How Does a Moment Last Forever facts for kids

"How Does a Moment Last Forever" is a beautiful song from Disney's live-action movie Beauty and the Beast (2017). This movie is a new version of the classic animated musical. The song was written by the talented lyricist Tim Rice and composer Alan Menken.

In the movie, the song is first sung by Kevin Kline, who plays Belle's father, Maurice. He sings it while thinking about his wife, Belle's mother, who has passed away. Later, Belle, played by Emma Watson, also sings the song when she learns more about her mother's past.

A famous singer, Celine Dion, also recorded her own pop version of "How Does a Moment Last Forever." Her version is included on the movie's soundtrack, which came out on March 10, 2017. You can hear her version playing during the ending credits of the film.

The original animated Beauty and the Beast movie didn't have Maurice singing. However, the live-action remake explores the past of both Belle and the Beast. This helps audiences understand why they are the way they are. Director Bill Condon felt it was important to add these details. He wanted to show why Belle was different from everyone else and how the Beast ended up with his curse.

"How Does a Moment Last Forever" is a ballad, which is a slow, emotional song. Its lyrics are about remembering special moments and holding onto precious memories. The song has been praised by many critics.

Creating the Song

Composer Alan Menken helped create the music for the film.

The director, Bill Condon, first thought about using songs from the Beauty and the Beast Broadway musical in the new movie. But Disney decided to ask composer Alan Menken and lyricist Tim Rice to write brand new songs instead.

Alan Menken had worked on the original animated Beauty and the Beast movie. He teamed up with Tim Rice again for this film. They had previously worked together on the 1994 Beauty and the Beast musical. Together, they wrote three new songs for the remake, including "How Does a Moment Last Forever." Tim Rice took over from Howard Ashman, who was the lyricist for the animated film but had passed away. This movie was the first time Menken and Rice had worked together in over 20 years.

Song's Story in the Movie

"How Does a Moment Last Forever" was added to the movie to help explain Belle's past. Her journey to find out what happened to her mother helps build her connection with the Beast. He also lost his mother when he was young.

In Beauty and the Beast, the song is first sung by Maurice (Kevin Kline). This happens shortly after the opening song "Belle". Belle (Emma Watson) comes home and sees her father making a music box. He sings "How Does a Moment Last Forever" as he remembers his wife and their life in Paris. When he sees Belle watching, he quickly finishes the music box. It looks like him and his wife. He avoids answering Belle's questions about her mother. This shows he is still holding onto her memory. This part of the song is called "Music Box" on the soundtrack.

Later in the movie, the Beast (Dan Stevens) lets Belle use his magical book. This book can take them anywhere she wants to go. She uses it to go back to the house in Paris where she lived as a baby with her parents. There, while she sings "How Does a Moment Last Forever," they find a Plague mask. Belle then learns that her mother got sick with a serious illness called the plague. A flashback shows that Belle's mother asked Maurice to leave her behind to protect their baby daughter from the illness. Maurice sadly did this. This scene adds more depth to Belle's character and makes her bond with the Beast stronger. This version of the song is called "Montmartre" on the soundtrack, named after a neighborhood in Paris.

Celine Dion's Version

Celine Dion recorded a pop version of the song.

Celine Dion had already sung the pop version of "Beauty and the Beast" with Peabo Bryson. That song helped her become a big music star. Alan Menken asked her to be part of the new live-action movie by recording her own version of "How Does a Moment Last Forever." This version would play during the end credits. Her song features a beautiful mix of piano, accordion, and orchestral strings.

Celine Dion wasn't sure at first if she should record the song. This was because her husband and manager, René Angélil, had recently passed away. He had helped her get the first Beauty and the Beast duet. She said it was harder to make decisions on her own. But she eventually agreed because of how much Beauty and the Beast had helped her career. She felt the first song "put me on the map."

In May 2017, Celine Dion added "How Does a Moment Last Forever" to her Las Vegas show. She also performed it during her 2017 European tour.

Music Video

A music video for Celine Dion's version was released on April 24, 2017. It showed scenes from the movie while the song played.

Song's Success

Disney released Celine Dion's version on YouTube on March 8, 2017. Even though it wasn't officially released as a single, the song became popular in some countries. This was because the movie was so successful. It reached number one in Celine Dion's home province of Quebec, Canada, for two weeks. It also did well in South Korea, reaching number six.

Awards

On November 17, 2017, "How Does a Moment Last Forever" won a Hollywood Music in Media Award. This award was for "Original Song — Sci-Fi, Fantasy, Horror Film."

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• Full lyrics of this song at MetroLyrics