Rotten To The Core

The song "Rotten to the Core" from the Disney Channel Original Movie 'Descendants' is a vibrant declaration of the main characters' acceptance of their villainous heritage. The characters, who are the children of classic Disney villains, express their individuality and the struggles they face due to the expectations set by their infamous parents. The lyrics are a playful yet defiant embrace of their reputation as troublemakers, and the characters take pride in being different from the 'kid next door.'

Each verse is delivered by a different character, highlighting their unique personalities and the specific criticisms they've faced. Mal, Jay, Evie, and Carlos sing about being labeled as bad, evil, and mischievous, but instead of rejecting these labels, they revel in them. The song challenges the notion of inherent evilness and suggests that these characters are more than the sum of their parts, misunderstood by those around them. The repeated chorus, 'I'm rotten to the core,' serves as a catchy and ironic embrace of their supposed wickedness.

The song also touches on themes of self-acceptance and the idea that being different doesn't necessarily mean being wrong. The characters' proclamation of being 'rotten to the core' is a way of owning their identities and rejecting the idea that they need to conform to be accepted. The use of the mirror in the lyrics is a nod to the Snow White tale, asking who is the 'baddest' of them all, which in this context, is a title they wear with pride. 'Rotten to the Core' is a celebration of individuality and an anthem for those who have ever felt like outsiders.