Under the Sea (feat. Daveed Diggs & Cast)

In the song "Under the Sea" from Disney's The Little Mermaid, Sebastian the crab, voiced by Daveed Diggs, passionately extols the virtues of life beneath the ocean's surface. The song serves as a vibrant and persuasive argument against Ariel's desire to explore the human world. Sebastian begins by highlighting the chaos and hardships of human life, contrasting it with the idyllic and carefree existence under the sea. This sets the stage for a celebration of the underwater world's beauty and simplicity.

The lyrics cleverly use the metaphor of "the seaweed is always greener in somebody else's lake" to convey the idea that people often idealize what they don't have, overlooking the treasures in their own lives. Sebastian urges Ariel to appreciate the wonders around her, emphasizing that the ocean floor is filled with marvelous things. The song's upbeat tempo and playful lyrics create a sense of joy and contentment, reinforcing the message that happiness can be found in one's current circumstances.

Musically, the song is a lively calypso number, featuring a variety of sea creatures playing different instruments, which adds to the festive atmosphere. The imagery of fish playing instruments and dancing under the sea paints a picture of a vibrant, harmonious community. Sebastian's assertion that life is "sweeter" and more carefree under the sea is further supported by the humorous notion that sea creatures are free from the dangers and drudgeries faced by their land-dwelling counterparts. The song ultimately celebrates the simple pleasures and natural beauty of the underwater world, encouraging listeners to find joy and contentment in their own surroundings.