It seems that people keep missing the complexity of this song. Taking on every stressor is her identity. She needs that role to feel valid as a person but she also feels trapped by it. So there’s internal anger, external anger, insecurity, masking, shame, sadness, fear of being trapped, and probably some others.
YES!!!! That's it exactly. Certainly how I feel. Sometimes, I think Lin-Manuel Miranda stole my diary and used it to write this song and Isabela's song *What Else Can I Do?*
Just my opinion (could be wrong): The donkeys are there as an allegory for how Luisa's family (and really the whole town in general) often treat her as a beast of burden, like a donkey to move/carry heavy loads for others The bit with the unicorn donkeys is meant to show how fantastical/unreal the idea of being able to relax and not have this constant weight on her shoulders seems to her
Yeah, the donkeys are a metaphor of Luisa'. Also, the Titanic was supposed to be an indestructible ship that could handle anything, like the image set for Luisa. But in the end it wasn"t.
@@01cortomaltese more precisely, the ship has the name "Madrigal" on the side of it representing the entire family and how Luisa feels it's her responsibility to break through the obstacles with her physical and emotional strength.
It also she’s that despite her being very masculine she still has and likes feminine things. Why can’t a donkey be a unicorn? Because it’s not as pretty as a horse? No it can be one just as well as a horse can
@@marioluigi911 You are right!. I love how she is bulkier but instead of moving rough, her moves are fluid and gracefull. Even at the start when she power moves the rocks with her hips are something like: I am strong but also a cute woman.
The Titanic imagery is a lot like Luisa's character. Essentially a perfect allegory. The Titanic was supposed to be the unsinkable ship, and look what happened. Luisa's Gift granted her immense physical prowess in way of strength and durability, but not emotionally. And the pressure and generational trauma present in the movie is what causes her to have the same sinking feeling of the Titanic after it hit the iceberg.
@@DevinGates "The ship doesn't swerve, as it heard how big the iceberg is". The family doesn't even blink, even in the face of certain death, because they just expect Luisa to handle it.
She's not complaining, she's letting herself be vulnerable by talking (singing) about her anxieties about not living up to what her family and community expects her to be. "I'm pretty sure I'm worthless if I can't be of service" AKA "If I fail at anything I'm asked to do then I don't deserve love." She isn't upset at her family and community, she's upset at her own perceived shortcomings. She's on the verge of a serious mental breakdown as she's so overwhelmed. And the imagery is a whole lot of symbolism. Even the Hercules bit. She's saying she identifies with him. He always stepped up to fight and do what needed to be done, but she's wondering if there were times where he felt like he just needed a break, like she sometimes feels, despite how she never takes one.
There's a deeper part to that lyric too. Hercules DID essentially say 'yo, I don't want to fight Cerberus'. So he doesn't, he politely asks Hades if he can borrow Cerberus instead. I took that to mean that Luisa is putting more pressure on herself than she actually needs to. Sometimes, you don't have to fight, you just have to ask for help.
And it is a complaint, that’s the vulnerability. She’s the strong one, she doesn’t complain. To complain to Mirabel, if in an indirect way (the entire song constantly implies but never directly states that she can’t handle the pressure), she is showing weakness, being vulnerable.
This. The symbolism with Atlas that we see more than once is also showing that she has the weight of the world on her shoulders. Basically she feels like it's her job to always do whatever is demanded because she can, no matter if she wants to or if she needs rest. Luisa needs to be seen and appreciated for who she is and not just for what she can do. This movie is just lovely. And so is Luisa.
The song is more about how when people look up to you, you have a lot of responsibility, or you’re supposed to be the strong one, you have to keep a poker face and do it even if you’re tearing at the seams. More because of the pressure when people depend on you like a mother or a surgeon, less like growing from tough experiences like a mythical hero
I really recommend the movie. Its success in its storytelling, for me, is while it has a very fantastical setting and overall storyline, the conflicts and issues that are at its core are very grounded and relatable, especially if you come from an immigrant family. Some have pointed to it as an unintentional allegory about disabilities as well.
For those who didn’t notice a lot of the references with her holding everything on her shoulders is referring to Atlas the man who holds the world on his shoulders in Greek mythology. That being said absolutely love the movie!!!
This song is about the pressure of being made to feel like you aren't loved and have no worth if you aren't useful to your loved ones. Trust me, I grew up with it.
"You're still yourself. It's definitely okay to ask for some type of assistance." That, in a nutshell, is Luisa's arc. Encanto is about a loving, but dysfunctional, family and the toll it's taking, particularly, on a trio of sisters. In a lot of ways it's a surprising departure from what I would expect from a Disney film, I highly recommend it.
Watch the movie my dude. But the musicality of We Don't Talk About Bruno is amazing. All thanks to the genius of Lin Manuel Miranda and the talent of all the performers.
Titanic...actually the ship has the family name "Madrigal" on its bow. Assuming a metaphor that she will protect the family regardless of their direction or lack of steering. All the donkeys are used throughout the number because they were present as she sings/confesses to her sister, and they add some comic relief as well.
