True to Disney’s tradition, The Little Mermaid will feature many songs, but the lyrics will differ from the original animated version. Composer Alan Menken revealed in a recent interview with Vanity Fair that he altered the words of two songs, Kiss the Girl and Poor Unfortunate Souls, to ensure evidence of Ariel’s consent to Eric’s love.
The Little Mermaid remake changed songs to include Consent
According to Menken, there have been some changes in the lyrics due to people’s sensitivity towards the idea that Prince Eric would force Ariel in some way.
Menken may have been referring to the following lyrics, “Yes, you want her, Look at her, you know you do, Possible she wants you too, There is one way to ask her, It don’t take a word, Not a single word, Go on and kiss the girl.”
Menken also revised a couple of phrases in Poor Unfortunate Souls, as he believes that the original lyrics might make girls feel like they shouldn’t speak out of turn, even though Ursula manipulates Ariel into giving up her voice.
“Come on, they’re not all that impressed with conversation/ True gentlemen avoid it when they can/ But they dote and swoon and fawn/ On a lady who’s withdrawn/It’s she who holds her tongue who gets a man.”
Disney’s live-action remake of the beloved 1989 classic, The Little Mermaid, will hit the cinemas On May 26, starring Halle Bailey in the lead role.
The Little Mermaid will be directed by Rob Marshall, who aims to bring a modern version of the story. Marshall explained in an interview with Entertainment Weekly that his adaptation would incorporate new elements to make the film contemporary while retaining its classic charm.
