Toon Talk Special: The 101 Greatest Disney Songs - Part 1 of 2
Page 8 of 11
Pirates of the Caribbean
#31 - "Yo Ho (A Pirate's Life
For Me)"
The Pirates of the Caribbean - 1967
Music by George Bruns, Lyrics by Xavier Atencio
We rifle and loot
Drink up, me hearties
Yo ho!"
Vocals: The Mellomen as the
Pirates of the Caribbean
Source Album: The Music of Disney: A Legacy of Song
Track Note: I prefer the short but sweet original track to the
remastered extended version that appears on the current theme park Official Albums.
That track has great background music from the ride, but the vocals are entirely too
repetitive.
Behind the Music:
The Pointer Sisters, of all people, brought their "you-go-girl" attitude to "Yo Ho" on Music From the Parks.
#32 - "Fortuosity"
Music and Lyrics by Richard M. Sherman and Robert B. Sherman
And you may call it fortune
But me myself, I call it
Fortuosity"
Vocals: Tommy Steele as John
Lawless
Source Album: The Music of Disney: A Legacy of Song
Behind the Music:
The song is reprised later in the film, where John Lawless is joined by a dancing alligator.
#33 - "Are We Dancing?"
Music and Lyrics by Richard M. Sherman and Robert B. Sherman
Does the music soar?
Was this lovely song I hear
Ever heard before?"
Vocals: John Davidson as Angie
Duke and Leslie Ann Warren as Cordelia Drexel Biddle
Source Album: Classic Disney, Volume III
Behind the Music:
This film was the debut for both Davidson and Warren, who would reunite as the young romantic leads in another Disney musical, The One & Only, Genuine Original Family Band.
The Carousel of Progress
#34 - "There's A Great Big
Beautiful Tomorrow"
Walt Disney's Carousel of Progress - 1967
Music and Lyrics by Richard M. Sherman and Robert B. Sherman
He follows his dream with mind and heart
And when it becomes a reality
It's a dream come true for you and me"
Lead Vocal: Jean Shepherd
Source Album: Walt Disney World: The Official Album (2001)
Track Note: On The Music of Disney: A Legacy of Song,
the original, patriotic version is included.This is the newer, livelier version, with the
Busby Berkley-style chorus girls.
Behind the Music:
- Originating at the New York World's Fair, this attraction premiered in Disneyland in 1967 with this song, sung by country western singer Rex Allen.When it was relocated to the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World in 1973, this song was replaced by "The Best Time of Your Life", also written by the Shermans.20 years later, the original theme song was restored with new vocals by author Jean Shepherd (A Christmas Story).
The song was also heard in Epcot's Horizons.
#35 - "The Bare Necessities"
Music and Lyrics by Terry Gilkyson
I mean the bare necessities
That's why a bear can rest at ease
With just the bare necessities of life"
Vocals: Phil Harris as Baloo,
with Bruce Reitherman as Mowgli
Source Album: The Jungle Book Original Soundtrack
Alternate Track: Harry Connick Jr. provided a swinging cover for
Simply Mad About the Mouse.
Behind the Music:
- The original tone for the movie was darker, and Gilkyson's jazzy song for Baloo was toned down. When Walt decided to lighten-up the story, the original version returned.
Oscar nominee for Best Song.