Introduction Songs

An introduction song is a song that introduces a character or a set of characters and gives us an idea of what kind of character they are, how they live and their personality.  Some movies can have more than one introduction song because other characters may be introduced throughout the film . Introduction songs can also serve as a way to let us know how the characters are feeling about the particular moment in their lives.  Today, I'll be taking a look at some introduction songs and will give my opinion on them. 

One Jump Ahead - Aladdin


One Jump Ahead introduces us to Aladdin and Abu. This song sets up his character quite, it lets the audience know that he is a poor boy, who has no money and he is just trying to get by. Everyone looks down on him. While this is upbeat,  the audience does get the sense from Aladdin that he wants a better life.  I feel that this is also shown well and perhaps even better in the reprise of this song also known as Street Rat.

One Jump Ahead (Reprise)/Street Rat - Aladdin


This song has always been one of my favorites.  I feel with this reprise Aladdin lets his shield down and shows how he truly feels.  The audience can tell that Aladdin is hurt at being thought of a Street Rat but he has no other choice in his life. This is one of my favorites because Aladdin's true emotions come out in this short reprise and is handled beautifully.

Friend Like Me - Aladdin


Friend Like Me is another intro song from Aladdin. Sorry for including so many but this movie has a few intro songs. Just as with One Jump Ahead, this song is upbeat but you can clearly hear that Genie is willing to do anything to help.


Out There - The Hunchback of Notre Dame



Out There from The Hunchback of Notre Dame is a unique song in that the audience is first led to believe it's a villian song as Frollo sings the first part of the song but after he leaves the bell tower Quasimodo opens up and starts to sing and he talks of how, he just wants today in the outside world and just to be treated like a human.  It is a very touching and poigant song and works well to introduce us to Quasimodo.


Part of Your World - The Little Mermaid


Part of Your World is sung by Ariel when she is surrounded by all her trinkets.  This song introduces her personality, her curiousity and how she just wants to spend one day on the land.  It's a beautiful song and it shows that Ariel is determined to get what she wants and it is a great intro song for the character.


When Will my Life Begin - Tangled



I'm sorry if i'm spoiling this movie for anyone who has not seen it but this is actually a good song.  While it may sound more pop than some of the others but I'm okay with that.  This is another great intro song, where we eighteen year old Rapunzel and here she is singing about just wanting to go outside and being able to live an ordindary life. She's tired of being cooped up in the tower but she still has an upbeat attitude and won't let anything bog her down.


These are just a few examples of intro songs, let me know if you can think of any others.  Your feedback is always welcome