Beauty and the Beast
John Legend Lyrics

In John Legend's rendition of "Beauty and the Beast," these lyrics emphasize the timeless and universal nature of love and its ability to transform people. The song begins by acknowledging that the tale of Beauty and the Beast is as old as time itself, indicating that the story's themes of redemption, acceptance, and love have been experienced by countless generations. The phrase "True as it can be" expresses the authenticity and genuineness of their connection, reinforcing the idea that love knows no boundaries.

The second verse describes the initial stages of their relationship, highlighting that they were initially just acquaintances, "barely even friends." However, the line "Then somebody bends, unexpectedly" signifies a turning point where one of them – presumably the Beast – starts to change and open up. This unexpected change brings them closer together and sets the stage for a beautiful love story to unfold.

The chorus, "Just a little change, small to say the least, both a little scared, neither one prepared," emphasizes the fear and vulnerability of both Beauty and the Beast as they navigate their evolving relationship. This underscores the theme of personal growth and the uncertainty that accompanies stepping into the unknown. Despite their apprehensions, they find solace in each other, leading to the motif of "Beauty and the Beast."

The prominence of the line "Ever just the same and ever a surprise" in the second chorus suggests that although they may have their own unique qualities, they complement each other perfectly, consistently surprising and inspiring one another. Moreover, "as the sun will rise" symbolizes the certainty and continuity of their love, paralleling the unwavering nature of sunrise itself.

The bridge delves deeper into the transformative power of love, indicating that love can change people and teach them valuable lessons. The line "Finding you can change, learning you were wrong" alludes to the Beast's transformation from a bitter and isolated creature into someone capable of receiving love and forming a meaningful connection. It also highlights Beauty's realization that her initial judgments were incorrect, emphasizing the importance of looking beyond outward appearances.

The repetition of "Certain as the sun, rising in the east" throughout the bridge reinforces the theme of certainty and steadfastness. This line underscores the enduring nature of their love, suggesting that it is as certain as the rising sun, which is a repeated pattern in the world. Finally, the repetition of the chorus in the closing lines reaffirms the timeless nature of the "Beauty and the Beast" story, celebrating the enduring power of love that transcends time and resonates with audiences generation after generation.