Uploaded October 2024 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago

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Disney has a SECRET in-house formula for writing the perfect villain, and today we are going to do a song analysis deep-dive on Poor Unfortunate Souls and Ursula as a character to showcase what it is, and how we can replicate it. This Video Essay will break down the instrumentation, rhythm, rhyme structure, and characterization as well as provide an in-depth analysis of the lyrics line by line - showcasing how Ursula created the golden standard for creating a compelling villain - and why Disney can't replicate their past successes.

00:00 - Did You Know Disney Has A SECRET Formula For Writing Villains?
1:11 - Why Do Villains Not Sing In Classic Disney Movies?
3:39 - How The Little Mermaid Saved Disney From Bankruptcy
8:38 - Why The Villain's Introduction Is CRUCIAL
14:50 - Making The Audience Care About The Villain
16:46 - Missing THIS Will Ruin A Villain
18:27 - The Villain Does THIS, The Hero Does THAT
25:30 - Song Analysis Starts: How To Craft The Perfect Verse (Verse 1)
37:18 - Verse 2: How To Keep Your Audience Hooked
43:51 - The Chorus: How To Make The Chorus The Heart Of The Song
51:41 - Writing a "Twist" Into Your Song
57:29 - Making A Speaking Section That Is Not Boring
58:45 - Verse Evolutions: How The Villain Changes Tactics
1:10:12 - Is Ursula SEXIST?!
1:15:18 - Crafting The Perfect Ending To Your Song
1:22:40 - THE KEY LESSON: EVERY DISNEY MOVIE MUST HAVE THIS THING

Sources & Credits:
Poor Unfortunate Souls (The Little Mermaid)

The Disney Villain by Ollie Johnston and Frank Thomas

Howard Ashman - Poor Unfortunate Souls (Complete Version): youtu.be/h3wMqkrH4XI?si=38djQYWvi8prCLNF

The Little Mermaid - Howard's Lecture: youtu.be/5h06FSVoqr4?si=3VPoWnwFjhjOz9ca

The Little Mermaid (1989 Extras): youtube.com/playlist?list=PLhOndNwQYfNBHL2Qa3uzME_vX6rR1P6K3

The Disney Classics - Pat Carroll: thedisneyclassics.com/blog/pat-carroll

Part of His World: The Little Mermaid in the Papers of Howard Ashman: blogs.loc.gov/music/2023/07/part-of-his-world-the-little-mermaid-in-the-papers-of-howard-ashman

Howard Ashman - Howard's Work - The Little Mermaid: howardashman.com/howards-work/the-little-mermaid

The Remarkable Story of Howard Ashman: cbc.ca/arts/the-remarkable-story-of-howard-ashman-who-changed-disney-forever-while-battling-aids-1.5943730

John Musker Question Countdown: howardashman.com/blog/john-musker-question-countdown-6


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Calxiyn Cares Too Much is a professional musical theatre performer and songwriter who makes video essays about Disney Animated Movies from the Walt Disney Company. This video essays is a deep dive into Poor Unfortunate Souls from The Little Mermaid and why it is one of the BEST Villain Songs Disney has ever made. This video will cover the soulless death of the Disney movie musical in present day, why Disney's movie musicals are so different now, why Disney songs suck so bad lately, and who or what is responsible for this downfall.

#disney