7 Most Popular Little Mermaid Songs

The Little Mermaid is considered by many as “the film that brought Broadway into cartoons”. The songs of The Little Mermaid remain favorites of many hardcore Disney fans.

The Academy Award-winning score was written by Alan Menken, who collaborated with Howard Ashman on the songs. The Little Mermaid was written and directed by John Musker and Ron Clements and produced by Musker and Ashman.

In January 1990, The Little Mermaid earned three Academy Award nominations. The film won two awards, for Best Song (“Under the Sea”) and Best Score. The film also earned four Golden Globe nominations, including Best Picture—Comedy or Musical, and won the awards for Best Song (“Under the Sea”) and Best Score.

In addition to the box office and critical success of the film itself, the Little Mermaid soundtrack album earned two awards at the 33rd Grammy Awards in 1991: the Grammy Award for Best Album for Children and the Grammy Award for Best Score Soundtrack Album for a Motion Picture, Television or Other Visual Media.

Because of the film’s success and Oscars, Golden Globes, and Grammy Awards, The Little Mermaid soundtrack was certified double platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America in September 1990 for shipments of two million copies of the soundtrack album, an unheard-of feat for an animated film at the time.

The Little Mermaid won two Academy Awards for Best Original Score as well as Best Song for Alan MThe Little Mermaid won two Academy Awards for Best Original Score as well as Best Song for Alan Menken and Howard Ashman’s “Under the Sea”, sung by Samuel E. Wright in a memorable scene. Another song from the film, “Kiss the Girl”, was nominated but lost to “Under the Sea”.

The film also won two Golden Globes for Best Original Score as well Best Original Song for “Under the Sea”. It was also nominated in two other categories, Best Motion Picture and Best Original Song. Menken and Ashman also won a Grammy Award in 1991 for “Under the Sea.”

One of the film’s favorite songs, “Part of Your World”, was nearly cut from the film when it seemingly tested poorly with an audience of school children, who became rowdy during the scene. This caused Jeffrey Katzenberg to feel that the song needed to be cut, an idea that was resisted by Musker, Clements, and Keane.

Both Musker and Clements cited the similar situation of the popular song “Over the Rainbow” nearly being cut from 1939’s The Wizard of Oz when appealing to Katzenberg. Keane pushed for the song to Both Musker and Clements cited the similar situation of the popular song “Over the Rainbow” nearly being cut from 1939’s The Wizard of Oz when appealing to Katzenberg. Keane pushed for the song to remain until the film was in a more finalized state. During a second test screening, the scene, now colorized and further developed, tested well with a separate child audience, and the musical number was kept.

Below we rank the most memorable The Little Mermaid songs performed in the movie.

7.  Daughters of Triton

It’s not one of the best songs in the movie, but it does serve the purpose of showing that Ariel is a free-spirited person who is happy doing whatever she wants. This is a big musical performance by all of Triton’s daughters and is Ariel’s debut with them. It builds up nicely, introducing each daughter as it highlights her great singing ability. However, when Ariel doesn’t appear, the song ends abruptly. 

6.  Les Poissons

Chef Louis’ singing, while he works, is a nice break from the film’s main storyline, with this scene being inserted for comedic value. The song is upbeat and fun, with Chef Louis clearly enjoying himself while preparing the meal. But this also acts as a great reminder of Sebastian’s point that it is actually safer to live under the sea than on land because this is how fish would be treated by humans.

5. Fathoms Below

It’s a song that most people probably don’t remember since it takes place right at beginning of the movie before any major characters are introduced. With a focus on the ship and its crew, the song tells a story of what lives down under the sea.  It’s well done, with legends and myths onboard ships being commonplace, and provides our first glimpse of Prince Eric.

4. Poor Unfortunate Souls

Ursula, the Sea Witch, is one of Disney’s best villains, possessing a commanding presence, full of sass and confidence.  It’s never clearer than when you hear Pat Carroll’s voice really booming in this amazing villain song.  The song has a dark tone, but with the style and energy Ursula sings with, it becomes very catchy. The huge instrumental moments towards the end of the song once Ariel has signed the contract really bring things together nicely. Her deep vocals give this a truly eerie feel.

3. Kiss the Girl

First kisses are magical moments, and this song celebrates them. This romantic song is sung by the lovable Sebastian. The song is made even more romantic because the two young lovers are sitting in a blue lagoon, surrounded by all the animals who sing their hearts out at the end.

2. Part of Your World

Of course, no song list for The Little Mermaid would be completed without Ariel’s heartwarming number “Part of Your World.”  Of the songs from Ariel, this is the fan favorite, by far. Everyone can relate to her desire to be a part of a greater world, a world she wants to know more about. This beautiful song makes audiences admire Ariel and get excited to embark on her magical journey.

1. Under the Sea

It is no wonder this incredible song won the Oscar for Best Original Song. With its bubbly imagery and wordplay that is set to an irresistible melody, “Under the sea” makes every listener want to live underwater themselves. This is a song that everyone knows and loves, as it feels like an authentic party atmosphere. Sung by Sebastian, a fun character who exudes charisma, which is on full display throughout this one. He’s just trying to explain to Ariel that living underwater is safer and smarter than living above ground, which is his job. He does it so well and in the process creates one of Walt Disney’s best songs. See the Under the Sea lyrics post for more details on the song and complete lyrics from the movie and Broadway musical.