Disney is successful for making the underdogs feel powerful, unstoppable and like they can start their very own revolutions. Disney makes movies that make the viewer feel good (let’s just pretend Fox and the Hound doesn’t exist for a moment, okay?) and the songs that go along with the movies definitely help make them successful. Disney empowers girls and boys no matter their age, race or ethnicity. This article focuses on fifteen songs from different Disney movies and Disney Channel Original Movies that scream Girl Power.
1. “Girl Power” from The Cheetah Girls (2003).
“Throw your hands up if you know that you’re a star. You better stand up if you know just who you are. Never give up never say die. Girl Power! Girl Power!!” (lyrics from “Girl Power” by The Cheetah Girls). Just these lyrics alone quite literally scream girl power. When this song came on the TV screen, if you didn’t jump around your living room then are you even a human?
2. “This is Me” from Camp Rock (2008).
“This is the real, this is me. I’m exactly where I’m supposed to be now. Gonna let the light shine on me. Now I found who I am” (lyrics from Camp Rock). These lyrics always stirred something in my soul and it is still one of my favorite songs from the original channel movies.
3. “What Dreams Are Made of” from The Lizzie McGuire Movie (2003).
This song is not completely “Girl Power” per say but it is definitely a feel-good song for any gender! You can read the lyrics here.
4. “Almost There” from The Princess and the Frog (2009).
“And I’m almost there, I’m almost there. People down here think I’m crazy, but I don’t care. Trials and tribulations, I’ve had my share. There ain’t nothing gonna stop me now ‘cause I’m almost there!” (lyrics from The Princess and the Frog). Unlike #4, this song from The Princess and the Frog is definitely considered to be Girl Power. I love this song because it shows just how hard Tiana wants her dream to come true.
5. “Here We Go” from Lemonade Mouth (2011).
“Be heard, Be strong, Be proud. I wanna make some noise! Stand up, Come on, Be loud! We’re gonna raise our voice” (lyrics from Lemonade Mouth). Again, this song is not 100% about female empowerment but it’s an amazing song to get you pumped for something.
6. “Let it Go” from Frozen (2013).
If you do not know this song already then you probably live under a rock (no offense). This song is a #GirlPower song because Elsa stopped trying to hide her true self and accepted who she is.
7. “Strut” from The Cheetah Girls 2 (2006).
“You got to strut like you mean it. Free your mind. It’s not enough just to dream it. Come on, come on. Get up when you feel it. It’s your chance to shine! Strut like you mean it!” (lyrics from The Cheetah Girls 2). This song should be on everyone’s Girl Power playlist.
8. “My Revolution” from Radio Rebel (2012).
This song is full-on girl power but it also makes you feel a little angry inside and makes you literally want to start a revolution. You can read the lyrics here.
9. “How Far I’ll Go” from Moana (2016).
I am currently obsessed with this song and the movie. This song just gives you such a warm feeling inside your heart. Here are the lyrics if you want to read them.
10. “Determinate” from Lemonade Mouth (2011).
This song makes you want to accomplish something. “Gotta turn the world into your dance floor. Determinate, d-determinate! Push until you can’t and then demand more. Determinate, d-determinate! You and me together, we can make it better. Gotta turn the world into your dance floor!” (lyrics from Lemonade Mouth).
11. “The Climb” from The Hannah Montana Movie (2009).
“There’s always gonna be another mountain. I’m always gonna wanna make it move. Always gonna be an uphill battle. Sometimes you’re gonna have to lose! Ain’t about how fast I get there. Ain’t about what’s waiting on the other side. It’s the climb.” (lyrics from The Hannah Montana Movie). I like to listen to this song when I feel like I cannot succeed in something; this song gives me the motivation that I need.
12. “Cinderella” from The Cheetah Girls (2003).
“I don’t wanna be like Cinderella,. Sitting in a dark, cold, dusty cellar waiting for somebody to come and set me free. I don’t wanna be like someone waiting for a handsome prince to come and save me. On I will survive unless somebody’s on my side. Don’t wanna be no, no, no one else. I’d rather rescue myself.” (lyrics from The Cheetah Girls). This song is not only girl power but is also a great song for anyone struggling with relationships.
13. “A Wish Comes True Everyday” from Radio Rebel (2012).
“Today’s the day, you know it is. Make it happen, I know you can. You know you want to do just something big. Just take the punch, yeah you can handle it. It can happen to me, it can happen to you.” (lyrics from both Radio Rebel and Sixteen Wishes soundtracks). This is an amazing motivational song; if you haven’t ever heard it before I definitely advise listening to it.
14. “On the Ride” from Cow Belles (2006).
“Life has moments hard to describe. Feeling great and feeling alive. Never coming down from this mountain we’re on!” (lyrics from Cow Belles). Again, this is a great motivational song. Cow Belles wasn’t a very popular Disney Channel original movie but it was really funny and inspirational.
15. “She’s So Gone” from Lemonade Mouth (2011).
“Here I am. This is me. And I’m stronger than you ever thought I’d be!” (lyrics from Lemonade Mouth). This song is pretty epic. This song is all about a girl finding herself again after having her heart broken by a boy.
I hope you enjoyed the fifteen #GirlPower songs! If you have not seen one of these movies then you need to.
HCXO
*All images courtesy of Giphy.com.