The First Black Princess in Disney Movies: Complete Song List from "The Princess and the Frog" on YouTube ♡
2019.04.05 published
Have you seen "The Princess and the Frog"?
It is a Disney movie released in 2009 in the United States and in 2010 in Japan♡
The original title is "The Princess and the Frog."
This movie is inspired by American teen novels about a frog prince and the Brothers Grimm's fairy tale "The Frog King," featuring original elements while incorporating aspects from well-known works.
One distinctive feature is that the story is set in the French Quarter of New Orleans, a place with a colonial past. Another is that the heroine is a Black girl!
She is the first Black Disney princess, a hardworking girl with a solid dream of wanting to open her own restaurant in honor of her late father♡
The plot begins when the protagonist, Tiana, meets a (human-speaking) frog one night, and when she kisses the frog, believing that "a princess's kiss will break the spell," she unexpectedly transforms into a frog herself...
As it turns out, the frog is Prince Naveen, a prince from a kingdom, and the two gradually fall in love while struggling to return to their human forms♡
That's the story. Of course, in the end, they revert to their human forms with a kiss*
Given that the princess is portrayed as a Black character, the movie was produced with great care concerning the title, character names, and environment to avoid any discriminatory remarks.
It received high praise and earned $270 million (approximately 30 billion yen) in box office revenue worldwide♩
In this article, I will introduce all the songs that are featured in "The Princess and the Frog" movie♡
① Never Knew I Needed
"Never Knew I Needed" is the theme song of the movie*
It is sung by the Black artist Ne-Yo.
It conveys the message that I always need you! which fits perfectly with the concept of the movie. The singing voice and melody are both pleasant♩
It would be moving if played during the wedding exit scene♡
② That’s New Orleans
"That’s New Orleans" is the song that plays at the movie's opening♩
It depicts the town where the protagonist Tiana lives and her working at a restaurant as initial explanations.
The jazzy tune has a fun, Southern U.S. vibe♡
The English version is "Down in New Orleans"*
③ Almost There
"Almost There" features Tiana’s mother speaking about wanting to see her grandchildren, to which Tiana sings about her determination to make it a popular restaurant!
This reveals Tiana's serious and hardworking personality.
The clear yet alluring voice is lovely, and it's an encouraging song♡
The English version is "Almost There"♩
④ Friends on the Other Side
"Friends on the Other Side" is sung by Dr. Facilier, the sorcerer who transformed Prince Naveen into a frog.
It features ominous and confident lyrics and melody, fitting for a villain♩
The English version is "Friends on the Other Side"*
⑤ When We're Human
"When We're Human" is a song in which the frog-turned Naveen and Tiana express their eagerness to become human again!
It has a very bright, concert-like atmosphere, with Louis, a trumpet-playing alligator, joining in.
By the way, this alligator, Louis, dreams of playing jazz among humans one day, and he fulfills that dream in the end♡
The English version is "When We're Human"*
⑥ Ma Belle Evangeline
"Ma Belle Evangeline" is a song about Prince Naveen in frog form and Tiana deepening their love♡
It's a romantic love song that warms the heart and feels gentle.
It seems perfect for a wedding scene or for calmer moments, like when the bride reads a letter*
The English version is "Ma Belle Evangeline"♩
⑦ Dig a Little Deeper
Finally, I’d like to introduce "Dig a Little Deeper"*
Despite its poppy vibe, it explores profound themes such as "What is the real self?" "You can't buy happiness with money," and "What is truly important?"
"The Princess and the Frog" might prompt reflections on life♡
The English version is "Dig a Little Deeper"♩
Perfect for wedding BGM♡
I introduced all seven songs featured in "The Princess and the Frog."
From Tiana's strong, courageous, and love-driven journey towards her dreams, we learn many important things, such as the value of effort, compassion, and not judging people solely based on their appearance.
Songs like:
① Never Knew I Needed
③ Almost There
⑥ Ma Belle Evangeline
⑦ Dig a Little Deeper
are ideal for wedding scenes♩
Be sure to watch the movie and see if there are any favorite songs you'd like to use as background music♡
➡ You can find more articles on Disney movie BGM here*