Beauty and the Beast
Alan Menken Howard Ashman Lyrics
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True as it can be
Barely even friends
Then somebody bends
Unexpectedly
Just a little change
Small to say the least
Neither one prepared
Beauty and the beast
Ever just the same
Ever a surprise
Ever as before and ever just as sure as the sun will rise
Ever just the same
Ever a surprise
Ever as before
Ever just as sure
As the sun will rise
Tale as old as time
Tune as old as song
Bittersweet and strange
Finding you can change
Learning you were wrong
Certain as the sun
Certain as the sun
Rising in the east
Tale as old as time
Song as old as rhyme
Beauty and the beast
Tale as old as time
Song as old as rhyme
Beauty and the beast
Beauty and the beast
The song "Beauty and the Beast" from the Disney classic of the same name, is a timeless love ballad that tells the story of an unlikely romance. The lyrics, written by Howard Ashman, describe the bond that develops between two individuals who could not be more different from each other. The first verse sets the scene, saying that the tale is as old as time and as true as it can be. It speaks of two characters who are just acquaintances and are barely even friends. However, as fate would have it, somebody bends, and a little change occurs. The change is small to say the least, but it alters the course of their relationship for good.
The second verse describes how both characters are scared and unprepared for the feelings they have for each other. They are both surprised by the sudden turn of events, but nevertheless, they are drawn together. The chorus reiterates the theme of the song, that despite the changes they face, their bond remains steadfast and strong. It emphasizes that their love is eternal, just like the sun rising in the east.
The final verse speaks of the lessons they learn from one another. The beauty learns that there is more than meets the eye, and the beast learns that love can indeed change everything. The song concludes with a poignant reminder that this story is as old as time, with beauty and the beast coming together once again despite the odds against them.
Line by Line Meaning
Tale as old as time
This story is an age-old tradition that has been passed down for generations.
True as it can be
The sentiment of this story is undeniably accurate.
Barely even friends
The relationship between the two was at the acquaintance level only.
Then somebody bends
One person in the relationship becomes more accommodating and willing to make things work.
Unexpectedly
This person's shift in attitude comes as a surprise to the other.
Just a little change
The necessary transformation in the relationship is minor.
Small to say the least
The shift may be subtle, but it is significant.
Both a little scared
Both individuals are apprehensive about the changes occurring in their relationship.
Neither one prepared
Neither person knows what to expect in the evolution of their relationship.
Ever just the same
Even though their relationship is changing, some things remain the same.
Ever a surprise
Despite the usual aspects of their connection, there are unexpected twists and turns.
Ever as before
Some events that unfold are reminiscent of previous incidents in their relationship.
Ever just as sure
Despite the changes and surprises, they both know their relationship will endure.
As the sun will rise
Their love is a constant in their lives, like the rising of the sun every day.
Bittersweet and strange
The evolution of their relationship is both melancholy and unfamiliar.
Finding you can change
Through this process, both individuals realize they have the ability to transform.
Learning you were wrong
They both recognize mistakes made in their relationship and learn from them.
Certain as the sun
Their relationship is as unquestionable as the sun rising in the east.
Rising in the east
This is an established, unchanging reality that they both depend on.
Tune as old as song
This story has been told thousands of times, but it still resonates with us today.
Beauty and the beast
This story is ultimately one of love and transformation, regardless of external appearances.
Song as old as rhyme
Like an old song, this story has a familiar tune that we all recognize.
Lyrics Š Walt Disney Music Company
Written by: Howard Elliott Ashman, Alan Menken
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Alex S. Madsen
Tale as old as time
True as it can be
Barely even friends
Then somebody bends
Unexpectedly
Just a little change
Small to say the least
Both a little scared
Neither one prepared
Beauty and the beast
Ever just the same
Ever a surprise
Ever as before and ever just as sure as the sun will rise
(Oh, oh, oh, oh)
Ever just the same
Ever a surprise
Ever as before
Ever just as sure
As the sun will rise
(Oh, oh, oh)
Tale as old as time (ooh, ooh, ooh)
Tune as old as song
Bittersweet and strange
Finding you can change
Learning you were wrong
Certain as the sun
Certain as the sun
Rising in the east
Tale as old as time
Song as old as rhyme
Beauty and the beast
Tale as old as time
Song as old as rhyme
Beauty and the beast
(Oh, oh, oh-oh)
(Ooh-ooh-ooh, ooh, ooh)
Beauty and the beast
Thomas Stockley
"To our friend Howard, who gave a mermaid her voice and a beast his soul, we will be forever grateful. Howard Ashman 1950â1991."
Reuel Lucas
And a genie his freedomâŚ.
Carla Guajardo
He will always be deeply missed đ
Ashley Bohnert
I saw that I enjoy that
Hernandez Jr Productions / MilchaelJoeJackson
tgstock1 Yup I saw that All The Way End Credits
tonsabarillo
It's amazing how Ashman pulled this off: It works perfectly even if it's sung by an enchanted teapot, and it's a love song that's sung by neither the loved nor the beloved. It is a spectator who sings about how she's seen this before, how the lovers are part of something larger than both of them. It takes genius to portray love so vividly and strongly without even using the word "love" itself.
oklu
Beautifully written comment.
sampea CAML
Amen, brother!
Gabychan13
I remember watching an interview with Angela Lansbusy & she said that as soon as she heard the demo for Beauty & the Beast she thought it was so wonderful that she felt bad about replacing Howard's singing voice with her own voice when she heard it.
MrGabeanator
@Douglas Roth wow