[I LOVE Jasmine's new song! It's certainly an improvement over her big number, "Call Me a Princess," from Toronto and a worthy substitute for "To Be Free." I remember reading an interview where Tim Rice said he did not put much effort in writing the lyrics for the new song ("To Be Free") for the theme park production.]
"To Be Free" is pretty amorphous-- free from what? It's not really established that palace life is really constrained in that version. The song also attempts to establish the worthlessness of worldly treasure but there's not much setup for that. Makes her sound like a monk or priest or something. "Beyond the Palace Walls" seems more--I don't know, more like a youthful princess who wants to get away from the suitors and find real love. And "Beyond the Palace Walls" is more relatable.
Don't get me wrong, "To Be Free" is a beautiful song and probably would fit better with more context, but "Beyond the Palace Walls" fits Jasmine best in this show, in my opinion.
I just noticed that someone posted the lyrics to "Beyond the Palace Walls" here. I might as well do it for "Diamond in the Rough", which I can't stop playing : D It's not as flashy as Why Me?, but on the other hand it doesn't burden Jafar with a backstory. Some of its mockery of Aladdin is reminiscent of "Humiliate the Boy". : D I also like how Jafar switches tactics to convince Aladdin to go into the Cave of Wonders,proving he's still smart and adaptable.
JAFAR
You're the one that I need. You're nimble, stealthy, skilled. Do you want to continue abusing those skills, stealing bits of bread and worthless baubles, or do you want to make a name for yourself, and do something that would make any mother proud?
You have the profile of a prince
With a physique that matches
Beneath the dirt and patches
You are a diamond in the rough
I say we work together since
You're braver than we two are
We're just as shocked as you are
JAFAR and IAGO
That you're the diamond in the rough
IAGO
Diamond in the rough
JAFAR
Under the filth and the fleas there are gifts that you've been neglecting
And truth be told you were not quite the guy that we were expecting
And though you might need finesse and perhaps some disinfecting
JAFAR and IAGO
You'll be the one who succeeds
When a lamp hunter needs
JAFAR
Collecting
ALADDIN
I don't know guys, I got a funny feeling about this. I better just be on my way.
JAFAR
Take one step and die, you brainless miscreant!
IAGO
Happy place!
JAFAR
Apologies. What I meant to say is,,
You just don't know how swell you are
IAGO
You just don't know how swell you are
JAFAR
So far the only hitch is
IAGO
It's just an itty-bitty hitch
JAFAR
You're an embarrassment of riches
IAGO
Embarrassing, too true!
JAFAR
You are the diamond in the rough
IAGO
Let's rejoice, the spooky voice said
You're the diamond in the rough
JAFAR
Look here's the diamond in the
IAGO
Three cheers the diamond in the
JAFAR and IAGO
We've found the diamond in the rough
ALADDIN
You'd better find somebody else!
JAFAR
There is nobody else!
IAGO
Talk about the girl!
JAFAR
Oh! Then..
Of course there's Princess Jasmine
It's clear she took a shine to you
But let me be frank
With no cash in the bank
You'll never win her heart
It just tears me apart
To see her slip right through your fingers
ALADDIN
Which way is this cave of yours?
JAFAR
Thataboy!
Go though you might be a bum
But you're one of noble spirit
IAGO
It's just a cave that might eat you alive
No need to fear it
ALADDIN
Well it's a risk that I might have to take
JAFAR and IAGO
We're glad to hear it
JAFAR
So please no missteps or blunders
IAGO
Cue the Cave of Wonders
JAFAR and IAGO
We've waited long enough
CAVE
Who disturbs my slumber?
ALADDIN
Uh, it is I, Aladdin!
CAVE
You are the diamond in the rough, the one whose worth lies deep within. You may enter.
ALADDIN
I don't believe it--my mother always said if only I applied myself, if I only believed--
JAFAR
We don't have time for self-discovery! Fetch me the lamp! Now!
ALADDIN
Wish me luck!
JAFAR and IAGO
Luck!
JAFAR
Good-bye you diamond in the
IAGO
Please try you diamond in the
JAFAR and IAGO
Don't die you diamond in the rough
JAFAR
At last!
Updated On: 5/26/14 at 07:59 PM
