Topsy Turvy (song) facts for kids

"Topsy Turvy" is a lively song from Disney's 1996 animated movie, The Hunchback of Notre Dame. It's about a big, fun festival where everything is turned upside down! The song is about five and a half minutes long. It is sung by the character Clopin, who is the narrator of the story.

What Happens in the Song?

This song is sung by Clopin, who is a gypsy and the storyteller in the movie. He sings it to introduce a special event called the Feast of Fools. During this festival, people celebrate by doing silly things and turning the world "topsy turvy," or upside down.

The song continues as the crowd crowns Quasimodo as the King of Fools. This is a big moment for Quasimodo, who usually stays hidden. During the celebration, Quasimodo also sees the kind gypsy dancer Esmeralda for the first time.

How the Song Fits the Story

A Big Disney Musical Number

"Topsy Turvy" is a huge, exciting musical number, much like other famous Disney songs. Think of "Under the Sea" from The Little Mermaid or "Be Our Guest" from Beauty and the Beast. These songs are known for their big performances.

However, "Topsy Turvy" is a bit different. While it's a big show, it also helps the story move forward. It doesn't just stop the movie for a spectacle. Instead, it pushes the plot along.

Quasimodo's Viewpoint

The song also lets us see the world through Quasimodo's eyes. He is seeing all this excitement for the very first time. So, Quasimodo acts like the audience, reacting to all the craziness happening around him. There are many, many people in this scene, making it feel like a huge party!

Hidden Meanings in the Lyrics

The song's lyrics have some cool connections to the original novel by Victor Hugo. For example, Clopin mentions that the date is January 6th. This is the actual day the Feast of Fools took place in the book.

Also, when Esmeralda is mentioned, Clopin sometimes calls her "La Esmeralda." This is how she is often referred to in the novel. There's even a subtle joke when Clopin sings "shock the priest." He is holding a puppet of Frollo, who was meant to be a priest in the story.

Broadway Style

"Topsy Turvy" and another song from the movie, "A Guy Like You", use a special Broadway musical technique. The music might pause for a moment, then pick up again with a strong beat. This helps build excitement and energy in the song.