The meaning and story of Alan Menken's song "Main Title: Prologue, Pt. 2" are centered around the classic tale of Beauty and the Beast. The lyrics serve as a narration, explaining the events that led to the prince's transformation into a beast and the curse placed upon him and his castle. In the song, it is mentioned that an old woman, who is revealed to be an enchantress, seeks shelter from a storm at the prince's castle. She presents him with a single rose as a gift, but the prince, repulsed by her appearance, turns her away. The enchantress warns him not to judge based on appearances, as true beauty lies within. Ignoring her advice, the prince dismisses her once again. Suddenly, the enchantress transforms into a beautiful woman, revealing her true identity. The prince, realizing his mistake, begs for forgiveness, but it is too late. The enchantress sees that there is no love in his heart and punishes him by turning him into a hideous beast and casting a spell on the castle and its inhabitants. The prince and his servants are forgotten by the world, as the enchantress erases all memories of them from the minds of their loved ones. However, the enchanted rose given by the enchantress holds the key to breaking the spell. The prince must learn to love another and earn their love in return before the last petal falls. If he fails, he will remain a beast forever. As the years pass, the prince falls into despair and loses hope, questioning who could ever love a beast like him. The song sets the stage for the rest of the story, highlighting the prince's transformation, the curse, and the challenge he must face to find true love and break the spell.
