Growing up, I thought the kids that could watch rated R movies in elementary school were savages, barely even human. Now, I just feel sorry for them, because they can’t relate with the songs and one-liners we all know best. But it wasn’t until I was humming a song and a friend shouted out “we must be swift as the coursing river, with all the force of a great typhoon,” that I realized she knew the song.
Disney gives us a basis for common ground, which is saying a lot because every rock and tree and creature has a life, spirit and name. But that common ground is probably a good thing, because most of the songs teach us on a basic level how to be good people. Your reflection should always be someone you know, and should show who you are inside.
Along with a great melody, the songs were factually informative too. I got stumped on a date while taking the TAKS test, but then remembered in 1607 we sailed the open seas, for glory, God and gold and the Virginia Company. I never took French, but I can say bonjour properly, it’s just often followed by the baker with his tray like always, with the same old bread and rolls to sale. Everyone knows the two words that mean no worries for the rest of your days. But who needs to learn math when you can go from zero to hero just like that?
Some songs didn’t have the best lines. I try not to steal what I can’t afford, because that’s everything. It’s true that if you walk the footsteps of a stranger, you’ll learn things you never knew, but that doesn’t mean go follow one.
As exclusive as the Disney circle may seem, sometimes the non-Disney kids can relate.
At ACU, everybody wants to be a cat, because a cat’s the only cat who knows where’s it’s at. Freshman year we brushed up on looking down, but by senior year we’re working on our roar! The ring by springers sweep the room and imagine that the room is someone that they’ll love and will find dancing to the tune. But we’ve all matured together because we know we have a brand of magic that never fails; we’ve never had a friend like Jesus.
I hope the love and joy of Disney songs spreads throughout campus. It opens our eyes and takes us wonder by wonder, over sideways and under, if you let it. Do you trust me?
Did you get all 15 references?
