Emma Thompson's song "Beauty and the Beast" is from the soundtrack of the 2017 live-action adaptation of the Disney animated film of the same name. The song is performed in her role as the character Mrs. Potts, who is a talking teapot. The lyrics of the song describe the age-old fairy tale of "Beauty and the Beast," where a young woman falls in love with a monstrous beast. It emphasizes the true and timeless nature of their love story, referring to it as a tale as old as time and a tune as old as a song. The initial lines suggest that the relationship between Beauty (Belle) and the Beast starts off as mere acquaintances or "barely even friends." However, at a certain point, someone unexpectedly bends or compromises, which leads to a change in their dynamic. As the song continues, it highlights the transformative power of love. Despite their initial fears and unpreparedness, both Beauty and the Beast gradually open up to one another and form a unique bond. It emphasizes that love can bring about significant changes, even in the most unlikely circumstances. The song also suggests that love can be both predictable and surprising. It mentions that their love is ever the same and ever a surprise, symbolizing the stability and joy that their relationship brings. It compares their love to the rising of the sun, signifying its certainty and inevitability. Towards the end, the lyrics mention that sometimes love can lead to realizing one's own mistakes. It expresses that through this journey, both characters learn and grow, ultimately finding that they were wrong in their initial perceptions. Overall, the song "Beauty and the Beast" encapsulates the classic tale of love, transformation, and learning from one's mistakes. It portrays the timeless essence of the story and emphasizes the power of love to overcome obstacles and bring about positive change.
