I love Disney movies, and Pocahontas has always been one of my favorites. The songs in this film are so catchy and memorable. I find myself humming them long after watching.
The soundtrack for Pocahontas features music by Alan Menken and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz. These talented artists created songs that tell the story of Pocahontas and John Smith. The music helps bring the characters to life and adds emotion to key scenes in the movie.
1. Colors of the Wind
I love “Colors of the Wind” from Pocahontas. It’s such a beautiful song that really sticks with you. The Oscar-winning tune was written by Alan Menken and Stephen Schwartz back in 1995.
When I listen to it, I feel like I’m right there in the forest with Pocahontas. The lyrics paint such a vivid picture of nature and how we’re all connected to it.
I think my favorite part is when Pocahontas sings about running through the pine trails and tasting sun-sweet berries. It makes me want to go on an adventure in the great outdoors!
The song has a powerful message too. It’s all about respecting nature and understanding different cultures. I find myself humming it long after the movie ends.
If you want to sing along, you can find the full lyrics online. Trust me, you’ll be belting out “Can you paint with all the colors of the wind?” in no time!
2. Just Around the Riverbend
I love “Just Around the Riverbend” from Pocahontas. It’s such a catchy tune that always gets stuck in my head. The song is Pocahontas’ “I want” song in the movie.
Judy Kuhn’s voice brings Pocahontas to life as she sings about choosing between tradition and adventure. I can really feel her struggle as she decides what path to take in life.
The lyrics use the river as a metaphor for life’s journey. It’s pretty clever how they connect Pocahontas’ choices to the bends in the river. I find myself humming along every time I hear it.
Disney made a cool lyric video for the song. It’s fun to sing along with the on-screen words. I’ve probably watched it a dozen times!
This song really captures the spirit of Pocahontas as a character. It shows her adventurous side and her desire to forge her own path.
3. Savages
“Savages” is a song from Disney’s Pocahontas that I find pretty intense. It’s sung by both the English settlers and the Native Americans as they prepare for battle.
The lyrics are harsh, with both sides calling each other “savages.” I think it shows how fear and misunderstanding can lead to conflict.
The music is dramatic and builds tension. It’s performed by different characters, including Ratcliffe and Powhatan.
I’ve noticed the song tackles some heavy themes like racism and xenophobia. It’s not your typical Disney tune, that’s for sure.
When I watch the movie clip, I’m struck by how the animation matches the song’s intensity. The contrast between the two groups is really clear.
While it’s a powerful song, I know some people have criticized it for its portrayal of Native Americans. It’s definitely a complex piece of music that gets people talking.
4. Steady as the Beating Drum
I love this song from Pocahontas. It’s the opening number that introduces us to the Powhatan tribe. The steady drum beat really sets the mood.
The lyrics paint a picture of daily life in the village. I can almost see the women tending crops and the men fishing in the river. It’s a peaceful scene.
The chorus is super catchy. I often find myself humming “steady as the beating drum” throughout the day. It’s one of those tunes that just sticks in your head.
I think this song does a great job of establishing the setting. In just a few minutes, I get a sense of the Powhatan culture and their connection to nature.
There’s also a short reprise later in the movie. I like how it ties things together musically.
5. Listen with Your Heart
I love this gentle and inspiring song from Pocahontas. It’s sung by Grandmother Willow, voiced by Linda Hunt. The lyrics are simple but powerful, telling Pocahontas to trust her instincts.
The song has a soothing melody that always calms me down. I think it perfectly captures the movie’s theme of connecting with nature and following your heart.
Grandmother Willow sings “You will understand” repeatedly, encouraging Pocahontas to listen closely. The lyrics also include some words in the Algonquin language, which adds to the authentic feel.
I find it interesting that there’s a female voice in the wind during the song. Some people think it’s the spirit of Pocahontas’ mom, which is a nice touch.
The song plays a key role in the movie. It comes up again when Pocahontas meets John Smith, linking their encounter to the wisdom Grandmother Willow shared.
6. If I Never Knew You
I love this beautiful song from Pocahontas. Jon Secada and Shanice recorded “If I Never Knew You” for the movie soundtrack. It’s a touching love ballad between Pocahontas and John Smith.
The song wasn’t in the original theater version. But I’m glad they added it to the 10th Anniversary DVD. It really adds to the story.
I think the lyrics are so romantic. They’re about how meeting someone special can change your whole life. The melody is soft and emotional, perfect for the theme.
When I listen to this song, I can picture Pocahontas and John Smith singing to each other. It makes their love story feel even more powerful.
I’ve heard both the movie version and the pop single. They’re both great in their own ways. The movie version feels more intimate, while the pop version is more dramatic.
7. Mine, Mine, Mine
I love the song “Mine, Mine, Mine” from Pocahontas. It’s a catchy tune that showcases Ratcliffe’s greed and ambition. The lyrics are clever, using “mine” in two ways – as a possessive and a digging action.
The song features Ratcliffe, Wiggins, and John Smith. Ratcliffe sings about his plans for the gold he hopes to find in Virginia. John Smith joins in with a verse about seeking adventure in the new land.
I find the animation in this scene really impressive. The facial expressions and movements of the characters add so much to the song’s impact.
The music was composed by Alan Menken, with lyrics by Stephen Schwartz. They did a great job capturing the spirit of the characters and the story’s themes.
I think this song perfectly captures the conflict between the settlers’ greed and the Native Americans’ respect for the land. It’s a standout in the movie’s soundtrack.
8. The Virginia Company
“The Virginia Company” is the opening song in Pocahontas. I love how it sets the tone for the movie right from the start.
The tune is catchy and upbeat. It introduces us to the British sailors heading to the New World. They’re excited about the adventure ahead.
I can’t help but sing along when I hear the lyrics “For glory, God and gold and the Virginia Company.” It’s stuck in my head for days after watching the film.
The song appears twice in the movie. The main version is at the beginning, and a reprise is later on.
I think it’s clever how the song shows the sailors’ dreams and goals. They believe they’ll find riches and freedom in America.
In my opinion, “The Virginia Company” is one of the most memorable songs from Pocahontas. It really captures the spirit of exploration and the time period.
9. Farewell
“Farewell” is a beautiful instrumental piece from the Pocahontas soundtrack. I love how it captures the bittersweet mood of John Smith and Pocahontas parting ways.
The song plays during the movie’s emotional ending. It always makes me tear up a bit when I hear it. Alan Menken composed this moving piece for the film.
I think the gentle piano and string melodies really tug at the heartstrings. They remind me of the connection between the two main characters.
The music swells and fades, just like the characters’ hopes for staying together. I feel it perfectly expresses their sadness at saying goodbye.
Whenever I listen to “Farewell,” I’m transported back to that final scene on the beach. It’s a powerful example of how music can enhance a movie’s emotional impact.
10. In the Middle of the River
I love discovering hidden gems from Disney movies, and “In the Middle of the River” is one of those treasures. It’s a deleted song from Pocahontas that I wish had made it into the final cut.
The song features John Smith and Pocahontas looking for a quiet spot to be alone. It’s a sweet duet that showcases their growing connection.
I found out that Pocahontas quotes her mother in the song. She says, “Whenever there is anger and hatred on both sides of the river, you can always find a place of peace in the middle of the river.” I think that’s such a beautiful metaphor.
If you’re curious to hear it, you can listen to a demo version on YouTube. Alan Menken, the talented composer behind many Disney classics, performs it.
I really enjoy the melody and lyrics. They add depth to Pocahontas and John’s relationship. It’s a shame it didn’t make the final cut, but I’m glad we can still enjoy it as a bonus track.