Released in 1992 as part of Disney's animated film 'Aladdin', 'A Whole New World' quickly became a classic love ballad. Composed by Alan Menken with lyrics by Tim Rice, the song won an Academy Award for Best Original Song and topped the Billboard Hot 100 chart. Its themes of adventure and discovery resonate with audiences, making it an excellent resource for learners to grasp English while enjoying its enchanting melody. Perfect for improving listening skills, the clear pronunciation and vivid imagery in the lyrics offer rich vocabulary and useful expressions.
Lyrics
A Whole New World — Peabo Bryson & Regina Belle
English
I can show you the world
Shining, shimmering, splendid
Tell me, princess, now when did
You last let your heart decide?
I can open your eyes
Take you wonder by wonder
Over, sideways and under
On a magic carpet ride
A whole new world
A new fantastic point of view
No one to tell us no
Or where to go
Or say we're only dreaming
A whole new world
A dazzling place I never knew
But when I'm way up here
It's crystal clear
That now I'm in a whole new world with you
Unbelievable sights
Indescribable feeling
Soaring, tumbling, freewheeling
Through an endless diamond sky
A whole new world
Don't you dare close your eyes
A hundred thousand things to see
Hold your breath, it gets better
I'm like a shooting star
I've come so far
I can't go back to where I used to be
A whole new world
With new horizons to pursue
I'll chase them anywhere
There's time to spare
Let me share this whole new world with you
Grammar
What you learn from this song
Modals - Modales
"I can show you the world" — This line indicates the ability to reveal experiences.
"I can open your eyes" — Here, 'can' is used to express the potential to enlighten someone.
Simple Present - Presente Simple
The simple present tense describes habits, general truths, or current actions. It's foundational in daily communication, making it essential for learners to express facts and routines.
"It's crystal clear" — This line presents a current observation about clarity.
"A whole new world" — This phrase declares a general truth about a new experience.
Fun facts
Did you know?
The song won the Academy Award for Best Original Song in 1993, further solidifying its place in pop culture.
Peabo Bryson and Regina Belle recorded this duet, which became an international hit, topping charts in multiple countries.
The song is notable for its sweeping orchestration, highlighting the magic and wonder of the film's themes.
In total, 'A Whole New World' has been covered by numerous artists, showcasing its lasting appeal and relevance in popular music.
The song was featured in various adaptations and performances, including Broadway versions of 'Aladdin', further enhancing its cultural impact.
For students
Why learn English with this song?
This song is ideal for learning English due to its simple vocabulary and clear pronunciation, making it accessible for beginners. The use of repetition helps reinforce key phrases, while its expressive lyrics encourage learners to engage emotionally with the language. Overall, it provides valuable practice in listening and comprehension through its melodic structure.
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