The Prince Of Egypt: Which Song Won An Oscar?

Hey guys! Let's dive into the musical magic of The Prince of Egypt and find out which of its amazing songs snagged an Oscar. This animated epic isn't just visually stunning; it’s also packed with a soundtrack that’ll give you chills. So, grab your popcorn, and let's get started!

The Award-Winning Song: "When You Believe"

Alright, so the Oscar-winning song from The Prince of Egypt is none other than "When You Believe." This power ballad is seriously iconic, and for good reason! It encapsulates the movie's central themes of faith, hope, and the power of belief in the face of adversity. "When You Believe" isn’t just a song; it’s an anthem that resonates with anyone who’s ever struggled to keep their spirits up during tough times. You know, those moments when you feel like giving up, but something inside you tells you to keep pushing forward? Yeah, this song is all about that!

"When You Believe" was written by the legendary Stephen Schwartz, with music composed by him as well. Schwartz is a total genius when it comes to musical theater and film, having also penned the lyrics for Wicked, Godspell, and Pocahontas. The song features a soaring melody and lyrics that speak to the universal human experience. It’s one of those tunes that just gets stuck in your head, but in the best possible way! And let's be real, who hasn't belted this song out at the top of their lungs at least once? Whether you're in the shower, in your car, or just walking down the street, "When You Believe" has a way of making you feel like you can conquer anything.

The version that most people are familiar with is the one performed by pop divas Whitney Houston and Mariah Carey. Their rendition was released as a single and became a massive hit, topping charts around the world. Can you imagine a more perfect pairing? Two of the greatest voices of all time, coming together to sing a song about hope and faith? It’s pure magic! The combination of Whitney's powerhouse vocals and Mariah's incredible range is just breathtaking. They bring so much emotion and depth to the song, making it even more impactful. Plus, the music video is pretty epic too, with scenes from the movie interspersed with shots of Whitney and Mariah looking absolutely stunning. Seriously, if you haven't seen it, go check it out!

But even before Whitney and Mariah put their spin on it, "When You Believe" was already a showstopper in the film itself. The movie version is sung by the characters Tzipporah and Miriam, voiced by Michelle Pfeiffer and Sally Dworsky, respectively. Their performance is more subdued than Whitney and Mariah's, but it's no less powerful. It captures the quiet strength and unwavering faith of the Hebrew people as they embark on their journey to freedom. It’s a really beautiful moment in the film, and it sets the stage for the big Whitney and Mariah moment later on.

In 1999, "When You Believe" won the Academy Award for Best Original Song, cementing its place in cinematic history. The win was a huge moment for Stephen Schwartz and the entire team behind The Prince of Egypt. It was also a testament to the song's enduring message of hope and the power of belief. When Schwartz accepted the award, he spoke about how the song was inspired by the struggles of people all over the world who have faced adversity and oppression. He dedicated the award to them, saying that their courage and resilience were what made the song possible. Talk about an emotional moment!

So, yeah, "When You Believe" isn't just an Oscar-winning song; it's a cultural phenomenon. It's a song that continues to inspire and uplift people of all ages and backgrounds. Whether you're a die-hard fan of The Prince of Egypt, a Whitney Houston devotee, or just someone who needs a little bit of hope in their life, this song is sure to resonate with you. And the fact that it won an Oscar just proves how truly special it is.

Other Notable Songs from The Prince of Egypt

Okay, while "When You Believe" totally stole the Oscar spotlight, The Prince of Egypt soundtrack is packed with other amazing tunes that deserve some love too. Seriously, every song in this movie is a banger! So, let's take a quick look at some of the other highlights.

"Deliver Us"

First up, we've got "Deliver Us." This song is an absolute masterpiece! It’s the opening number of the movie, and it sets the stage for everything that’s about to happen. "Deliver Us" tells the story of baby Moses being sent down the Nile River to escape the Pharaoh's decree to kill all newborn Hebrew boys. The song is sung by Moses' mother, Yocheved, as she desperately tries to save her child's life. It’s incredibly emotional and powerful, and it really draws you into the story right from the start.

The music is hauntingly beautiful, and the lyrics are so evocative. You can really feel Yocheved's fear and desperation as she sings about wanting to protect her son. And the way the music builds as she places Moses in the basket and sends him down the river? Chills! Seriously, this song is a work of art. Plus, the visuals in the movie during this scene are just stunning. The way the light reflects off the water, the expressions on the characters' faces… it all comes together to create a truly unforgettable moment.

"All I Ever Wanted (With Queen's Reprise)"

Then there's "All I Ever Wanted (With Queen's Reprise)." This song is sung by Moses as he struggles with his identity and his place in the world. He's grown up as a prince of Egypt, but he's starting to realize that he's not really one of them. He feels lost and confused, and he's searching for answers. This song is all about that internal struggle.

The lyrics are really introspective and thoughtful, and they capture Moses' feelings of alienation and uncertainty perfectly. The music is also really beautiful, with a soaring melody that really tugs at your heartstrings. And the "Queen's Reprise" part of the song is just heartbreaking. It's sung by Moses' adoptive mother, Queen Tuya, as she realizes that he's starting to pull away from her. You can hear the pain in her voice as she sings about how much she loves him and how much she wants him to stay. Seriously, this song will make you cry!

"Through Heaven's Eyes"

And who could forget "Through Heaven's Eyes"? This song is sung by Jethro, Tzipporah's father, and it's all about seeing the world from a different perspective. Jethro teaches Moses that true worth isn't about power or wealth, but about kindness and compassion. It's a really uplifting and inspiring song, and it's one of the highlights of the movie.

The lyrics are so wise and insightful, and they really make you think about what's important in life. The music is also really catchy, with a fun, upbeat tempo that will make you want to dance. And the visuals in the movie during this scene are just gorgeous. The desert landscape is so vibrant and colorful, and the way the characters interact with each other is so heartwarming. It's a really joyful and uplifting moment in the film.

"The Plagues"

Last but not least, we've got "The Plagues." This song is… well, it's intense! It’s sung by Rameses and Moses as they argue about whether or not to free the Hebrew slaves. Moses warns Rameses that if he doesn't let his people go, God will send a series of plagues to punish Egypt. Rameses refuses to listen, and the plagues begin.

The music is dark and dramatic, and the lyrics are chilling. You can really feel the tension and conflict between Moses and Rameses as they argue about what's right and wrong. And the visuals in the movie during this scene are just terrifying. The plagues are depicted in graphic detail, and they're sure to send shivers down your spine. Seriously, this song is not for the faint of heart!

The Enduring Legacy of The Prince of Egypt

So, there you have it! "When You Believe" is the Oscar-winning song from The Prince of Egypt, but the entire soundtrack is full of gems. This movie isn't just a visual masterpiece; it's also a musical tour de force! The songs are all so well-written and performed, and they really add to the emotional impact of the story. If you haven't seen The Prince of Egypt in a while, or if you've never seen it at all, I highly recommend giving it a watch. You won't be disappointed!

The Prince of Egypt is more than just an animated movie; it's a cultural touchstone that continues to resonate with audiences of all ages. Its themes of freedom, faith, and the power of belief are timeless and universal, and its stunning visuals and unforgettable music make it a truly special film. Whether you're a longtime fan or a newcomer, The Prince of Egypt is sure to leave a lasting impression.

And that's a wrap, folks! Hope you enjoyed this little deep dive into the music of The Prince of Egypt. Until next time, keep singing your heart out!