Shooting Star (Disney song) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids "Shooting Star" |
|
|---|---|
| Song by Roger Bart | |
| Genre | show tune |
| Composer(s) | Alan Menken |
| Lyricist(s) | David Zippel |
| Producer(s) | Alan Menken |
"Shooting Star" is a song created for the 1997 Disney animated movie Hercules. It was written by Alan Menken and David Zippel. The song is about feeling like you don't quite fit in or belong. Even though it was written for the movie, it was later replaced by another famous song, "Go the Distance". "Shooting Star" was actually the very first song written for the character of Hercules.
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Creating the Song
The song "Shooting Star" was written specifically for the main character, Hercules. It explores his feelings of being different and searching for his true home. The famous composer Alan Menken and lyricist David Zippel worked together on it.
Roger Bart's Audition
When Roger Bart auditioned to be the singing voice of Hercules, he sang "Shooting Star." He also sang another deleted song from Aladdin. Alan Menken was very moved by Bart's performance. The production team even recorded the full song with Bart's voice and a complete orchestra.
Why the Song Changed
Originally, the music for Hercules was planned to have a certain feel. However, the filmmakers decided to change the movie's musical style to a gospel sound. They felt "Shooting Star" was too gentle and didn't have enough energy for Hercules's journey. They wanted a song that showed his strength and determination more. Because of this, Menken and Zippel wrote "Go the Distance" instead. Roger Bart was very excited and thankful when he learned they would write a new song for him.
What the Song Means
Roger Bart felt a strong connection to "Shooting Star." He understood the feeling of being out of place, especially as a young actor. He said the song was about feeling different but also knowing you have strength inside. It's about realizing that even if you don't belong somewhere right now, you will be okay. Alan Menken described it as a "very sweet song" about wishing to find your place.
Other Versions and Appearances
A popular boy band called Boyzone recorded a version of "Shooting Star." It was released as a single along with "Baby Can I Hold You." This single reached number 2 on the UK Singles Chart.
Like some other songs cut from Disney movies, "Shooting Star" was brought back. It was included in the stage musical version of Hercules, which premiered in 2019. Other deleted songs that were later used in stage shows include "Proud of Your Boy" from Aladdin and "Human Again" from Beauty and the Beast.
