Under The Sea

“Under The Sea,” performed by Samuel E. Wright, is a vibrant and lively song from Disney's animated film, *The Little Mermaid*. The song is sung by Sebastian, a Jamaican crab, who tries to convince Ariel, the mermaid protagonist, that life underwater is far superior to life on land. The lyrics are filled with colorful imagery and playful metaphors that paint a picture of an underwater utopia.

The song begins by addressing the common human tendency to believe that the grass is always greener on the other side. Sebastian points out that the seaweed is always greener in somebody else's lake, suggesting that Ariel's longing for the human world might be misguided. He emphasizes the beauty and richness of the ocean floor, urging her to appreciate the wonderful things that surround her. This serves as a metaphor for contentment and finding joy in one's current circumstances.

As the song progresses, Sebastian contrasts the carefree, joyful life under the sea with the hard, laborious life on land. He describes how the fish underwater are happy and free, while those on land are confined and unhappy. The playful and rhythmic lyrics, such as “Darling it's better, down where it's wetter,” highlight the carefree and musical nature of underwater life. The song also humorously touches on the dangers faced by sea creatures on land, where they are often caught and cooked, further emphasizing the safety and freedom of the ocean.

The musical arrangement of “Under The Sea” is as lively as its lyrics, featuring a variety of sea creatures playing different instruments, creating a vibrant underwater orchestra. This not only adds to the song's joyful and celebratory tone but also reinforces the idea of a harmonious and spirited community under the sea. The song ultimately conveys a message of appreciating and celebrating the beauty and joy in one's own environment, rather than longing for something else.