Dreamworks’ The Prince of Egypt stands as a monumental achievement in animated filmmaking, not only for its compelling narrative and stunning visuals but also for its breathtaking musical score. While often compared to Disney animated musicals, The Prince of Egypt carves its own distinct path, offering a richer, more emotionally resonant experience through its songs. As a deep dive into animated movie music, I felt compelled to follow in the footsteps of fellow enthusiasts and explore what makes the soundtrack of The Prince of Egypt so exceptional, focusing specifically on the power of each Prince of Egypt song.
From the very first notes to the final crescendo, the music in The Prince of Egypt elevates the storytelling, adding layers of depth and meaning. Let’s embark on a journey through each song, starting with the opening masterpiece, “Deliver Us,” and journeying through the entire soundtrack.
Deliver Us / River Lullaby: A Powerful Opening
poe river lullaby
Often considered one of the most impactful opening sequences in animated film history, “Deliver Us” immediately immerses the audience in the plight of the Hebrew slaves in ancient Egypt. This Prince of Egypt song is not merely an introduction; it’s a visceral cry for liberation, a powerful “I Want” song for an entire people. The lyrics are a direct appeal to God, filled with anguish and desperation:
Elohim, God on high,
Can you hear your people cry?
Help us now, this dark hour
Deliver us, hear our call
Deliver us, Lord of all
The shift into the “River Lullaby” is where the song gains another layer of profound meaning. “Deliver us” now takes on a dual purpose – the collective plea for freedom and a mother’s desperate prayer to save her infant son, Moses, from the Pharaoh’s decree. As Yocheved places Moses in a basket and sets him adrift on the Nile, the lullaby is both heartbreaking and hopeful:
My son, I have nothing I can give
But this chance that you may live
I pray, we’ll meet again
If He will deliver us
The bravery of Moses’ mother is palpable in this scene. The preceding montage shows her and her children dodging guards, their escape a miracle in itself. Entrusting her child to the river, hoping for divine intervention, speaks volumes about her faith and courage. This Prince of Egypt song beautifully encapsulates both communal suffering and individual sacrifice.
Later, young Miriam’s whispered prayer as she watches her brother float away adds another poignant dimension:
Grow, baby brother
Come back someday
Come and deliver us, too
This early prayer foreshadows Miriam’s crucial role in Moses’ life and the eventual deliverance of her people. The emotional resonance of “Deliver Us/River Lullaby” is amplified when Miriam later reprises the lullaby as an adult, reminding Moses of his true heritage. This callback is haunting, a powerful echo of the past that shatters Moses’ carefully constructed identity.
The inclusion of Hebrew lyrics in the “River Lullaby” further enhances the authenticity and emotional depth of this Prince of Egypt song. The Hebrew phrases, such as:
Yaldi hatov veh harach (My good and tender son)
Al tira veh al tifchad (Don’t be frightened and don’t be scared)
add a layer of cultural richness and underscore the film’s commitment to representing the Hebrew perspective. This attention to detail elevates The Prince of Egypt‘s music beyond typical animated fare.
All I Ever Wanted: A Song of Denial and Identity Crisis
“All I Ever Wanted” is a fascinating departure from the typical Disney “I Want” song formula. Instead of expressing a desire for something more, this Prince of Egypt song reveals Moses’ internal conflict and denial after learning the truth about his origins from Miriam. It’s an “I Wanted” song, reflecting on a past, comfortable identity that is now crumbling.
The lyrics initially focus on the opulent life Moses has always known, a life of privilege and luxury:
Sweet perfumes of incense, graceful rooms of alabaster stone
However, these images are juxtaposed with the harsh reality of the Hebrew slaves’ suffering, which Moses can no longer ignore. He tries to convince himself of his belonging, repeating the phrase “if anybody doubts it, they couldn’t be more wrong,” yet his actions and expressions betray his growing unease.
What makes this Prince of Egypt song particularly unique is its presentation. It’s not sung in the traditional musical theatre sense, but rather plays as a soundtrack to Moses’ internal turmoil. As he moves through the Egyptian palace and observes the injustices around him, the music underscores his internal struggle. The repetition of “all I ever wanted” becomes increasingly hollow, highlighting his realization that his past desires no longer satisfy him. He slumps against a statue, the weight of his identity crisis crushing him.
