Out There (Disney song) facts for kids

"Out There" is a famous song from the 1996 Disney animated movie The Hunchback of Notre Dame. It is sung by Tony Jay, who voices Frollo, and Tom Hulce, who voices Quasimodo. The song actually has two main parts. One part is called "Stay In Here" and the other is "Out There." These parts show the different feelings of the two characters.

Story Behind the Song

This song comes at an important moment in the movie. Quasimodo is the main character. He is a kind young man who lives in the Notre Dame Cathedral's bell tower. He has never been allowed to leave the tower. He really wants to go to the exciting Feast of Fools celebration happening outside.

Frollo's Warning

However, his master, Judge Claude Frollo, tells him not to go. Frollo warns Quasimodo that the people outside will treat him badly. He says they will see him as a monster because of his appearance. Frollo insists that Quasimodo must stay hidden for his own safety.

Quasimodo's Dream

After Frollo leaves, Quasimodo feels sad and lonely. He starts to imagine what the world outside would be like. He dreams of a beautiful and exciting place. He pictures himself being part of the crowd and enjoying the festival. This part of the song shows his deep wish for freedom and acceptance.

How the Song Was Made

The music for "Out There" was written by Alan Menken. The words were written by Stephen Schwartz. When Alan Menken first created a test version of the song, called a demo, he focused more on Frollo's part. This part, "Stay In Here," highlighted Frollo's control over Quasimodo. It also showed Frollo's idea that Quasimodo was a monster who should be kept inside the cathedral.

Song in the Stage Musical

Later, when The Hunchback of Notre Dame was made into a stage musical, the song was changed a bit. Frollo's "Stay In Here" section became its own song called "Sanctuary." In the stage show, the song "Out There" is sung again at the very end. This time, Quasimodo understands that Frollo was partly right. The world can be cruel. But Quasimodo also realizes that the world is full of joy and kindness too. He learns that we must accept the world as it is, with all its good and bad parts.

Meaning of the Song

The song "Out There" is actually made of two different musical sections. These sections show two opposite ideas: being trapped and wanting to escape. Frollo's part, "Stay In Here," is about keeping things controlled and hidden. Quasimodo's part, "Out There," is about hope and freedom. Together, these parts explain the feelings of both characters. They also show the complicated relationship between Quasimodo and Frollo.