Belle
Paige O' Hara Lyrics

The lyrics of Paige O'Hara's song Belle Reprise depict a moment of self-realization and liberation for the singer, Belle. The scene occurs after she has rejected Gaston's proposal, and during a moment of solitude, Belle reflects on her desire for adventure and a life that transcends the provincial expectations of her small town. The song begins with Belle questioning Gaston's absence, and in the process, realizing that she is content without him. Belle then goes on to vocalize her disappointment and disgust at the thought of being married to him. She asserts that she wants much more than a mediocre existence, and that she is determined to seek out adventure and live life to the fullest. This is a pivotal moment in the character development of Belle, as she decides to break away from societal norms and pursue her dreams.

One interesting fact about the song is that it was initially cut from the animated film Beauty and the Beast but was later reworked and included in the 2017 live-action adaptation. Another fascinating aspect of the song is that it was written as a response to the male-centered song "Gaston," which portrays the character of Gaston as a typical alpha male. The writers of the film wanted to offer a counter-narrative to Gaston's toxic masculinity and chauvinism, which is why they included the song "Belle Reprise" in the original film. Another exciting detail about the song is that it was praised by many feminist scholars for its portrayal of a strong, independent female character who defies societal expectations and norms. Belle is seen as a feminist icon, and this song is one of the reasons why.

Chords (Capo 4):

Verse:
C G/C C G/C
C G/C Dm Ddim7
C/G G7
C Am7 Dm G

Chorus:
F Bb
F Bb
Am Dm G C/F