I'll Make A Man Out Of You
Disney - Mulan Lyrics

The opening lines “Let's get down to business to defeat the Huns” creates an exciting declaration to prepare the soldiers to fight the Huns. The line “Did they send me daughters when I asked for sons?” remarks on how girls were not considered able to be soldiers, and this shows the patriarchal thinking of that era. The line “You're the saddest bunch I ever met” shows that the soldiers Mulan is training with have not lived up to their potential or expectations, although they seem brave just merely being willing to fight the Huns. Mulan takes it upon herself to lead the soldiers and train them to become better soldiers.

When Mulan sings "tranquil as a forest, but on fire within", she is telling the soldiers that they need to be strong like a forest while also having a passion that is burning inside of them. The soldiers are described as “spineless pale pathetic lot”, but Mulan is determined to train them to become much stronger. The line “I'm never gonna catch my breath, say goodbye to those who knew me” shows Mulan's dedication to becoming a strong warrior and leaving the life she once knew behind. The song then highlights the physical difficulties of training, with the lines “boy, was I a fool in school for cutting gym” and “now I really wish that I knew how to swim”. Mulan is determined to do everything she can to improve herself and those around her, and she knows that doing so will save China from the Huns.

In conclusion, "I'll Make A Man Out Of You" is a song about determination, perseverance, and pushing oneself to be the best they can be, even in dark and challenging times. Mulan takes on the responsibility to help train and lead the soldiers to defeat the Huns, and through her guidance, the soldiers become stronger and more capable of fighting. It is a song that encourages and motivates the listener to push themselves to always improve, and to never give up even when the odds seem insurmountable.