All I Ever Wanted (The Queen’s Reprise): Comfort and Chilling Denial
The reprise of “All I Ever Wanted” is assigned to Queen Tuya, Moses’ adoptive mother, adding another layer of complexity to this Prince of Egypt song. While seemingly comforting, her words are ultimately a plea for Moses to remain in blissful ignorance. She attempts to soothe his doubts and reassure him of his place in Egyptian society:
Here the river brought you
And it’s here the river meant
To be your home
On the surface, this seems like a heartwarming affirmation of destiny. However, a closer look reveals a chilling undercurrent:
Now you know the truth, love
Now forget and be content
When the gods send you a blessing
You don’t ask why it was sent…
Tuya, who knows the truth of Moses’ origins and the Pharaoh’s horrific decree, is essentially advocating willful ignorance. “You don’t ask why it was sent” is particularly disturbing, implying a dismissal of the genocide and the suffering of the Hebrews. She urges Moses to ignore his conscience and remain complicit in the system of oppression. This reprise transforms “All I Ever Wanted” from a personal struggle into a commentary on power, denial, and the comfort of lies. However, Moses is not easily placated; the Queen’s words are a temporary bandage on a deep wound.
Through Heaven’s Eyes: Finding Purpose and Redemption
“Through Heaven’s Eyes” marks a pivotal turning point in Moses’ journey. This uplifting Prince of Egypt song is about self-worth, perspective, and finding meaning beyond material possessions and social status. After hitting rock bottom, Moses begins to rebuild his sense of self and purpose in Midian. The song opens with a powerful metaphor:
A single thread in a tapestry,
Though its color brightly shines,
Can never see its purpose
In the pattern of the grand design
This stanza speaks to Moses’ feeling of insignificance and lost purpose. Having lost his identity as an Egyptian prince, he must find his worth in a new context. The song emphasizes that true value is not measured by worldly possessions but by one’s actions and contributions.
So how do you measure the worth of a man, in wealth or strength or size?
In how much he gained, or how much he gave?
The montage accompanying “Through Heaven’s Eyes” beautifully illustrates Moses’ transformation. He learns to live amongst the Midianites, embraces a simpler life, and falls in love with Tzipporah. It’s through serving others and connecting with his emotions that Moses rediscovers his value.
The lyrics also acknowledge the unpredictable nature of life and the importance of adaptability:
No life can escape being blown about
By the winds of change and chance
And though you never know all the steps,
You must learn to join the dance
Initially hesitant to join in the Midianite dance, Moses eventually embraces it, symbolizing his acceptance of his new life and his willingness to move forward despite uncertainty. “Through Heaven’s Eyes” is a powerful anthem of self-discovery and finding worth in unexpected places, making it a deeply resonant Prince of Egypt song.
Playing with the Big Boys: Illusion vs. True Power
“Playing with the Big Boys” serves as the closest thing The Prince of Egypt has to a villain song, showcasing the arrogance and superficiality of the Egyptian high priests, Hotep and Huy. This Prince of Egypt song is a direct confrontation between Moses’ divine power and the priests’ reliance on illusions and trickery.
Hotep and Huy are smug and condescending, belittling Moses and his faith:
Pick up your silly twig, boy
You’ll know what power is when we are done
Their magic, however, is always shrouded in darkness, smoke, and mirrors – literally. Their tricks are theatrical illusions, stage magic designed to impress rather than genuine displays of power. The song highlights the contrast between their superficial showmanship and Moses’ authentic connection to the divine.
Stop this foolish mission
Watch a true magician
Give an exhibition how
The irony is that despite their boasting, Hotep and Huy never demonstrate real magic. Moses, on the other hand, performs a genuine miracle by conjuring a serpent in broad daylight. While less flashy, it’s undeniably real. When the priests attempt to mimic him, their illusions are exposed when Moses’ serpent devours theirs, a symbolic victory of true power over deception.
Hotep and Huy, caught up in their own spectacle, fail to even notice their defeat. “Playing with the Big Boys” cleverly uses musical theatre conventions to underscore the film’s themes of faith versus superficiality, and true power versus illusion. It’s a memorable and entertaining Prince of Egypt song that highlights the shallowness of the Egyptian priests.
The Plagues: A Descent into Darkness and Moral Conflict
“The Plagues” is arguably the most dramatic and emotionally complex Prince of Egypt song. It depicts the devastating consequences of Pharaoh Ramses’ stubborn refusal to free the Hebrew slaves. This song is not triumphant or uplifting; it’s a harrowing portrayal of divine wrath and the escalating conflict between Moses and Ramses.
