I'll Make a Man Out of You
I'll Make a Man Out of You © Walt Disney Music Company - Lyrics
Songwriters: Matthew Wilder / David Joel Zippel Vocal: Donny Osmond
Let's get down to business
To defeat the Huns
Did they send me daughters
When I asked for sons?
You're the saddest bunch I ever met
But you can bet before we're through
Mister, I'll make a man out of you
Tranquil as a forest
But on fire within
Once you find your center
You are sure to win
You're a spineless pale pathetic lot
And you haven't got a clue
Somehow I'll make a man out of you
I'm never gonna catch my breath
Say goodbye to those who knew me
Why was I a fool in school for cutting gym?
This guy's got them scared to death!
Hope he doesn't see right through me
Now I really wish that I knew how to swim
We must be swift as the coursing river
(Be a man)
With all the force of a great typhoon
(Be a man)
With all the strength of a raging fire
Mysterious as the dark side of the moon
Time is racing toward us
'Til the Huns arrive
Heed my every order
And you might survive
You're unsuited for the rage of war
So pack up, go home, you're through
How could I make a man out of you?
We must be swift as the coursing river
(Be a man)
With all the force of a great typhoon
(Be a man)
With all the strength of a raging fire
Mysterious as the dark side of the moon
We must be swift as the coursing river
(Be a man)
With all the force of a great typhoon
(Be a man)
With all the strength of a raging fire
Mysterious as the dark side of the moon
- Who created this message? - This song was written for the 1998 animated Disney movie Mulan.
- What creative techniques are used to attract my attention? - The song has an upbeat marching tempo that is like a call for action. Paying attention to the lyrics or not the listener feels invigorated and ready for a fight.
- How might different people interpret this message differently than me? - I believe the interpretation of this song has changed in the last 24 years. When it came out, like the song states, it was an anthem for discipline and strength. As we have moved into a women's impowered world this song can feel misogynistic or excluding.
- What viewpoints or world views are included or left out of this message? - Many cultures around the world share ideas around gendered roles. Men should provide, fight, and protect the family in a powerful and maybe even brutish manner. While women should nurture and care for others in a submissive none confrontational manner. This movie tries to breakdown these stereotypes - it shares a message that women can fight for and be just as powerful as their male counter parts. A damaging message that the song perpetuates though is that a women needs to masculinize themselves in order to show strength. It does not highlight the famine qualities that have provided for, fought for, and protected families since the beginning of time.
- Why is this message being sent? - This song is definitely an ear worm. Catchy tunes like this one sell viewership, albums, and other merchandise. 24 years after it's release I still sing along and want to stand and pretend to do karate. When this and other Disney songs of my childhood come up on my Pandora I encourage my kids to sing with me and in turn guarantee another generation of loyal consumers.