Three Generations of Disney: A Top Ten List of Favorite Disney Songs

I watched Disney movies, in the evenings, when I was growing up and I fondly remember all of the records and sing-along books I was given as a child. When I became a mother, one of the first influences that I introduced to my children's' lives was the wonderful and engaging songs from various movies. Now, as a Grandmother, I smile as I see these wonderful songs passed on to my grandson.

Here is a list of 10 of our personal favorites, in no particular order:

1. Why Should I Worry?

Perhaps the best-known song from flash the pan film, "Oliver & Company," this gritty rock and roll tune offers a fun beat and some traditionally carefree Disney lyrics. Sung by a hipster stray dog, the vocals are performed by the talented Billy Joel, and the purely infectious beat was composed by Dan Hartman and Charlie Midnight. The story is very sweet too, following a little kitten (Oliver) and his search for a home. Parents have great fun trying to recognize all the familiar voices with singers like Bette Midler and Huey Lewis and endlessly talented Barry Manilow even adds his personal touch to this wonderful movie. Street savoire faire indeed!

2. I Wan'na Be Like You (The Monkey Song)

Who can forget King Louis singing to little Mowgli, serenading the jungle boy in an attempt to woo the secret of fire out of him? "The Jungle Book" has long been a favorite of children and adults alike, partially for the amazing animation and partially for the great music. While there's several that I am very fond of from this soundtrack, I find myself unable to resist singing along whenever I hear this one.

3. Bibbidi-Bobbidi-Boo

It was Verna Felton who made this song, taking the delightful lyrics of Jerry Livingston and weaving a sweet and wonderful tune that would captivate imaginations for decades. Midst a tale filled with magical mice and fairy tale princes, the Fairy Godmother always stood out as an entertaining character, as well as being the individual responsible for making all of Cinderella's dreams come true. With music by Mack David and Al Hoffman, Bibbidi-Bobbidi-Boo is an unforgettable song in an unforgettable movie.

4. Chim Chim Cheree

Written by Richard M. Sherman and Robert B. Sherman, Chim Chim Cheree remains one of my favorite Disney songs of all time. Performed by the charismatic and funny Dick Van Dyke, it's a lighthearted look at the life of a chimney sweep - perhaps not the most glamorous of jobs but, by the time Dick Van Dyke finishes delivering this sometimes funny and other times mysterious tune, you're definitely left with the impression that it must be a magical existence, the life of a chimney sweep! Thank you Mary Poppins; not only did you help the medicine go down, by you gave us some unforgettable songs!

5. Part of Your World

One of the most popular songs from "The Little Mermaid" soundtrack, it's very hard to listen to Ariel (played by Jody Benson) pine for a life on the land and out of the water and not feel inspired to hope and dream for more. Poignant and uplifting, the message is powerful and the vocals are breathtaking. With music and lyrics by Alan Menken and Howard Ashman, it's an unforgettable tune and one of many engaging songs on a soundtrack that's gone platinum numerous times.

6. Zip a Dee Doo Dah

Who says Roger Rabbit was the first movie to mix an animated bunny with real actors and actresses? In 1946, James Baskett sang the memorable song, complete with a small animated bluebird of happiness, whistling away on his shoulder. "Song of the South" was a wonderful glimpse at life in the South, with incredible music written by Allie Wrubel and the story based on the Uncle Remus folk tales, originally written by Joel Chandler Harris. The lyrics for Zip a Dee Doo Dah were written by Ray Gilbert and it won the Academy Award for Best Original Song.

7. Siamese Cat Song

Almost everyone that's seen "Lady and the Tramp" recalls the mischievous Siamese cats, Si and Am. From as far back as I can remember, I was singing along with the two and their contagious "Siamese Cat Song." It was one of the most influential of jazz singers, the amazing Peggy Lee, who did the voices for these cantankerous cats, with music by Oliver Wallace. Who can listen along and not want Siamese cats of their own?

8. The Wonderful Thing About Tiggers

Another amazing cat song was belted out by Winnie the Pooh's buddy, Tigger, in "Winnie the Pooh and the Blustery Day". Written by the amazing team of Richard M. Sherman and Robert B. Sherman, Tigger's theme song became an instant hit. His unforgettable voice was performed by talented voice actor and ventriloquist, Paul Winchell. This is an amazing song because, well... Tiggers are wonderful things!

9. I've Got No Strings

Sung by child actor, Dickie Jones, Pinocchio's anthem was written by Ned Washington, with music by Leigh Harline. Dating back to 1940, it remains a personal favorite for its lighthearted lyrics about a little puppet's desire for freedom. Whenever I think of my top Disney songs, I always remember this unique gem and recall all the puppets dancing about.

10. Hakuna Matata

Another lighthearted look at personal freedom comes from an unlikely duo in "The Lion King." Timone, the Meerkat and Pumba, the Warthog, are a couple of lackadaisical souls who believe one should adhere to a life of no worries. Hakuna Matata has since become an anthem for many and the song remains a public favorite. With a musical score written by the amazing Elton John and lyrics by Tim Rice, the song is performed by Jimmy Cliff with special appearance by South African composer, Lebo M. It was my young daughter's favorite song when she was little and remains one of my favorites to this day.

Sources:
Frank's Disney Pages - Frank Pilhofer, 2001
http://www.songofthesouth.net/home.html