If you would also possibly dig a layer down, you could look at it as her being the "Titanic." Unsinkable but the stress could be the one thing that could sink her.
"The ship doesn't swerve, has it heard how big the iceberg is" I think this specifically is her saying the family will keep walking straight into danger even if they are aware of it and just assume Luisa will take care of it. It's not just her who puts all that responsibility on her shoulders, the family does as well.
I've heard others speculate that the donkeys were included in the scene because of what they're associated with. Typically, donkeys are used as manual labor animals. Whether it be plowing a field or carrying heavy packs, donkeys are used for their strength, much like how Luisa is being used for her strength. The artists could've had her carrying lumber or bricks, but they chose to go with donkeys (which take a lot more effort to create and animate than the other two- speaking from experience here). I'm pretty sure the decision to use donkeys so heavily in this song was intentional.
The two lines around the beginning wrap it up nicely-- "I glow because I know what my worth is." Followed shortly after by "Under the surface, I'm pretty sure I'm worthless if I can't be of service." She feels that her worth is 100% in her strength. And when she starts to lose that, she becomes a nervous wreck--it is her identity and she can't see that she is more than that. As for the Titanic, it was said to be unsinkable, but then.. well.. I think she relates.
There are so many donkeys because, in the scene just before this, Luisa was collecting donkeys that had escaped their home and had just returned them to their rightful spot. It's also an allegory for the fact that Luisa feels just like a donkey, a pack mule, like that's all her family and her town see her as because of her strength.
As for the Titanic, I think it's mainly for the allegory of her feeling like an iceberg - there's only so much you see above the surface, she has so much more hidden underneath, just like the iceberg. We also saw her protect the ship - dubbed RMS Madrigal instead of RMS Titanic, as a nod to her family - because she feels she is the protector and that falls on her shoulders. She potentially also feels like SHE is the Titanic, headed on a course that inevitably ends with her crashing and being pulled under.
It’s a metaphor dude. The titanic was the Unsinkable ship and an ice burg took it down. It represents her fears that she can’t handle everything and be as unsinkable as her family expects her to be and her fear she will be the reason they lose the gift. A fear they all have instilled by their over grasping grandmother and her own fear.
Ya, you had it at the end of the song. It's more of a cry for help rather than a complaint. Honestly, the song is much better in the context of the movie because there are less distractions from questioning many of the things that get explained beforehand by the movie. Keep in mind too, these songs are major story devices in the show too, not just songs. This one, while being a cry for help from Mirabel's sister, it's also an anthem as well for, well I don't want to spoil things, so I leave it there. Suffice to say, it had many more meanings. Like the titanic is a symbol, not really a ship.
I think you missed the point with Hercules. I am pretty sure he was definitely like "yo I don' wanna fight Cerberus" at least once. At the end of the day he did it anyways because he was a hero and he was the only one who could do it. Louisa sees herself in a similar role and as the labours pile up she worries that she will eventually fail and let everyone down.
Actually, Hercules never did fight Cerberus. He didn't have to. He ended up just politely asking Hades to borrow Cerberus instead. I think that actually extends the metaphor - Luisa thinks she has to do all these things by herself, but she doesn't.
I wouldn't call this "complaining". It's more of her having a breakdown because she's expected to always be the strong one, and always take on everyone's burdens, and never say no and never need help. She's expected never to complain or have trouble, so she acts like she doesn't, but inside the stress, insecurity, anxiety, and pressure have built up and she's about ready to break down from it all.
Louisa never complains, she never says no. Meribel has an ability to connect to her family on a level that allows her to peer under the surface to see what's actually going on. Louisa can't just tell her family about the pressure she's feeling because the rest of them are also under pressure. Louisa needs to be strong, Isabella needs to be perfect. When I first saw this song it broke my heart because it felt like she was in an impossible situation and the expectations were binding her. This is why Meribel is there, she can help heal the family internally.
Great reaction, I appreciate how you changed your interpretation as the lyrics went on. The animation is just metaphorical (donkeys being beasts of burden, the Titanic having "Madrigal" i.e. the family name written on the side etc...). The topics that this movie deals with hit deep
The donkeys are a metaphor for Luisa and her place in the family. She’s a beast of burden. They just expect her to be strong and don’t think about how all the things they keep piling on her could be crushing. They don’t validate her place in the family if she can’t handle everything. She has be perfect. It’s a scream for help, exactly.
This opinion at 7:44 kinda highlights a big issue with perceived strength. When you're "the strong one" you're most likely to be overburdened and entirely overlooked for assistance of any kind. Even something as simple as having your issue(s) heard is labeled as complaining and quickly dismissed, because no one asked and it's likely no one will. This character has to crumble before anyone asks what's going on, and literally sing and dance to express what she's feeling when all she needs is someone to share the burden. 😢
Exactly. Him saying she is complaining is exactly why the character is given the song. Mirabel had to ask what was going on because Luisa would not have opened up to begin with. She does what is asked of her without complaint. And it is unfair to say someone is complaining when they finally open up and express how they are feeling, especially after years of just doing what others want, with no thought about their own enjoyment or happiness.
To answer a small question. She is a superman, and the whole town has superman complex. THEY DO NOT LOCK UP THEIR DONKEYS!! Luisa is a queen, and everyone takes advantage of her ability and kindness.
It also comes back to how the family views the 'miracle' of their powers. They believe that since they were given these gifts, that they should use them to make the lives of those in the town better. It's noble, but they forgot to take time to grow as people, and started to only focus on their gifts and let them become their identities. As you said, the town don't lock up their donkeys, a clear sign that the town relies on them too heavily and became lazy about certain things. The towns people took the gifts for granted, putting more pressure on the family and abusing their kindness.
I think the titanic is supposed to represent Luisa. She carries the family and everyone treats her as unsinkable. They see only the tip of her burdens, the iceberg, not realising the extent of the pressure she faces under the surface of the water.
So I did want to add, as someone who watched the movie 3 times now with my four year old, you mentioned that perhaps if she talked to her family they'd help her with the things she struggles with. In the end yes they would but prior to that the family Madrigal has been told their entire lives that their gifts are to be used in the service of others, and their miracles are meant to be shared and used. Luisa very likely couldn't fathom telling her family how hard it is to do what she does for them, and for the village. Even if they did their Abuela would have probably told her that she just needs to let it go, and to be thankful to even have such gifts. But like the comments all say, the movie is very much worth the watch.
My favorite lyric in this powerful song (which Lin-Manuel Miranda clearly stole from my diary 😄), is: *"Give it to your sister and never wonder, if the Same Pressure would have pulled YOU under. Who am I if I don't have what it takes? No Cracks. No Breaks. No Mistakes. no pressure."*
Your analysis of the meaning behind the song is spot on. This coupled with "What Else Can I Do", which is song by her other sister, will pretty much explain the overall plot of the movie.
The elements in the song are more about imagery or an allegory to the tremendous pressure and responsibility she has in her role. Unfortunately none of the Madrigal family are offered a respite from the responsibility of their gifts and they are expected to preform flawlessly at all times so no Luisa could not have just asked for help.
Lol man not everything is literal. Everything that happens in the song isn't actually happening, it is all symbolic. And she isn't meaning to complain, she is trying to explain how she feels to Maribel but also lie and assure her that she can handle all the pressure she is under. She admits that she feels worthless if she can't do the task she is assigned. She asks who she is if she can't be of service and conquer ever obstacle. Then you have lines like about how it is finally starting to get to her because she thinks she is about to reach her limit. She doesn't know how much longer she can go and they're about to reach the straw that breaks the camels back. They're about to finally tip and she'll fail.
The two instances of the Titanic ship in this movie is interesting because the ship at the time was very famously known to be "unsinkable" and we all know what happened next. It had its own pressure to survive its voyage and it didn't. I've watched the video multiple times and just went "yea the titanic sinks" but I think the added history of its reputation before that is important to the context of the song and Louisa's character too.
I thought it was a nice allegory for her character too, esp when she compares her "toughness" to the "crust of the Earth" which is the thinnest of the Earth's layers. Both depictions showcase how she's perceived by others as being nigh invulnerable but she's understands that she's not.
Hercules didn't fight Cerberus. His task was to kidnap him, but he spoke to Hades who let him borrow him as long as the pup wasn't harmed. Still, such a sick line
It's the core issue of the movie: Abuela has, for understandable reasons, been reducing her descendants to the powers they offer their families, and then asking them to shine--to excel--at those powers. Without room for rest, or asking for help. You are your power, and it's what justifies your existence in the family and community. And it's all suppressed. Basically, it's a GREAT story about a dysfunctional family beginning to heal.
I've watch A LOT of reactions to this song, and you are the first I've seen to think the song was about Luisa being able to do anything only to then realize this song is a cry for help. All other people I've seen react to it either think this is an empowering song about being able to do anything or catch from the moment the song says "under the surface" that Luisa is in pain.
Personally, I thought the message was obvious. She feels that her only worth is her strength, and without it she would lose her identity and worth. She feels the pressure being the strong one that everyone expects to solve things and take all their burdens, but it's chipping away at her. Maybe they only listen to the big loud parts of song, lol. It's like the old thing about breaking stone. You don't need brute force, even water dripping on it over a long period of time can break through.
I've seen a lot of them too since this is my favourite song and right away I thought it was a clear cry or help as well, like Luisa isn't in denial, she is stressed and she knows it. I just watched a therapist react/explain this song (mistake on my part) who I found was blaming Luisa without really ever acknowledging the community and family putting so much on her, called her the hero archetype (which as a writer, I hate those archetypes) when she was just wanting to help and do her part (with pressure to be constant) in things and ways that honestly only she can do. When people boil characters down to an archetype without ever acknowledging the character made from it, it feels like it strips them of their humanity (“they're just another warrior type, innocent type,” whatever) and this movie has such real characters that I relate so closely to all six grandkids. Especially the last part, it seems like a clear cry for help. The pain is so real when her head bows during her “whoa-oh-ohs” and I felt it so strongly. I've never seen someone else make that connection before either!
@@almightyshippo1197 “Pressure like a drip, drip, drip” it wasn't sudden, it built over time, yes! It also reminds me of “boiling a frog”. If you put a frog in hot water, they'll jump out immediately but if they're in water as the temperature rises they won't ever notice, till it's too late. Finally, that's a form of torture; Chinese Water Torture. They would drop water over long periods of time on people's foreheads! Just three drops from a tap and I'm extremely annoyed, so that sounds like a nightmare.
The titanic was advertised as "unsinkable" it's surface was supposedly so tough its skin so thick, that nothing could hurt it. The titanic is in the song because Luisa is perceived the same way. People trust in her strength, in her capabilities and never think, "hey, maybe we're putting too much on her" instead they just keep adding expectations, requests, obligations and depend on her to make their lives easier with no real regard to what that's doing to her. She feels like if she were to say no that bad things would happen or things wouldn't get done because she is the ONLY ONE who can do it. This whole song is about toxic dependency, anxiety and finally breaking under all the pressure she's put under.
its about having too much expectation put on your shoulders and how that can break anyone, even if you happen to be super strong. everyone has a breaking point. it also deals with not wanting to let others down if you happen to break under the pressure that others put on you.
The gist is a family has a magic enchantment that gives them superpowers. The younger girl didn't get a power and something's gonna break the enchantment and ruin all their superpowers. The older sister is literally the Older Sister. She's super strong and everyone expects her to be able to bear any burden. The movie's message is basically "Don't hold your kids/grandkids up to impossible standards and value them for who they are." The Donkeys are there because she's carrying them from one farm to the other when the little sister comes and starts the song.
All the songs in this movie are great, I would especially recommend “We Don’t Talk About Bruno” if you haven’t gotten to that one yet. You remember from ‘The Family Madrigal” how all the family have powers- except for Mirabel. Luisa’s power is exceptional physical strength, so she is routinely expected to do a lot of (literal) heavy lifting, but here it is also a metaphor for the weight of mental / emotional burdens as well
yes, her ability is strength, so her family always expect her to carry all the weight of the family and be strong enough. Never allowed to show weakness
This song hit hard as I'm the one in the middle of all my family drama that ends up playing mediator and peacekeeper. It becomes A LOT with everyone coming at you at once, but you never want to ignore them because they are family. Even when my mom passed away everyone turned to me to talk to, but I couldn't talk to anyone else because I'm "the strong one" as my sister put it. The only difference is instead of being the oldest sibling, I am the youngest of six.
Yeah, it's a stereotype that it's the eldest, and frequently it is the eldest because expectations of the eldest child tend to be much higher, but it can fit anyone that ends up being that "strong one" role in the family.
There's a lot I want to say type that would explain a lot of her song, but since you haven't watched the movie, I don't want to spoil it. I strongly suggest you watch the movie - it's really good. The line, "I'm pretty sure I'm worthless if I can't be of service" is important. All the Madrigal kids have been raised to use their gifts in service to the family and the community. They are defined by their gifts. Luisa is the strong one - she's carrying donkeys, breaking rocks, moving churches, etc. Some of the "Give it to your sister..." lines are probably things she's heard since she got her gift.
The titanic keeps showing up for the metaphor. The ship was said to be unsinkable but was sank by that iceberg. She's practically indestructible as per the song yet the pressure that is building up under the surface threatens to break her. So in the metaphor she is the titanic about to meet the iceberg.
You HAVE to see the movie to get the full context....makes everything so much more meaningful.....also Lin Manuel Miranda (of Hamilton) is an EPIC talent.
What I enjoyed was that when she started she had a really deep voice but after she really got into the song she started using what I assume is her "real" voice. People will sometimes deepen their voice to project a strong character and hide who they really are. I.e Elizabeth Holmes.
“Give it to your sister and never wonder if the same pressure would’ve pulled you under” - favourite line in the song. Since she has super strength she’s expected to be able to carry it all. With no one in the family (except maybe admirable) at the time thinking if they’d have been able to do what she does. If the same pressure would have pulled them under.
I really wish they would have shown the next 5 seconds, of Mirabel wrapping her arms around her sister and saying "I think you are carrying way too much." That is probably the first time in her life that Luisa has ever heard someone say that.
Never seen anyone ever say that the message of surface pressure is to "just push through the hard work" lol as if Luisa's entire thing isn't that she's pushing through it and that's what's hurting her
Donkeys are a metaphor. They’re a domesticated working animal known for carrying heavy loads and other people. She feels like even if she gets that unicorn (relaxation) she’s still just a beast of burden toiling and pretending to be something she’s not. The whole song is full of metaphors. The “Titanic” has the family last name “Madrigals” on it.
You're asking what is the titanic is doing here but if you look carefully you can see "MADRIGAL" written on the side of the boat. It's not the titanic, it's the family that is going to crash into an "iceberg" of problem that she think she must be the one to break by herself. Damnit I love this song!
This isn't complaining, this is honesty. And it's worrisome that you read an honest expression of someone reaching the very end of your rope as someone complaining. That perspective can make people in your life that are under the same kind of pressure feel like you aren't someone that's safe to go to for help. Even if you're not being judgmental, it's still judgmental language, and that can still cause harm. 💙💙
My girls (5 and 2) are obsessed with this movie right now I watch it like 3-6 times a day on my days off. She is like the Mexican version of Hercules except given powers through magic. Edit: Colombian not Mexican
This is my favorite Disney/Pixar song since Un Poco Loco. That line where she goes "give it to your sister is doesn't hurt and/ see if she can take every family burden" is great
Did you notice the ship had the name Madrigal on it? Everything in this song has more than just a singular meaning/symbolic reference, and that's what I love so much about it.
The donkeys are used as a visual metaphor for how she feels “what purpose does a donkey have other than hauling stuff? And if it can’t do that is it useless?”
Donkeys are usually meant to carry heavy loads, large cargo which would be difficult for groups of people to carry were as a single donkey could do the work of 10 people, which Luisa(the one singing) is comparing herself to the donkeys carrying the burden of others. The titanic at the time when it was built was said to be unsinkable since it was made of the strongest known steel at the time, Luisa is seen as unbreakable no matter what she task she is given, she would not break. When she question if heracles ever said "no" she may have meant if heracles ever wanted to run away when he was on his quest(as cerberus is the guardian of the underworld to make sure the dead stay dead). she even sees herself as useless if she cannot handle whatever task she is given, she never complains about the work she is given not even to family.
He is like “I bet if she talked to her family, they’d help her”. XD. Oh, he has no idea how wrong he is. Can’t wait to see him react to the actual movie.
The ship is basically a metaphor for the family. On the surface the family and their gift is practically untouchable, but the truth is that it too can even sink and fail. Nothing is impossible or for certain undestructable. That is why the ship is named "Madrigal".
You need to watch the movie she isn’t complaining her family just see her as strong just because she’s physically strong doesn’t make her mentally strong
I can see that lots of people have already pointed it out but, the donkeys are pack animals. they serve as a metaphor for how she feels she is/is treated by everyone who relies on her.
Ok, just for reference, a lot of the visuals are meant to be symbolic and not taken too literally. Also, funny how flying through the sky isn't commented on in the slightest, but 2 donkey unicorns breaks all the immersion.
I feel that the Titanic imagery is more metaphorical. Louisa is basically the Titanic because, as the captains bragged that “not even God himself can sink the ship”, so to do Louisa’s parents brag that Lousia can handle “everything”.
Unicorn just means one horn. Though, even if we go with the common/pop mythology, they're mostly horselike, so I think you can get away with donkeys. Arguably, I'd say you could get away with llamas, alpacas, and camels, too, as long as it translates to "horselike" to the audience and isn't something that normally has horns.
Idk, I think a goat unicorn would be pretty cute. I also thought it kind of translates into how taking a break is literally a fantasy for Luisa, as unlikely as flying through pink clouds on a donkey-corn.
The titanic was supposed to be an unsinkable ship which represents Luisa. The Iceberg is the pressure/fear/anxiety/etc that she has, it doesn't look massive on the surface but under, it runs deep. People on the ship represents her family and people in their town that depends on her.
1:39 that is the complete wrong take on it 😂 She's singing about just because people are strong and reliable, doesn't mean that they can handle the pressure that is placed upon them by others, who just expect them to be super reliable because they're used to it. Hercules being a prime example, he is seen as an icon of strength and invincibility, but imagine how much pressure and stress he would be under to maintain other peoples expectations of him. Constantly feeling like he can never live up to or meet peoples expectations because they are so high.
I read somewhere online that because she's older than maribel, she's more aware of the real danger that Abuela faced before the family found the miracle. She's maybe nineteen and feels 100% responsible for the safety of their family if they end up attacked again given the nature of her gift. Notice how protective she is of her sister.
I think that the Hercules verse is more of like, you really never care for your heroes well being, you just expect them to do the job whether they're up for it or not. That's what people think heroes do. They don't get to do what they want, they just have to suck it up and do what's expected of them. Because that's the only way that they feel valuable or worthy of love
I've heard a lot of reactions to this song. Most artists who listen will cry. Will relate. You are the First and only artist I've heard genuinely care and worry about not only her but us as the viewers. The only person who gave genuine advice. You don't know me but I appreciate you.
Unicorn literally means “one horn,” so anything with a single horn is technically a unicorn. Shoutout to all the band members who now know how special they are. 😎📯
That feeling when he says that she just should talk to family about being under pressure, but the whole movie is about the whole family being pushed in frames of impossible expectations and im just.... It hit me into feels even now
The Titanic imagery, if you pay close enough attention, the name of the boat is Madrigal because it symbolizes that she would do or break anything that could potentially harm her family. Because she is super strong, it's her job as the strong one to protect her family. There's a line where she's says, "Can I somehow preserve this?" then Luisa proceeds to fix Mirabel's crooked glasses as a symbol to show that she's the older sister and its her job to do whatever she can to protect her sister. Especially in the case of Mirabel. Mirabel is the baby. Luisa is the middle child and also feels like she can't be of service if she isn't helping out her village. That speaks on so many levels. This entire song is just so relatable. Idk maybe it's because I'm the middle child. I have an older sister and younger sisters, so maybe that's why I am so emotional about this song. 😭
It seems that people keep missing the complexity of this song. Taking on every stressor is her identity. She needs that role to feel valid as a person but she also feels trapped by it. So there’s internal anger, external anger, insecurity, masking, shame, sadness, fear of being trapped, and probably some others.
YES!!!! That's it exactly.
Certainly how I feel. Sometimes, I think Lin-Manuel Miranda stole my diary and used it to write this song and Isabela's song *What Else Can I Do?*
I love that you exist! Thank you!!
Thanks guys. It helps that I’m a therapist and also my wife is this exact character lol
Sending love and strength to your wife!!
Thank you! 👏 This is what I came to the comments to say.
Just my opinion (could be wrong):
The donkeys are there as an allegory for how Luisa's family (and really the whole town in general) often treat her as a beast of burden, like a donkey to move/carry heavy loads for others
The bit with the unicorn donkeys is meant to show how fantastical/unreal the idea of being able to relax and not have this constant weight on her shoulders seems to her
Yeah, the donkeys are a metaphor of Luisa'. Also, the Titanic was supposed to be an indestructible ship that could handle anything, like the image set for Luisa. But in the end it wasn"t.
@@01cortomaltese more precisely, the ship has the name "Madrigal" on the side of it representing the entire family and how Luisa feels it's her responsibility to break through the obstacles with her physical and emotional strength.
It also she’s that despite her being very masculine she still has and likes feminine things. Why can’t a donkey be a unicorn? Because it’s not as pretty as a horse? No it can be one just as well as a horse can
@@marioluigi911 You are right!. I love how she is bulkier but instead of moving rough, her moves are fluid and gracefull. Even at the start when she power moves the rocks with her hips are something like: I am strong but also a cute woman.
that's... actually a really good point
The Titanic imagery is a lot like Luisa's character. Essentially a perfect allegory. The Titanic was supposed to be the unsinkable ship, and look what happened. Luisa's Gift granted her immense physical prowess in way of strength and durability, but not emotionally. And the pressure and generational trauma present in the movie is what causes her to have the same sinking feeling of the Titanic after it hit the iceberg.
And plus, it isn't the Titanic, but the Madrigal. She's pinching the obstruction to her family they seemingly don't see coming.
@@DevinGates true but the imagery and the metaphor relates to the Titanic
@@gracied86 oh no doubt. Even the donkey band going down with the ship. Just a funny Easter egg for the observant :)
@@DevinGates "The ship doesn't swerve, as it heard how big the iceberg is". The family doesn't even blink, even in the face of certain death, because they just expect Luisa to handle it.
@@lincalmighty um, yes?
She's not complaining, she's letting herself be vulnerable by talking (singing) about her anxieties about not living up to what her family and community expects her to be. "I'm pretty sure I'm worthless if I can't be of service" AKA "If I fail at anything I'm asked to do then I don't deserve love." She isn't upset at her family and community, she's upset at her own perceived shortcomings. She's on the verge of a serious mental breakdown as she's so overwhelmed.
And the imagery is a whole lot of symbolism. Even the Hercules bit. She's saying she identifies with him. He always stepped up to fight and do what needed to be done, but she's wondering if there were times where he felt like he just needed a break, like she sometimes feels, despite how she never takes one.
Hey maybe Hercules could have done with singing this song
There's a deeper part to that lyric too. Hercules DID essentially say 'yo, I don't want to fight Cerberus'. So he doesn't, he politely asks Hades if he can borrow Cerberus instead. I took that to mean that Luisa is putting more pressure on herself than she actually needs to. Sometimes, you don't have to fight, you just have to ask for help.
Lol, but his line talking about this being the best complaint he's ever heard had me wheezing 🤣
And it is a complaint, that’s the vulnerability. She’s the strong one, she doesn’t complain. To complain to Mirabel, if in an indirect way (the entire song constantly implies but never directly states that she can’t handle the pressure), she is showing weakness, being vulnerable.
This. The symbolism with Atlas that we see more than once is also showing that she has the weight of the world on her shoulders. Basically she feels like it's her job to always do whatever is demanded because she can, no matter if she wants to or if she needs rest. Luisa needs to be seen and appreciated for who she is and not just for what she can do. This movie is just lovely. And so is Luisa.
Ngl, no matter how many times I hear this song, I choke up at the family burden part. No one understands that pressure until they're in it. Crazy
“See if she can hang on a little longer” kills me every time 😢 and by the time family burden comes around 😵
The song is more about how when people look up to you, you have a lot of responsibility, or you’re supposed to be the strong one, you have to keep a poker face and do it even if you’re tearing at the seams. More because of the pressure when people depend on you like a mother or a surgeon, less like growing from tough experiences like a mythical hero
I really recommend the movie. Its success in its storytelling, for me, is while it has a very fantastical setting and overall storyline, the conflicts and issues that are at its core are very grounded and relatable, especially if you come from an immigrant family. Some have pointed to it as an unintentional allegory about disabilities as well.
For those who didn’t notice a lot of the references with her holding everything on her shoulders is referring to Atlas the man who holds the world on his shoulders in Greek mythology. That being said absolutely love the movie!!!
Not to be that guy but Atlas holds the sky which in Greek Mythology is said to be infinite
Like an infinite burden of her shoulders
“That’s a lot of pressure.” Ahh now he gets it.
A bit of a delay! LOLOL
And thats just the "surface"...
I still don't think he really got it.
This song is about the pressure of being made to feel like you aren't loved and have no worth if you aren't useful to your loved ones.
Trust me, I grew up with it.
No, Louisa knows she's loved. She's just not certain she'd be worthy of that love if she were to let them down.
"You're still yourself. It's definitely okay to ask for some type of assistance." That, in a nutshell, is Luisa's arc. Encanto is about a loving, but dysfunctional, family and the toll it's taking, particularly, on a trio of sisters. In a lot of ways it's a surprising departure from what I would expect from a Disney film, I highly recommend it.
Watch the movie my dude. But the musicality of We Don't Talk About Bruno is amazing. All thanks to the genius of Lin Manuel Miranda and the talent of all the performers.
100%
@@dissolvedecho 1000000000%
I'd like for him to react to all songs.
And watch the movie, though he don't need to react it.
Titanic...actually the ship has the family name "Madrigal" on its bow. Assuming a metaphor that she will protect the family regardless of their direction or lack of steering. All the donkeys are used throughout the number because they were present as she sings/confesses to her sister, and they add some comic relief as well.
If you would also possibly dig a layer down, you could look at it as her being the "Titanic." Unsinkable but the stress could be the one thing that could sink her.
"The ship doesn't swerve, has it heard how big the iceberg is" I think this specifically is her saying the family will keep walking straight into danger even if they are aware of it and just assume Luisa will take care of it. It's not just her who puts all that responsibility on her shoulders, the family does as well.
I've heard others speculate that the donkeys were included in the scene because of what they're associated with. Typically, donkeys are used as manual labor animals. Whether it be plowing a field or carrying heavy packs, donkeys are used for their strength, much like how Luisa is being used for her strength. The artists could've had her carrying lumber or bricks, but they chose to go with donkeys (which take a lot more effort to create and animate than the other two- speaking from experience here). I'm pretty sure the decision to use donkeys so heavily in this song was intentional.
The two lines around the beginning wrap it up nicely-- "I glow because I know what my worth is." Followed shortly after by "Under the surface, I'm pretty sure I'm worthless if I can't be of service." She feels that her worth is 100% in her strength. And when she starts to lose that, she becomes a nervous wreck--it is her identity and she can't see that she is more than that.
As for the Titanic, it was said to be unsinkable, but then.. well.. I think she relates.
There are so many donkeys because, in the scene just before this, Luisa was collecting donkeys that had escaped their home and had just returned them to their rightful spot. It's also an allegory for the fact that Luisa feels just like a donkey, a pack mule, like that's all her family and her town see her as because of her strength.
As for the Titanic, I think it's mainly for the allegory of her feeling like an iceberg - there's only so much you see above the surface, she has so much more hidden underneath, just like the iceberg. We also saw her protect the ship - dubbed RMS Madrigal instead of RMS Titanic, as a nod to her family - because she feels she is the protector and that falls on her shoulders. She potentially also feels like SHE is the Titanic, headed on a course that inevitably ends with her crashing and being pulled under.
Donkeys or mules are also known for carrying a lot of weight on their backs or shoulders. Being able to handle that pressure.
It’s a metaphor dude. The titanic was the Unsinkable ship and an ice burg took it down. It represents her fears that she can’t handle everything and be as unsinkable as her family expects her to be and her fear she will be the reason they lose the gift. A fear they all have instilled by their over grasping grandmother and her own fear.
Ya, you had it at the end of the song. It's more of a cry for help rather than a complaint. Honestly, the song is much better in the context of the movie because there are less distractions from questioning many of the things that get explained beforehand by the movie.
Keep in mind too, these songs are major story devices in the show too, not just songs. This one, while being a cry for help from Mirabel's sister, it's also an anthem as well for, well I don't want to spoil things, so I leave it there. Suffice to say, it had many more meanings. Like the titanic is a symbol, not really a ship.
This guy really taking the visuals so literal, it’s a Disney movie my guy…
Fr, I'm sure it's to look more appealing for children while older people understand the message. Lmao this was a terrible reaction.
