The World Above

broadway broadway reprise broadway demo

In the Broadway musical, "The World Above" is Ariel's new introductory song, heralding her arrival as she surfaces to look at the sun. It quietly sets the stage for the character (unlike the movie, where we got to know her through a frantic shark chase) and how she's fascinated by the world above.

This is an example of brilliantly flipping a song right on its head. The first time we hear "The World Above", it's sung by a quietly fascinated Ariel gazing at the world above in wonder and adoration; in this reprise, it's sung by an enraged Norm Lewis as King Triton in loathing of everything to do with the world above. Same subject, different point-of-view. ♥

Triton:
This is where you belong

Ariel:
You don't understand!

Triton:
For once, just listen, will you?
That savage brute would kill you
In the world above

Ariel:
He's not a barbarian!

Triton:
Don't try that same old song
I'll have you grounded 'til next year
Am I clear?
Don't go near
That world above

Ariel:
I'm not a child anymore!

Triton:
No? Have you lost your senses? He's a human, you're a mermaid!

Ariel:
It doesn't matter!

Triton:
I'm still the king here
My word is law
This filth you bring here
Is the final straw

And push, my daughter
Has come to shove
I'll make you obey
'Til you do as I say
I don't care, come what may
But I'll keep you away
From that cruel, harsh, cold, vile
World above

The workshop recording only has the Triton version of "The World Above", and boy oh boy is he angry. Jeff McCarthy does a great job expressing that anger-from-fear for his youngest daughter, whom he loves very much.