Honor To Us All
Lea Salonga Marnie Nixon Beth Fowler & Disney Characters Lyrics
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Well, honey, I've seen worse
We're going to turn this sow's ear
Into a silk purse
We'll have you washed and dried
Primped and polished
Till you glow with pride
You'll bring honor to us all
Wait and see
When we're through
Boys will gladly go to war for you
With good fortune
And a great hairdo
You'll bring honor to us all
A girl can bring her family
Great honor in one way
By striking a good match
And this could be the day
Men want girls with good taste
Calm
Obedient
Who work fast-paced
With good breeding
And a tiny waist
You'll bring honor to us all
We all must serve our Emperor
Who guards us from the Huns
A man by bearing arms
A girl by bearing sons
When we're through
You can't fail
Like a lotus blossom
Soft and pale
How could any fellow
Say "no sale"
You'll bring honor to us all
There, you're ready
Not yet
An apple for serenity
A pendant for balance
Beads of jade for beauty
You must proudly show it
Now add a cricket just for luck
And even you can't blow it
Ancestors
Hear my plea
Help me not to make a
Fool of me
And to not uproot
My family tree
Keep my father standing tall
Scarier than the undertaker
We are meeting our matchmaker
Destiny
Guard our girls
And our future
As it fast unfurls
Please look kindly on
These cultured pearls
Each a perfect porcelain doll
Please bring honor to us
(Please bring honor to us)
Please bring honor to us
(Please bring honor to us)
Please bring honor to us all
The song "Honor To Us All" from Disney's Mulan is a striking commentary on the societal expectations of women in ancient China. The lyrics describe the process of preparing a young woman for marriage, highlighting the emphasis placed on physical appearance, obedience, and the ability to bear sons. The repeated refrain of "You'll bring honor to us all" reinforces the idea that a woman's worth is determined solely by her ability to secure a good match and thereby elevate her family's status. The song is sung by the matchmaker, a highly respected figure in Chinese culture who was responsible for finding suitable marriages for young people.
The lyrics also allude to the dangers faced by China at the time, as they were being invaded by the Huns. Men were expected to bear arms and fight for their country, while women were expected to bear sons who would grow up to do the same. The song suggests that a woman's duty is not only to her family but also to her country, as she plays a vital role in perpetuating the strength of the nation.
Overall, "Honor To Us All" is a powerful commentary on the patriarchal society of ancient China and the pressures placed on women to conform to societal expectations.
Line by Line Meaning
This is what you give me to work with
These are the qualities you possess, but I will work with them to improve and refine them.
Well, honey, I've seen worse
I have dealt with worse cases, so do not worry about your shortcomings.
We're going to turn this sow's ear into a silk purse
We will transform your rough exterior into a refined and polished appearance.
We'll have you washed and dried, primped and polished, till you glow with pride
We will clean and groom you to the best of our ability until you radiate with self-confidence.
Trust me recipe for instant bride
Believe me, this is the perfect formula for an ideal bride.
You'll bring honor to us all. Wait and see
Your success will bring pride and respect to our family, just wait and watch.
When we're through, boys will gladly go to war for you
After we are done, men will be eager to fight for and protect you.
With good fortune and a great hairdo, you'll bring honor to us all
Having a lot of luck combined with an excellent hairstyle will make us proud of you.
A girl can bring her family great honor in one way by striking a good match, and this could be the day
A girl can elevate her family's status by finding a good partner, and today may be the perfect day to do so.
Men want girls with good taste, calm, obedient, who work fast-paced, with good breeding and a tiny waist
Men prefer women who have good manners, obedient nature, flexible mindset, good family lineage, and an attractive body.
We all must serve our Emperor who guards us from the Huns, a man by bearing arms, a girl by bearing sons
We all must serve our leader who protects us from the enemy, men by training in the military, women by having children.
When we're through, you can't fail, like a lotus blossom, soft and pale
With our help, you will not fail, and be as beautiful and delicate as a lotus flower.
How could any fellow say 'no sale', you'll bring honor to us all
No one will refuse you when you have undergone this transformation and bring honor to our family.
There, you're ready. Not yet.
You are almost ready, but not just yet.
An apple for serenity, a pendant for balance, beads of jade for beauty
These items represent peace, stability, and beauty and will enhance your overall appearance and essence.
You must proudly show it, now add a cricket just for luck, and even you can't blow it
You must display these items with pride and add a cricket for fortune, and you will be unbeatable.
Ancestors, hear my plea. Help me not to make a fool of me, and to not uproot my family tree. Keep my father standing tall
I ask my ancestors to guide me to not make a mistake that would shame my family, and to help my father retain his pride.
Scarier than the undertaker, we are meeting our matchmaker. Destiny guard our girls and our future as it fast unfurls. Please look kindly on these cultured pearls, each a perfect porcelain doll. Please bring honor to us all
We are going to meet our matchmaker, which is scarier than death. Let fate protect our daughters and future as it unfolds. May our elegant and refined girls bring respect and honor to our family and community.
Please bring honor to us (Please bring honor to us), please bring honor to us (Please bring honor to us), please bring honor to us all
I request you to bring honor to our household and all those who are associated with us.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Matthew Wilder, David Joel Zippel
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind