Bryson won a Grammy Award in 1992 for his performance of the song “Beauty and the Beast” with Céline Dion and another in 1993 for “A Whole New World” (Aladdin’s Theme) with Regina Belle.
Disney
Peabo Bryson/Regina Belle Lyrics
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True as it can be
Barely even friends
Then somebody bends
Unexpectedly
Just a little change
Small to say the least
Neither one prepared
Beauty and the beast
Ever just the same
Ever a surprise
Ever as before and ever just as sure as the sun will rise
Ever just the same
Ever a surprise
Ever as before
Ever just as sure
As the sun will rise
Tale as old as time
Tune as old as song
Bittersweet and strange
Finding you can change
Learning you were wrong
Certain as the sun
Certain as the sun
Rising in the east
Tale as old as time
Song as old as rhyme
Beauty and the beast
Tale as old as time
Song as old as rhyme
Beauty and the beast
Beauty and the beast
The opening line of this song, “Tale as old as time, True as it can be”, refers to the theme of the popular fairy tale “Beauty and the Beast”. The story is about looking beneath the surface to find true beauty and discovering that love can grow in unexpected places. The next line, “Barely even friends, Then somebody bends, Unexpectedly”, offers insight into the plot of the story. Belle and the Beast are brought together due to unforeseen circumstances and at first, they do not get along. However, through their experiences, they come to understand and appreciate each other’s unique qualities.
The chorus emphasizes the similarities between the past and the present, the predictable and the unexpected, as well as the inevitable. The line “Ever just the same, Ever a surprise, Ever as before and ever just as sure as the sun will rise” symbolizes the cyclical nature of love and illustrates the idea that, though love is surprising, it can also feel familiar.
As the song progresses, the lyrics expose the internal conflicts and transformations that both Belle and the Beast undergo. “Bittersweet and strange, Finding you can change, Learning you were wrong”, highlights the change that occurred due to the relationship between Belle and the Beast. The final verse, “Certain as the sun Rising in the east, Tale as old as time, Song as old as rhyme, Beauty and the beast” acts as a conclusion to the song. It reiterates the idea that love and the struggles of the human heart are age-old tales that have been passed down through generations.
Line by Line Meaning
Tale as old as time
This story of Beauty and the Beast is a timeless classic that has been told before
True as it can be
The love story between Beauty and the Beast is genuine and sincere
Barely even friends
At the beginning of the story, Beauty and the Beast did not know each other very well
Then somebody bends
Unexpectedly, one of them starts to change, leading to a shift in their relationship
Just a little change
Sometimes small changes can have a big impact on how we see the world and others
Small to say the least
These changes may seem insignificant, but they are still significant to the people involved
Both a little scared
Both Beauty and the Beast are afraid of the changes that are happening in their lives and their relationship
Neither one prepared
Neither of them were ready or expecting to feel the way that they do
Ever just the same
Despite the changes in their relationship, Beauty and the Beast are still the same individuals they were before
Ever a surprise
Their relationship continues to surprise them and take unexpected turns
Ever as before
Despite these surprises, they still share a deep connection and affection for each other
Ever just as sure
Their love for each other is as constant as the rising of the sun
As the sun will rise
Just as sure as the sun will rise, their love and bond with each other will continue to endure
Tune as old as song
The melody of this love story is familiar and comforting, like an old song
Bittersweet and strange
Their relationship is a mix of joy and sadness, and feels odd and unfamiliar at times
Finding you can change
Through their relationship, they discover that change is possible and can lead to positive growth and development
Learning you were wrong
They both learn that they were wrong about each other and about themselves
Certain as the sun
Just like the rising of the sun, their love and commitment to each other is unwavering
Rising in the east
Their love is like the sun, always there and always reliable
Beauty and the beast
Their love story is the perfect example of two individuals who look beyond appearances and learn to love each other for who they are
Beauty and the beast
Once again, the story concludes with the reminder that true love can exist in the most unlikely of circumstances
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA/AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@JennieLT3
No one's version can ever beat this duo!!! Timeless!!
@pustakarileks7404
Hold my crude oil
https://youtu.be/-bWqcKzbQBY?si=mECuy6QNKSC0sxxw
@catherinemuthoni7923
I agree!
@m.norrie3202
I know that's right!
@MrChaotic4
Zayn and Zhavia Ward's version is good for what it is, but this is clearly the best version.
@cobbetlprogrammer1344
Absolutely.
@yellowpeepkingsheets8148
Disney in the 90s had the BEST soundtracks!!!
@victoriacollins9941
Totally agree...you can't beat the Disney in the 90s x
@12.ignacioclement41
Agree
@vika-zetastmper8956
Can't disagree with facts.