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Disney‘s recent remake of Snow White has garnered plenty of attention, but one aspect of the movie has left many fans scratching their heads: the song “Waiting on a Wish.” Intended to be an emotional ballad, this track falls short in almost every way. With its uninspired lyrics, weak melody, and lack of depth, it’s hard to see how this song could enhance the film or stand out as memorable.

Major songwriters failed to add good songs to ‘Snow White’

The song’s writers, Benj Pasek and Justin Paul, are no strangers to writing catchy tunes. They famously crafted the songs from Dear Evan Hansen, which became a worldwide sensation. Unfortunately, “Waiting on a Wish” lacks the same level of magic and emotional punch. From the first few notes, it’s clear that the song is trying too hard to evoke the same sense of wonder and feeling. But it fails to deliver, leaving the listener with a sense of indifference instead of emotional connection.

First, the lyrics of “Waiting on a Wish” are underwhelming. While it’s understandable that the song is meant to reflect Snow White’s longing for a better life, the words feel too cliché and repetitive. Snow White sings about waiting for something to change, but the lyrics lack originality or unique perspective. The repetitive nature of the song makes it feel less like a meaningful moment in the story and more like filler. It doesn’t add much depth to Snow White’s character, and it certainly doesn’t evoke the same emotional resonance as other Disney ballads like “A Dream is a Wish Your Heart Makes” from the original Cinderella or even “Reflection” from Mulan.

‘Waiting on a Wish’ from ‘Snow White’ has all the flavor of a rice cracker

Next, the melody doesn’t help elevate the song. While it’s soft and pleasant, it’s also forgettable. It doesn’t build to any powerful or emotional highs, which is critical for a song that aims to convey longing and hope. The melody feels like a missed opportunity, lacking the dynamic quality that could have made the song stand out. The musical arrangement doesn’t bring anything new or exciting to the table, leaving the song feeling flat and uninspired.

Additionally, the performance of “Waiting on a Wish” doesn’t do it any favors. The vocals are fine, but they don’t showcase much emotional depth or range. Rachel Zegler, who portrays Snow White, certainly has a beautiful voice, but she is not given much to work with here. The song’s lack of variety and emotional highs leaves Zegler with little room to truly shine.

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A song that doesn’t serve the story

Moreover, the song doesn’t serve the movie well in terms of storytelling. In Disney films, songs are often used to advance the plot, reveal a character’s inner thoughts, or create key emotional moments. Unfortunately, “Waiting on a Wish” doesn’t accomplish any of these things. The lyrics don’t reveal new aspects of Snow White’s character, and the song doesn’t propel the plot forward. Instead, it feels like a forced addition that doesn’t do much for the story.

In conclusion, “Waiting on a Wish” is a bad song by any standard. Despite the talent of the writers, it simply lacks the spark needed to be memorable or impactful. The lyrics are trite, the melody is forgettable, and the performance fails to add depth to the character or the film. When compared to the incredible songs from Disney’s rich history, “Waiting on a Wish” feels like a missed opportunity. It’s a song that fails to live up to the legacy of great Disney music and one that will likely fade into obscurity.