Exploring the Meaning Behind 'part of that world lyrics
The song “Part of That World” captures Ariel’s longing to escape from her life in the sea and to experience the human world.

Exploring the Meaning Behind ‘Part of That World’ Lyrics

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Article Summary

For generations, the lyrics to “Part of That World” from Disney’s The Little Mermaid have won over the hearts of audiences with its mighty words and emotional depth. One of the film’s characters, Ariel, wants to live above the sea and reach the world of humans. Resonating with themes of longing, desire and personal transformation, the lyrics have endured as a cultural touchstone.

In this post we analyze the meanings behind it, how the lyrics speak to everyone and what makes this song last. We will also explore how “Part of That World” fits into the larger context of The Little Mermaid and its influence on pop culture. If you’re a long-term adapter or new to the song, this exploration offers valuable insights.

Introduction to part of that world lyrics

“Part of That World” is a signature song from Disney’s The Little Mermaid that holds the heart and soul of the film. The song, released in 1989, became one of the most defining elements of Ariel’s character development, defining her longing for something that goes beyond her undersea world.

The lyrics, written by Howard Ashman and set to music by Alan Menken, capture Ariel’s longing to join the human realm — an impulse anyone can relate to, regardless of age. The song makes a dent in the longing to find yourself, belong to a place, grow into a different person. Here is an overview of the lyrics, the story behind the song, and its cultural significance.

Analysis of “Part of That World” Lyrics

“Part of That World” is among Disney’s most iconic and emotionally high-collared songs. Ariel expresses a desire to transcend from her chorally societal constraints as a mermaid and venture out into the world. The range of emotion is expressed in the lyrics, which reflect her frustration and hopefulness.

Longing for Freedom

The very opening line, “Look at this stuff, isn’t it neat? Ariel’s desire for the human world is instantaneously palpable. She writes about treasures that humans have, which she has no access to. The line is not merely a matter of curiosity — it’s a cry for freedom. It encapsulates Ariel’s craving to know something greater than the life she has always lived beneath the waves.

The Desire to Belong

A key part of the song, after all, is Ariel’s desire to belong to the world of humans. The lyrics “I want to be where the people are” convey a profound sense of alienation. Ariel, of course, loves her family and her life under the sea, but she also feels alienated from the human experiences she observes at a distance. It’s a feeling that’s universal, and relatable to anyone who has ever felt out of place.

Hope and Optimism

The song isn’t just all about frustration or longing. It also expresses hope. Ariel is driven to see what the world of man holds, convinced that it will answer her questions. Her hopeful longing is evident in the lyrics “I want to be part of that world,” which captures something between a proclamation and a Halloween wish.

There’s Part of That World Lyrics Meaning and Symbolism

The lyrics of “Part of That World” are heavy with symbolism. They express Ariel’s internal struggle, her yearning for change, and the conflict between two worlds: land and sea.

The Sea as a Prison

Ariel’s aquatic existence is portrayed as gorgeous and also restrictive. Although she’s surrounded by the marvels of the ocean, the lyrics make clear that being in the sea is not where Ariel feels she belongs. And it’s this duality that is instrumental in opening the door to how deeply she longs for something more. The sea is a reflection of her calcified staring back, and a world above water becomes a metaphor of liberation and potential to transcend.

Human Objects Symbolizing Human Desire

In the course of the song, Ariel lists human possessions she has collected, including “gadgets and gizmos” and “whozits and whatzits.” They represent everything she is unable to grasp but lusts after in Riptide. In the grander picture, these things are the kind of life she believes she is capable of creating, were she to be with humans—a fullness of experience, of connection, of self-expression.

Transformation and Change

The lyrics of “Part of That World” imply a further change in Ariel. She is not just yearning for the thing she cannot attain; she’s fashioning a new self. The phrase “I’ll be part of that world” suggests that Ariel isn’t simply dreaming about what it would be like to live as a human — she’s set on making it happen. This metamorphosis — both real and figurative — is also a sign of growth and the ability to follow one’s dreams.

How “Part of That World” Influenced The Little Mermaid

“Part of That World” is important in the context of The Little Mermaid, as it sets the tone of the movie, defining Ariel’s intent. Complex, researched, nuanced songs that give audiences insight into Ariel all the way from the start of the piece, so that audiences understood her agency and what she wants, and what the stakes are for her.

Setting up Ariel’s Arc

From the opening note, “Part of That World” gives a sense of who Ariel is. The lyrics articulate her desires and, through her performance, viewers can see the conflict inside her. This allows the audience to identify with her, making her arc of transformation feel more personal. Ariel’s quest for a sense of place is more than a plot device; it’s an emotional journey that strikes a chord with viewers of any age.

Driving the Plot Forward

The song is also a catalyst for the story’s unfolding. Ariel’s desire to join the human world is directly the impetus for her pact with Ursula, the sea witch. “Part of That World” isn’t merely a statement of longing; it is the initiation of Ariel’s metamorphosis. The idealistic song pushes the plot forward, foreshadowing the trials and tribulations that await.

“Part of That World” and Where It Fits in the Culture

“Part of That World” has transcended a song from a movie. Its impact resonates decades after its release and bears cultural significance. The song captures the universal human condition of craving life and wanting to know where we fit in.

