Released in 2016 as part of Disney's animated film 'Moana', 'How Far I'll Go' became an anthem of self-discovery and ambition. The song, written by Lin-Manuel Miranda, highlights the challenges of finding one's identity against societal expectations. Its cultural significance is rooted in Polynesian mythology and showcases the spirit of adventure, making it a perfect choice for English learners. The catchy melody and relatable lyrics help students engage with the language.
Lyrics
How Far I'll Go — Auli'i Cravalho - Moana
English
I've been staring at the edge of the water
'Long as I can remember, never really knowing why
I wish I could be the perfect daughter
But I come back to the water, no matter how hard I try
Every turn I take, every trail I track
Every path I make, every road leads back
To the place I know, where I cannot go
Where I long to be
See the line where the sky meets the sea? It calls me
And no one knows, how far it goes
If the wind in my sail on the sea stays behind me
One day I'll know, if I go there's just no telling how far I'll go
I know, everybody on this island seems so happy on this island
Everything is by design
I know, everybody on this island has a role on this island
So maybe I can roll with mine
(...)
Grammar
What you learn from this song
Quantifiers - Cuantificadores
Quantifiers are words that indicate quantity or amount. They are often used in English to express how much or how many of something exists. Understanding quantifiers helps English learners describe situations more accurately and enhance their communication skills.
'I know, everybody on this island seems so happy on this island' — This line uses the quantifier 'everybody' to indicate all people on the island.
'I wish I could be the perfect daughter' — Here, 'the perfect' specifies a particular standard or amount of daughter.
'But I come back to the water, no matter how hard I try' — 'No matter how' indicates an unlimited amount of effort made without the specified limit.
Fun facts
Did you know?
Lin-Manuel Miranda, known for 'Hamilton', wrote 'How Far I'll Go' to capture the essence of Moana’s journey of self-discovery.
The song became a commercial success, reaching the top 20 on various music charts, including the Billboard Hot 100.
Auli'i Cravalho, the actress who voiced Moana, performed the song during the 89th Academy Awards in 2017, gaining significant attention.
'How Far I'll Go' has been covered by numerous artists, further solidifying its popularity across different genres and audiences.
The song won multiple awards, including a nomination for the Academy Award for Best Original Song, showcasing its impactful songwriting.
For students
Why learn English with this song?
Learning English through 'How Far I'll Go' is beneficial due to its accessible vocabulary and clarity in pronunciation. The song features useful expressions related to desire and identity, which can resonate with learners. Repetition within the lyrics helps reinforce language retention, making it easier for students to grasp English concepts through music.
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