Fun with Moana’s “You’re Welcome”

Disney released Moana on DVD and Blu-Ray today, and I’m thrilled. If you haven’t seen it yet, I strongly encourage you to do so. The animation alone is exquisite. Who doesn’t enjoy beautiful imagery of sand, water and sky? Add a strong lead character and an inspiring soundtrack to the classic Disney formula and it’s one satisfying movie. Yes, I’m biased, but in this case it’s so easy to be.

Photo from Walt Disney Records Motion Picture Artwork

One of my favorite songs from the film, written by Lin-Manuel Miranda of Hamilton fame, is “You’re Welcome” performed by the Maui demigod character in the film and voiced by Dwayne Johnson. Maui sings this song shortly after meeting Moana for the first time and realizing she has a pretty significant favor to ask of him. The song is peppered with humor and relatable to anyone that’s ever gone out of their way for someone, only to be asked to do something else. You’ve been there, right?  Stayed up late completing a presentation, group project, class assignment, client request, etc. only to be met with an emotionless response and a “can you do this for me too?”

These days, I tend to experience these feelings most frequently as a result of running my household. Sometimes I spend the day cleaning up messes that are somehow not visible to the other inhabitants of my dwelling, only to be met with “did you remember to blah blah?” or “why don’t you ever blah blah?” And so, instead of tackling these new requests with gusto, I set out to rewrite the words of my favorite Moana song for like-minded caretakers and any of you that have moments of feeling underappreciated. I’m not a singer, so I’m taking a risk here. Hopefully it will bring you a laugh, or at least a smile.

Forgive me… and you’re welcome.

Click here for video:  Youtube: Fun with Moana’s “You’re Welcome”

(Original song and lyrics by Lynn-Manuel Miranda. Changes highlighted in bold.)

Photo from Walt Disney Records Motion Picture Artwork

I see what’s happening, yeah
You’re face-to-face with greatness and it’s strange
You don’t even know how you feel, it’s adorable!
Well it’s nice to see that kids never change

Open your eyes, let’s begin
Yes it’s really me, it’s Mommy! Breathe it in!
I know it’s a lot, the hair, the bod…
When you’re staring at a demi-Mom

What can I say except “You’re welcome”
For taking care of all of your stuff
Hey, it’s okay, it’s okay, you’re welcome
I can do a lot of things for love

Hey, who cleans your room and answers your call?
Since you were only this tall?
It’s me, y’all
When the nights got cold, 
who fetched your blankets and toys?
You’re looking at her, boys!
Oh, also I tackle the stores! (you’re welcome)
To feed you and to give you more
 Also, I changed all the sheets (you’re welcome)
To help you sleep and fuel your dreams

So what can I say except you’re welcome?
For all the times I put your needs first
There’s nothing to say, it’s okay, you’re welcome
I guess it’s just my role in this world.
You’re welcome, you’re welcome

Well, come to think of it Kid, 
Honestly I can go on and on
I can explain every household phenomenon
The laundry. That vacuuming sound?
That was Mommy just messing around 
I mopped the floors and cleaned your cuts
Cooked your meals and wiped your butts
What’s the lesson? What can I take?
Don’t mess with Mommy when she’s on a break

And these new wrinkles here in my skin
Are maps of the victories I win
Look at this place, I make everything happen
Look at wacked Mommy just yackin’ and yackin’

Well anyway, let me say you’re welcome!
For the wonderful world you know
Hey, it’s okay, it’s okay, you’re welcome!
Is that the bus? I think, I gotta go

Hey, it’s your day to say you’re welcome!
‘Cause I’m gonna need that remote
I’m zoning away today, you’re welcome!
‘Cause Moms can do anything but gloat

You’re welcome, you’re welcome!