Beauty And The Beast Lyrics By Celine Dion
The song Beauty and the Beast, popularized by the Disney animated film of the same name, has been a staple of pop culture for over two decades. The song was originally performed by Celine Dion and Peabo Bryson for the film's soundtrack, and it went on to win an Academy Award for Best Original Song.
Today, the song remains an iconic ballad that has been covered and interpreted by countless artists. In this article, we'll take a closer look at the Beauty and the Beast lyrics by Celine Dion, exploring the song's themes, imagery, and musical composition.
The Story Behind the Song
Before we delve into the Beauty and the Beast lyrics, it's important to understand the context in which the song was written. The song was composed by Alan Menken, with lyrics by Howard Ashman, for the 1991 Disney animated film.
The film tells the story of Belle, a young woman who becomes the prisoner of a cursed prince who has been transformed into a beast. As Belle spends time with the Beast, she begins to look past his monstrous exterior and sees the kind-hearted prince within. The film is a classic tale of love and redemption, and the Beauty and the Beast lyrics capture this perfectly.
The Beauty and the Beast Lyrics
"Tale as old as time
True as it can be
Barely even friends
Then somebody bends
Unexpectedly"
The opening lines of the Beauty and the Beast lyrics set the stage for the rest of the song. The idea of a tale as old as time suggests that the story of Belle and the Beast is universal and timeless. The phrase "true as it can be" emphasizes the authenticity of their love, despite their unconventional circumstances.
The lyric "barely even friends" acknowledges that Belle and the Beast start off as strangers, but the line "then somebody bends unexpectedly" hints at the idea that love can come from the most unexpected places.
"Just a little change
Small, to say the least
Both a little scared
Neither one prepared
Beauty and the Beast"
The second verse of the Beauty and the Beast lyrics explores the emotional journey that Belle and the Beast go through as they fall in love. The phrase "just a little change" refers to the transformation that the Beast undergoes throughout the film, as he learns to let go of his anger and become a kinder person.
The line "both a little scared, neither one prepared" highlights the vulnerability that both Belle and the Beast feel as they navigate their feelings for each other. The repetition of the phrase "Beauty and the Beast" at the end of the verse emphasizes the central theme of the song.
"Ever just the same
Ever a surprise
Ever as before
Ever just as sure
As the sun will rise"
The third verse of the Beauty and the Beast lyrics explores the idea that love is both constant and unpredictable. The phrase "ever just the same, ever a surprise" suggests that even though Belle and the Beast's love remains true, there are always unexpected twists and turns along the way.
The line "ever as before, ever just as sure" reinforces the idea that their love is unchanging, while the metaphor "as the sun will rise" emphasizes the idea that their love is as natural and inevitable as the coming of a new day.
The Musical Composition
Aside from the lyrics, the musical composition of Beauty and the Beast is also worth examining. The song is a classic ballad, with a slow tempo and a simple chord progression that allows the lyrics to take center stage.
The use of strings and piano in the instrumental arrangement gives the song a romantic and cinematic quality, while Celine Dion's powerful vocals bring an emotional intensity to the lyrics.
The Legacy of Beauty and the Beast
The Beauty and the Beast lyrics by Celine Dion have become a cultural touchstone, inspiring countless covers, parodies, and adaptations. The song has been covered by artists such as Ariana Grande and John Legend, and it was even adapted into a Broadway musical.
More recently, the song was featured in the 2017 live-action adaptation of Beauty and the Beast, with Emma Watson and Dan Stevens taking on the roles of Belle and the Beast. The film was a box office success, showing that the story and the Beauty and the Beast lyrics still resonate with audiences today.
Conclusion
The Beauty and the Beast lyrics by Celine Dion are a testament to the enduring power of love and the human capacity for transformation. The song's timeless message has made it a classic that has stood the test of time, inspiring generations of fans and artists alike.
Whether you're a fan of the original animated film or the more recent live-action adaptation, there's no denying the impact that Beauty and the Beast has had on popular culture. And with the Beauty and the Beast lyrics by Celine Dion at the heart of it all, it's not hard to see why.