Speechless

Album: Aladdin (2019)
Charted: 73
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • This song was written specifically for Disney's 2019 live-action Aladdin movie. It was penned by the original film's composer Alan Menken plus Benj Pasek and Justin Paul (The Greatest Showman and La La Land).
  • "Speechless" is a solo song sung by the character Princess Jasmine, who is portrayed by Jasmine Scott. The empowering lyrics are sung when her father's kingdom has been seized by Jafar. She tells her father that after a lifetime of having men tell her that her opinion is worthless, she will not stay silent anymore.

    "It was obvious that Jasmine needed to move from being a Disney animated princess to a three-dimensional young woman who wants to be heard and respected," Menken explained to Billboard. "We knew we wanted it to be a song that states her desire to be heard."
  • "Speechless" appears twice in the movie, paralleling the arc in the story. It is first sung by Jasmine tentatively early on; later in the movie it is the Princess' big breakout song when she finally decides she is going to stand up for what she believes in. "If it came too early it wasn't earned, and if we placed the whole song late, it was too late for it. We found it was best to do it in two parts," Menken explained.

Comments: 4

  • Carman from Hungary"who is portrayed by Jasmine Scott" - Her name is Naomi Scott
  • Anonymous from 65 Ire AkariThat was on point awesome
  • Lucy Borden from California This song is so amazing!!!!
  • Mary Heart from PhilippinesShe is Stunningly Gorgeous.
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Pam Tillis

Pam TillisSongwriter Interviews

The country sweetheart opines about the demands of touring and talks about writing songs with her famous father.

Rock Stars of Horror

Rock Stars of HorrorMusic Quiz

Rock Stars - especially those in the metal realm - are often enlisted for horror movies. See if you know can match the rocker to the role.

Frankie Valli

Frankie ValliSong Writing

An interview with Frankie Valli, who talks about why his songs - both solo and with The Four Seasons - have endured, and reflects on his time as Rusty Millio on The Sopranos.

Part of Their World: The Stories and Songs of 13 Disney Princesses

Part of Their World: The Stories and Songs of 13 Disney PrincessesSong Writing

From "Some Day My Prince Will Come" to "Let It Go" - how Disney princess songs (and the women who sing them) have evolved.

Kip Winger

Kip WingerSongwriter Interviews

The Winger frontman reveals the Led Zeppelin song he cribbed for "Seventeen," and explains how his passion for orchestra music informs his songwriting.

Stephen Christian of Anberlin

Stephen Christian of AnberlinSongwriter Interviews

The lead singer/lyricist for Anberlin breaks down "Impossible" and covers some tracks from their 2012 album Vital.