Belle
Paige O'Hara Richard White Chorus Lyrics

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Is he gone?
Oh, can you imagine?
He asked me to marry him
Me, the wife of that boorish, brainless

Madame Gaston, can't you just see it?
Madame Gaston, his little wife, ugh
No sir, not me, I guarantee it

I want much more than this provincial life

I want adventure in the great wide somewhere
I want it more than I can tell

And for once it might be grand to have someone understand
I want so much more than they've got planned

Overall Meaning

In the song Belle Reprise from the Disney movie Beauty and the Beast, Belle is processing the experiences she's had with the Beast. She starts by contemplating the fact that the Beast may have left her forever, wondering if he has truly gone. She then begins to reflect on Gaston's earlier proposal, mocking and rejecting his supposed affection for her. Belle thinks about what she truly wants in life, and how she deserves more than a simple life in the village. She longs for adventure in the great wide unknown, something beyond the boundaries of her village life, and someone to understand her desire to explore the world.

The song is powerful because it speaks to everyone's inner desire for something more, for growth and change, and for connection. The lyrics are beautifully written, and Paige O'Hara's emotional vocal performance brings the song to life. The song has become a fan favorite, and rightfully so. The song's highlights include Belle's keen insight as she delves into her own feelings and motivations, and her passionate delivery. It’s a beautiful and powerful moment in the film, that illustrates the complexity of Belle's character and her yearning for more.

Line by Line Meaning

Is he gone?
Has the man who proposed to me left?

Oh, can you imagine?
The prospect of marrying him is unbearable.

He asked me to marry him
The man proposed to me.

Me, the wife of that boorish, brainless
The man is dull and unintelligent, and I can’t possibly be his wife.

Madame Gaston, can't you just see it?
Can you imagine me being a wife to Gaston, the muscle-bound brute?

Madame Gaston, his little wife, ugh
I can't stand the thought of being thought of as Gaston's possession.

No sir, not me, I guarantee it
I’m certain I won’t marry him.

I want much more than this provincial life
I’m ambitious and desire to live a worldly, fulfilling life.

I want adventure in the great wide somewhere
I crave excitement and exploration beyond this small town.

I want it more than I can tell
My longing for adventure is immeasurable.

And for once it might be grand to have someone understand
It would be wonderful to have someone empathize with my aspirations.