Hey there, music lovers and Will Smith fans! Ever found yourself humming the catchy tune of "Prince Ali" from Disney's Aladdin but couldn't quite nail all the lyrics? Well, you've come to the right place! Let's dive into the amazing world of this iconic song, breaking down the lyrics and exploring why it's been a fan favorite for generations. So, grab your imaginary magic carpet, and let's get started!

The Story Behind the Song

Before we jump into the lyrics themselves, let's set the stage. "Prince Ali" is a show-stopping musical number from the 1992 Disney animated classic, Aladdin. The song is performed by Genie, voiced by the inimitable Robin Williams, as he introduces Aladdin, disguised as Prince Ali Ababwa, to the kingdom of Agrabah. It’s a vibrant, energetic, and over-the-top introduction designed to impress the Sultan and Princess Jasmine. The song is not just about introducing a character; it's about creating a spectacle, and it does so brilliantly. The flamboyant lyrics, the dynamic music, and the sheer energy of the performance all contribute to making it one of the most memorable moments in the film. The song’s success is a testament to the genius of the composers Alan Menken (music) and Howard Ashman (lyrics), who crafted a masterpiece that perfectly blends humor, spectacle, and heart.

The impact of "Prince Ali" extends beyond the movie screen. The song has been covered by numerous artists, featured in countless performances, and continues to be a staple in Disney-themed playlists. Its universal appeal lies in its catchy melody, its witty lyrics, and its celebratory tone. The song encapsulates the excitement and wonder of the Aladdin story, making it a timeless classic that resonates with audiences of all ages. Whether you're a die-hard Disney fan or just someone who appreciates a good tune, "Prince Ali" is a song that's sure to bring a smile to your face and a spring to your step. The meticulous attention to detail in the lyrics, the arrangement, and the performance is what elevates it from being just another song to a cultural phenomenon.

Moreover, "Prince Ali" is a masterclass in character introduction through song. It efficiently conveys Aladdin's newfound princely status, his immense wealth, and his impressive retinue, all while maintaining a playful and humorous tone. The song's use of hyperbole and exaggeration adds to the comedic effect, making it an entertaining spectacle that perfectly captures the Genie's larger-than-life personality. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a prince who is not only wealthy and powerful but also generous and kind, setting the stage for Aladdin's quest to win Princess Jasmine's heart. The song is a crucial element in the film's narrative, effectively advancing the plot and deepening our understanding of the characters.

Decoding the Lyrics: A Line-by-Line Journey

Okay, guys, let’s get into the heart of the matter – the lyrics themselves! We'll go through the song line by line, highlighting the clever wordplay and the cultural references that make it so special. You'll be belting out the whole song in no time!

"Make way for Prince Ali!"

This opening line is a bold declaration, immediately setting the stage for a grand entrance. It’s a command, an invitation, and a promise of something spectacular to come. The repetition of “Make way!” emphasizes the importance of this arrival, creating a sense of anticipation and excitement. The line is simple yet effective, immediately capturing the listener's attention and drawing them into the world of Agrabah. It's a classic opening line that has become synonymous with the character of Prince Ali, and it perfectly encapsulates the pomp and circumstance that follows.

"Say hey! It's Prince Ali"

Here, the tone shifts from commanding to celebratory. “Say hey!” is an enthusiastic greeting, inviting the audience to join in the excitement. It's a friendly and inclusive line that encourages participation, making the listener feel like they are part of the grand spectacle. The repetition of “Prince Ali” reinforces the character's identity, ensuring that everyone knows who the center of attention is. This line is all about building momentum and creating a sense of collective joy and wonder.

"Prince Ali! Mighty is he!"

This line introduces the first of many superlatives used to describe Prince Ali. “Mighty is he!” speaks to his power and strength, establishing him as a figure of importance and authority. It's a bold claim that immediately piques the listener's interest, making them want to know more about this formidable prince. The use of the word “mighty” adds a touch of grandeur and majesty, further enhancing the character's impressive image. This line is a crucial part of building up the legend of Prince Ali, and it sets the stage for the many other impressive attributes that will be revealed.

"Prince Ali! Strong as ten ordinary men, definitely!"

This line takes the exaggeration to the next level, comparing Prince Ali's strength to that of ten ordinary men. It's a humorous and hyperbolic statement that adds to the comedic effect of the song. The inclusion of “definitely!” adds a touch of playful emphasis, making it clear that this is not just a casual observation but a firm declaration of Prince Ali's extraordinary abilities. This line is a perfect example of the song's clever use of hyperbole to create a memorable and entertaining portrayal of the character.

"He's got seventy-five golden camels"

Now we move into the realm of material possessions, highlighting Prince Ali's immense wealth. Seventy-five golden camels is an extravagant number, painting a picture of opulence and luxury. The use of the word “golden” further enhances the image of wealth, suggesting that even the prince's camels are of the highest quality. This line is a testament to Prince Ali's seemingly limitless resources, and it adds to the overall impression of him as a figure of immense power and influence.

"Purple peacocks, he's got them!"

This line introduces an element of exoticism and extravagance, with the mention of purple peacocks. Purple is a rare and vibrant color, making these peacocks a symbol of luxury and uniqueness. The simple declaration, “he's got them!” adds a touch of playful nonchalance, suggesting that Prince Ali's wealth is so vast that even owning such exotic creatures is no big deal. This line is a further example of the song's use of vivid imagery to create a memorable and fantastical portrayal of the prince.

"He's got fifty-three Persian monkeys (See them dancing!)"