The visuals accompanying “The Plagues” are chaotic and disturbing: frogs swarming everywhere, disease spreading, fire raining from the sky, and the Nile turning to blood. The lyrics are equally chilling, painting a grim picture of divine punishment:
I send a pestilence and plague
Into your house, into your bed
Into your streams, into your streets
Into your drink, into your bread
The plagues escalate in severity, reflecting Ramses’ increasing intransigence. The repeated phrase “until you break, until you yield” underscores God’s relentless pressure on Ramses. This Prince of Egypt song doesn’t shy away from the brutality and suffering inflicted upon Egypt, demonstrating the heavy cost of Ramses’ pride.
Adding to the song’s complexity is Moses’ internal conflict. He is torn between his loyalty to his people and his love for Ramses and Egypt, his former home. A poignant echo of “All I Ever Wanted” appears as Moses reflects on his past desires:
Once I thought the chance
To make you laugh
Was all I ever wanted
Moses is trapped in a terrible position, forced to inflict suffering on a land and a brother he once cherished. His lyrics express anguish and resignation: “serving as your foe on his behalf is the last thing that I wanted.” He is no longer pleading but demanding Ramses to release the Hebrews, driven to desperation by the escalating devastation.
Ramses’ verses in “The Plagues” reveal his self-centeredness and refusal to take responsibility. He blames Moses for the disasters befalling Egypt:
You who I called brother
How could you have come to hate me so?
Is this what you wanted?
Ramses’ inability to see beyond his own ego and acknowledge his role in the suffering is tragic. His defiant declaration:
Then let my heart be hardened
And never mind how high the cost may grow
This will still be so:
I will never let your people go…
demonstrates his ultimate downfall. His stubborn pride leads to greater and greater loss, culminating in the death of his son. “The Plagues” is a powerful and disturbing Prince of Egypt song that explores themes of divine justice, human stubbornness, and the tragic consequences of pride.
When You Believe: Hope and Faith in the Face of Adversity
“When You Believe” serves as the emotional climax and resolution of The Prince of Egypt. This Oscar-winning Prince of Egypt song is an anthem of hope, faith, and the power of belief in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds. It provides a sense of catharsis and triumph after the darkness of “The Plagues.”
The opening verses directly recall the despair and longing expressed in “Deliver Us,” creating a powerful sense of closure:
Many nights we prayed
With no proof anyone could hear
In our hearts a hopeful song
We barely understood
The song then transitions into its core message, emphasizing the transformative power of belief:
There can be miracles
When you believe
Though hope is frail
It’s hard to kill
Who knows what miracles
You can achieve
When you believe
“Though hope is frail, it’s hard to kill” is a particularly poignant line, capturing the enduring spirit of the Hebrews throughout their years of slavery. This Prince of Egypt song acknowledges the doubts and despair they faced:
In this time of fear
When prayer so often proves in vain
Hope seems like the summer birds
Too swiftly flown away
Yet, despite these doubts, their faith has sustained them, bringing them to the verge of freedom. The lyrics express the overwhelming emotions of this moment:
Yet now I’m standing here
My heart’s so full I can’t explain
Seeking faith and speaking words
I never thought I’d say
“When You Believe” is a celebration of perseverance, faith, and the realization of long-held dreams. It’s a fittingly powerful and uplifting conclusion to the musical journey of The Prince of Egypt, reinforcing the film’s central themes of faith and deliverance.
Conclusion: The Enduring Power of The Prince of Egypt Songs
The music of The Prince of Egypt is not just a collection of songs; it’s an integral part of the film’s narrative and emotional core. Each Prince of Egypt song is carefully crafted to enhance the storytelling, deepen character emotions, and explore complex themes. From the powerful opening of “Deliver Us” to the triumphant finale of “When You Believe,” the soundtrack takes the audience on an emotional journey that is both epic and deeply personal.
Unlike typical animated musicals, The Prince of Egypt uses its songs to explore darker, more complex themes, moving beyond simple entertainment to offer profound reflections on faith, identity, power, and the human spirit. The inclusion of Hebrew lyrics, the sophisticated musical arrangements, and the emotionally resonant performances all contribute to making the soundtrack of The Prince of Egypt a truly exceptional achievement in animated movie music.
What is your favorite Prince of Egypt song? And which animated movie soundtracks should we explore next? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
Cheers,
PayoffSong Content Team