Symbolism of Personal Development

The essence of the song is personal growth. Ariel’s yearning to shed her old life and enter the world of humans speaks to a wider theme of self-discovery. For many people, the song symbolizes the quest to rise above one’s circumstances and go after a future that seems more true to yourself.

Inspiring Generations

Since its release, “Part of That World” has resonated with countless fans and become a cultural touchstone. A song that inspires people to follow their dreams, no matter the obstacles they might face. Ariel’s story has struck a chord with generations of fans who, like her, had a vision of a better world, or a desire to transform their lives in meaningful ways.

How “Part of That World” Became Part of Popular Culture

The legacy of “Part of That World” has grown beyond its original appearance in The Little Mermaid. It remains an iconic anthem that has had impact across music, media, and culture.

The Song in Various Media

Over the years “Part of That World” has been sung by innumerable artists in varying contexts. From Broadway adaptations to Disney parks, the song’s long-lasting popularity reflects its cultural relevance. It has been covered by pop stars, appeared in commercials and inspired parodies. These adaptations evoke the song’s universal and enduring reach.

Iconic Disney Moment

What the song is also credited with is regarding the rise on the Disney Renaissance in the late 1980s/80’s and 1990s. The Little Mermaid was a return to the format of musical storytelling, and “Part of That World” is representative of the heart of Disney’s animation in that period. The song has moved many fans to tears, and is considered one of the best known pieces from Disney’s musical canon.

The Lasting Inspiration of “Part of That World”

Although “Part of That World” was released back in 1989, it is still a powerful song and a song that continues to inspire and resonate with people all over the world. Its themes of longing, growth and transformation are timeless, resonating across generations.

A Song for Dreamers

Ariel’s journey is one that resonates with dreamers everywhere. “Part of That World” can resonate with anyone who has ever felt out of place, knitting together a message of following one’s passions. This message is a play that reminds the listeners that they have the ability to change their lives, and that such dreaming should never be seen as far-fetched.

Inspiring New Generations

“Part of That World” resonates uniquely for every new generation. The song symbolizes the thrill and promise of growing up for its younger audience. For adults, it serves as a wake-up call to the dreams they have forgotten and the necessity of making them a reality. “Part of That World” inspires and motivates in this way, no matter the age.

Conclusion

“Part of That World” is not just a song, it is a potent declaration of desire, change and hope. What Ariel does not need is a fancy plot, as her longing to escape her underwater world for the freedom of the human realm resonates with universal emotions of wanting something more in life. The lyrics, filled with yearning and hope, have reached millions around the world.

The cultural significance of the song is so great that it motivates dreamers both young and old to pursue their ambitions and work hard toward becoming a better person. With its emotional depth and timeless lyrics, “Part of That World” is an iconic anthem for generations to come.


FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

What does the song Part of That World mean?

The song “Part of That World” captures Ariel’s longing to escape from her life in the sea and to experience the human world. It represents a desire for freedom, self-discovery and belonging. The feeling of wanting more than the life you’ve always known and Ariel’s dreams of something new echo the human desire to find your dreams and consume the world. The song is an emotional representation of transformation and a desire for a better tomorrow.

Where does “Part of That World” fit in The Little Mermaid?

“Part of That World” is important in The Little Mermaid because it expresses (and sets the plot in motion for) Ariel’s internal struggle. The song expresses Ariel’s yearning to belong to the human world, prompting her to take a momentous step. It crystallizes the emotional heart of the film, its artist’s journey of self-discovery and metamorphosis. The lyrics displays hopes, and dreams, relatable to the audience.

Why is “Part of That World” so iconic?

One song that stands out amongst the rest is “Part of That World” for its emotional depth and relatable themes. It embodies Ariel’s yearning and desire for something bigger, for something beyond, that resonates with audiences of every age. It is the song with lyrics set to a blend of folk and pop that comes off bittersweet — and, paired with its lyrics, instills hopefulness and optimism. The song simply became a pop culture hit over the years, reverberating for anyone who has ever dreamt of something more than their everyday lives.

How did “Part of That World” change Disney music?

“Part of That World” is one of the most defining songs from Disney’s Renaissance era, shaping the future of Disney musicals. Its success helped energize the studio’s focus on character-driven songs and emotional storytelling. The track set an industry standard for future Disney movies, prompting similar songs in movies such as Beauty and the Beast and Aladdin. The song’s influence reached beyond The Little Mermaid and helped determine how Disney handled music in animated films.

Why did “Part of That World” go viral?

Its universal themes of desire, change and self-determination connected with listeners everywhere. “Part of That World” leapt from being just a part of The Little Mermaid to the pantheon of popular culture. Its enduring appearances in Disney theme parks, Broadway adaptations and cover versions by different singers cemented its status with fans. It is seen as an anthem by a lot of people for chasing their dreams and working towards bettering themselves.

Who wrote “Part of That World” lyrics?

The lyrics for “Part of That World” were penned by Howard Ashman, a prolific lyricist who was responsible for several Disney classics. Ashman’s skill at distilling emotional truth out of characters through lyrics is on display in this number. Coupled with Alan Menken’s music, Ashman’s lyrics brought Ariel’s desires to life, rendering the song among the most memorable in Disney history. His work with Menken helped define the sound of Disney’s Renaissance era.


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