Melodic Metaphors for Dreams in Three Classic Songs from the Disney Catalog

Authors

James Bohn, Bridgewater State University

Abstract

Three of the most-valued songs from the Disney catalog are “Some Day My Prince Will Come,” “When You Wish Upon a Star,” and “A Dream is a Wish Your Heart Makes.” All three songs come from animated feature films created during Walt Disney’s lifetime (1901-1966). Furthermore, all three invoke the idea of dreams or wishing. The melodies of these songs feature delayed resolution or a lack of resolution. Such approaches to resolution are symbolic of the intrinsically unresolved nature of dreams.

Note on the Author

James Bohn is Adjunct Professor in the Department of Music.

Recommended Citation

Bohn, James (2015). Melodic Metaphors for Dreams in Three Classic Songs from the Disney Catalog. Bridgewater Review, 34(1), 9-11.
Available at: https://vc.bridgew.edu/br_rev/vol34/iss1/5