Here, the song introduces an element of playfulness and entertainment, with the mention of fifty-three Persian monkeys. The sheer number of monkeys is impressive, but it's the image of them dancing that truly brings this line to life. The parenthetical “See them dancing!” is an invitation to the audience to imagine the spectacle, further enhancing the song's vibrant and energetic atmosphere. This line is a perfect example of how the song uses specific details to create a vivid and engaging picture in the listener's mind.

"Fabulous, Harry!"

This line is a playful interjection, a shout-out to an unseen character named Harry. It's a humorous and unexpected moment that adds to the song's lighthearted tone. The use of the word “fabulous” reinforces the overall sense of extravagance and spectacle, while the random nature of the shout-out adds to the comedic effect. This line is a small but memorable detail that helps to make the song feel spontaneous and fun.

"Prince Ali!"

This simple repetition of the character's name serves as a refrain, reinforcing his identity and creating a sense of rhythm and momentum. It's a classic musical technique that helps to make the song catchy and memorable. The repetition also adds to the overall sense of celebration and excitement, making the listener feel like they are part of a grand parade.

"Amorous he!"

This line introduces a new aspect of Prince Ali's character: his romantic inclinations. “Amorous” means loving or passionate, suggesting that Prince Ali is not just wealthy and powerful but also a man of charm and desire. This line is a subtle hint at his intentions towards Princess Jasmine, setting the stage for the romantic subplot of the film. It's a clever addition that adds depth to the character and makes him more relatable.

"Prince Ali! Handsome is he, Ali Ababwa"

Here, Prince Ali's physical attractiveness is highlighted, with the declaration that he is “handsome.” This reinforces his image as a desirable figure, further enhancing his appeal to Princess Jasmine. The addition of his full name, “Ali Ababwa,” adds a touch of formality and grandeur, reminding the listener that this is a prince of significant stature. This line is a crucial part of building up Prince Ali's image as the perfect suitor.

"That's him! But he's got seventy-five golden camels (Purple peacocks, he's got them!) When it comes to exotic-type mammals (Has he got a zoo? I'm telling you), Prince Ali is where? (It's at!)"

This section of the song is a fast-paced, energetic sequence that reiterates Prince Ali's wealth and extravagance. The repetition of “seventy-five golden camels” and “purple peacocks” reinforces the image of opulence, while the rapid-fire questions and answers add to the comedic effect. The line “When it comes to exotic-type mammals, has he got a zoo?” is particularly humorous, exaggerating Prince Ali's wealth to an absurd degree. The final declaration, “Prince Ali is where? It's at!” is a catchy and memorable phrase that encapsulates the character's larger-than-life persona.

"He's got ninety-five white Persian monkeys (He's got the monkeys, let's see the monkeys!), And to view them (He loves the zoo!), He's got slaves, he's got servants and flunkies (Proud to work for him!), They bow to his whim, love serving him (He's got them bowing!), They're just lousy with loyalty to Ali! Prince Ali!"

This section further emphasizes Prince Ali's immense retinue and the loyalty he inspires. The mention of ninety-five white Persian monkeys is another example of the song's use of extravagant numbers to convey wealth. The lines about slaves, servants, and flunkies are a product of their time, reflecting the era in which Aladdin is set, but they also highlight Prince Ali's power and influence. The declaration that these people are “just lousy with loyalty to Ali” is a humorous exaggeration, suggesting that Prince Ali is a beloved and respected leader. This section paints a picture of a prince who is not only wealthy and powerful but also commands the devotion of his followers.

"Handsome Prince Ali, Worthy of you, worthy of you, worthy of you!"

This line is a direct address to Princess Jasmine, declaring that Prince Ali is “worthy of you.” This is a crucial moment in the song, as it explicitly states Prince Ali's intentions and his suitability as a suitor. The repetition of “worthy of you” emphasizes the strength of this claim, making it clear that Prince Ali is being presented as the perfect match for the princess. This line is a key element in the song's narrative, advancing the plot and setting the stage for the romantic conflict that will unfold.

"Prince Ali Amababwa"

This final repetition of Prince Ali's name, with the full “Amababwa” added for emphasis, serves as a grand finale to the song. It's a powerful and memorable way to end the performance, leaving the audience with a lasting impression of the character. The full name adds a touch of formality and grandeur, reinforcing Prince Ali's status as a figure of immense importance. This line is the perfect culmination of the song's build-up, bringing the spectacle to a triumphant close.

Why "Prince Ali" Still Rocks Today

So, why does this song continue to resonate with audiences after all these years? There are a few key reasons. First, the sheer energy and enthusiasm of the performance are infectious. Robin Williams' Genie brings so much life to the song, you can't help but get caught up in the excitement. The song's tempo, the dynamic orchestration, and the vocal performance all contribute to creating a sense of joyous celebration.

Second, the lyrics are incredibly clever and witty. The use of hyperbole and exaggeration creates a humorous effect, while the vivid imagery paints a picture of a prince who is larger than life. The song's clever wordplay and cultural references add depth and complexity, making it a joy to listen to again and again. The lyrics are not just informative; they are entertaining, engaging, and full of personality.

Finally, the song is a celebration of transformation and self-discovery. Aladdin's transformation into Prince Ali is a symbol of his journey, and the song captures the excitement and potential that come with that change. The song's message of believing in yourself and striving for your dreams is a universal one that continues to inspire audiences today. "Prince Ali" is more than just a catchy tune; it's a celebration of the power of imagination and the potential for personal growth.

Sing Along and Feel the Magic!

Alright, guys, you've got the lyrics, you've got the story, now it's time to sing along and feel the magic of "Prince Ali" for yourselves! Whether you're a lifelong Disney fan or just discovering this amazing song, I hope this breakdown has given you a deeper appreciation for its brilliance. So, go ahead, put on the track, and let your inner Prince or Princess Ali shine!