For the First Time in Forever facts for kids
Quick facts for kids "For the First Time in Forever" |
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|---|---|
| Song by Kristen Bell & Idina Menzel | |
| from the album Frozen | |
| Published | Wonderland Music Company |
| Released | November 25, 2013 |
| Recorded | 2013 |
| Genre | Show tune |
| Length | 3:46 |
| Label | Walt Disney |
| Songwriter(s) | |
| Producer(s) |
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"For the First Time in Forever" is a popular song from Disney's 2013 animated movie Frozen. The music and words for the song were created by Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez.
The song is sung twice in the movie. Both versions feature the voices of sisters Princess Anna, voiced by Kristen Bell, and Queen Elsa, voiced by Idina Menzel.
Contents
Creating the Song
The song "For the First Time in Forever" was written quite late in the making of the Frozen movie. It was composed in June 2013, just five months before the movie came out in November 2013. The filmmakers were working very hard to finish the movie and make sure everything was perfect.
Changing the Lyrics
An early version of the song had a line that Disney didn't want in the movie. The Lopezes' daughter, Katie, helped them come up with a new line. Instead of the old line, Anna now sings, "I wanna stuff some chocolate in my face." This change made the song more fun and kid-friendly.
The Reprise Version
There was also an earlier idea for the second version of the song, called "Life's Too Short." This song was about the sisters feeling like they didn't understand each other. However, as the characters of Anna and Elsa changed during the writing process, especially Elsa becoming more of a hero than a villain, the original song didn't fit anymore.
So, the creators decided to use a different version of "For the First Time in Forever" instead. This helped connect the two songs and show how the sisters' feelings changed. Kristen Anderson-Lopez wrote this second version, called the "reprise," very quickly, in about 20 minutes!
What Happens in the Song
The Original Song
In the first part of the song, Anna is super excited and hopeful about Elsa's coronation day. She sings about how happy she is that the castle gates are finally opening after so many years.
At the same time, Elsa sings her own part of the song. She is very worried about her ice powers and fears she might accidentally show them to everyone. She practices her coronation duties alone in her room.
The song ends when Anna joyfully runs into town and accidentally bumps into Hans's horse, falling into a rowboat. The music changes pitch, going up a half-step with each part, which makes it sound more exciting.
Musical Version Changes
In the Broadway musical version of Frozen, some lines in the song are a little different because of how the stage is set up. For example, Anna's line about "eight thousand salad plates" was changed. Also, when Anna meets Hans, they fall into Kristoff's ice-cart instead of a rowboat.
The Reprise Song
The second version of the song happens when Anna goes to Elsa's ice palace. Anna wants Elsa to come back and unfreeze the kingdom, which Elsa accidentally covered in eternal winter. Anna also wants to fix their relationship and be close sisters again.
But Elsa is scared. She feels she can't control her powers and believes she's better off alone so she can't hurt anyone. As Anna tries to convince her, Elsa's fear grows stronger. Ice particles swirl around her, showing how upset she is.
Finally, Elsa accidentally blasts Anna in the heart with her ice magic. This causes Anna's heart to freeze, which is very dangerous. Kristoff and Olaf quickly rush to Anna's side to help her.
The music in the reprise is different from the original. Anna's parts sound hopeful, while Elsa's parts sound sad and worried. This helps show how differently they are feeling.
Musical Reprise Changes
In the musical's reprise, some parts of the song "Let It Go" (especially from Demi Lovato's version) are added to Elsa's singing.
Songs in Other Languages
"For the First Time in Forever" has been sung in many different languages around the world.
The Japanese version, called "Umarete Hajimete," was sung by Takako Matsu (Elsa) and Sayaka Kanda (Anna). It was very popular in Japan and was downloaded over 250,000 times!
The Korean version was also popular, sung by Park Ji-Yun and Park Hyena. The Italian version of the song and the whole movie was even recognized as the best foreign dubbing by Disney.
Song Popularity
The song "For the First Time in Forever" was very popular around the world. Here's how it did on music charts:
| Chart (2013–14) | Peak position |
|---|---|
| Australia (ARIA) | 62 |
| Canada (Canadian Hot 100) | 70 |
| Ireland (IRMA) | 54 |
| Japan (Billboard Japan Hot 100) | 14 |
| Scotland (OCC) | 37 |
| South Korea (Gaon International Chart) | 4 |
| South Korea (Gaon Chart) | 19 |
| UK Singles (OCC) | 38 |
| US Billboard Hot 100 | 57 |
Reprise Song Popularity
| "For the First Time in Forever (Reprise)" | |
|---|---|
| Song by Kristen Bell & Idina Menzel | |
| from the album Frozen | |
| Published | Wonderland Music Company |
| Released | November 25, 2013 |
| Recorded | 2013 |
| Genre | Show tune |
| Length | 2:30 |
| Label | Walt Disney |
| Songwriter(s) | |
| Producer(s) |
|
Music critics really liked the reprise version of the song. They said it showed the strong connection between Anna and Elsa. They also noted how the song built up the sisters' emotions.
Awards and Certifications
| Region | Certification | Sales |
|---|---|---|
| Australia (ARIA) | Gold | 35,000^ |
| United Kingdom (BPI) | Platinum | 600,000^ |
| United States (RIAA) | Gold | 500,000^ |
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^shipments figures based on certification alone |
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Live Performances
Kristen Bell and Idina Menzel performed both versions of the song together at the Vibrato Grill Jazz Club in Los Angeles. This was part of a celebration for the movie.
The cast of the Broadway musical Frozen also performed the first version of the song. They did this during the first-ever Rose Parade Halftime performance, with Anna interacting with the audience.
See also
In Spanish: For the First Time in Forever para niños
