.
But I don't have-
I'm not asking much, just a token really, a trifle!
What I want from you is - your voice.
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!
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
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
Beluga sevruga
Come winds of the Caspian Sea
Larengix glaucitis
Et max laryngitis
La voce to me
Now, sing!
Aah...
Keep singing!
Myungji Kwak
How could he express every emotions in every song so vividly? He is totally genius, a real actor, and amazing director.
Shaunz
@Rhianna Barr-Beaumont So sad
PaperShadow
You REALLY see it in songs like "Part of Your World", or "The Mob Song" in Beauty & The Beast. Look at those lyrics or the singing direction through the lens of Ashman: a Gay Man afflicted with AIDS, arguably two of the most feared/demonized/poorly understood circumstances of the era in which he grew up, lived, and did his work.
Howard worked very closely with the singers for several of his works and you can hear major elements of what defined the final versions in the self-performed demos. A lot of those songs were written and performed from a shared emotional experience channeled into the fiction, and it makes them arguably the most vital part of the Disney iteration of those stories.
electrictroy2010
FOR HOWARD who gave a mermaid her voice, a beast his soul, and a genie his freedom
.
Eric Burns
Very well said, couldn't have said it any better.
Xavier Spriggs
Ya know, that shoulda been included at the end of the credits of Aladdin.
Brian Runyon
Very well done. Sounds like Tim Curry in the singing. RIP, Howard. To the man who gave a mermaid her voice, and a beast his soul.
Arthur Kohn
And don’t forget he gave the genie his freedom
Remember the Magic
The amazing thing is, he ISN'T truly singing, more musically talking if you get what I mean. But he puts so much EMOTION and feeling into it that's it's pure perfection.
Claudia Siefer
an EXCELLENt point. He is not singing . It's "Sprechstimme ". Like Bertold Brecht. Or Kurt Weill . or or or