I think you missed the point with Hercules. I am pretty sure he was definitely like "yo I don' wanna fight Cerberus" at least once. At the end of the day he did it anyways because he was a hero and he was the only one who could do it. Louisa sees herself in a similar role and as the labours pile up she worries that she will eventually fail and let everyone down.
Actually, Hercules never did fight Cerberus. He didn't have to. He ended up just politely asking Hades to borrow Cerberus instead. I think that actually extends the metaphor - Luisa thinks she has to do all these things by herself, but she doesn't.
Some of the These symbolisms he missed
@@haven311 also it was Heracles not Hercules
I wouldn't call this "complaining". It's more of her having a breakdown because she's expected to always be the strong one, and always take on everyone's burdens, and never say no and never need help. She's expected never to complain or have trouble, so she acts like she doesn't, but inside the stress, insecurity, anxiety, and pressure have built up and she's about ready to break down from it all.
Louisa never complains, she never says no.
Meribel has an ability to connect to her family on a level that allows her to peer under the surface to see what's actually going on.
Louisa can't just tell her family about the pressure she's feeling because the rest of them are also under pressure. Louisa needs to be strong, Isabella needs to be perfect. When I first saw this song it broke my heart because it felt like she was in an impossible situation and the expectations were binding her. This is why Meribel is there, she can help heal the family internally.
Great reaction, I appreciate how you changed your interpretation as the lyrics went on. The animation is just metaphorical (donkeys being beasts of burden, the Titanic having "Madrigal" i.e. the family name written on the side etc...). The topics that this movie deals with hit deep
I’ve watched this about ten times and I never caught the donkey metaphor, thanks for calling that out
"Was Hercules ever like 'Yo, I don't wanna fight Cerebus?'"
Yes...
Apparently... according to mythology...
He said EXACTLY that...
The donkeys are a metaphor for Luisa and her place in the family. She’s a beast of burden. They just expect her to be strong and don’t think about how all the things they keep piling on her could be crushing. They don’t validate her place in the family if she can’t handle everything. She has be perfect. It’s a scream for help, exactly.
This opinion at 7:44 kinda highlights a big issue with perceived strength. When you're "the strong one" you're most likely to be overburdened and entirely overlooked for assistance of any kind. Even something as simple as having your issue(s) heard is labeled as complaining and quickly dismissed, because no one asked and it's likely no one will.
This character has to crumble before anyone asks what's going on, and literally sing and dance to express what she's feeling when all she needs is someone to share the burden. 😢
Exactly. Him saying she is complaining is exactly why the character is given the song. Mirabel had to ask what was going on because Luisa would not have opened up to begin with. She does what is asked of her without complaint. And it is unfair to say someone is complaining when they finally open up and express how they are feeling, especially after years of just doing what others want, with no thought about their own enjoyment or happiness.
To answer a small question. She is a superman, and the whole town has superman complex. THEY DO NOT LOCK UP THEIR DONKEYS!!
Luisa is a queen, and everyone takes advantage of her ability and kindness.
It also comes back to how the family views the 'miracle' of their powers. They believe that since they were given these gifts, that they should use them to make the lives of those in the town better. It's noble, but they forgot to take time to grow as people, and started to only focus on their gifts and let them become their identities.
As you said, the town don't lock up their donkeys, a clear sign that the town relies on them too heavily and became lazy about certain things. The towns people took the gifts for granted, putting more pressure on the family and abusing their kindness.
I agree with everyone here when I say, PLEASE, watch the movie. The story is great, and the soundtrack is astounding.
I think the titanic is supposed to represent Luisa. She carries the family and everyone treats her as unsinkable. They see only the tip of her burdens, the iceberg, not realising the extent of the pressure she faces under the surface of the water.
So I did want to add, as someone who watched the movie 3 times now with my four year old, you mentioned that perhaps if she talked to her family they'd help her with the things she struggles with. In the end yes they would but prior to that the family Madrigal has been told their entire lives that their gifts are to be used in the service of others, and their miracles are meant to be shared and used. Luisa very likely couldn't fathom telling her family how hard it is to do what she does for them, and for the village. Even if they did their Abuela would have probably told her that she just needs to let it go, and to be thankful to even have such gifts. But like the comments all say, the movie is very much worth the watch.
Luisa's not complaining. Her sister, Mirabel, asked her what was wrong and Luisa opened up to her.
My favorite lyric in this powerful song (which Lin-Manuel Miranda clearly stole from my diary 😄), is:
*"Give it to your sister and never wonder, if the Same Pressure would have pulled YOU under. Who am I if I don't have what it takes? No Cracks. No Breaks. No Mistakes. no pressure."*
Your analysis of the meaning behind the song is spot on. This coupled with "What Else Can I Do", which is song by her other sister, will pretty much explain the overall plot of the movie.
It absolutely was not.
The elements in the song are more about imagery or an allegory to the tremendous pressure and responsibility she has in her role. Unfortunately none of the Madrigal family are offered a respite from the responsibility of their gifts and they are expected to preform flawlessly at all times so no Luisa could not have just asked for help.
Lol man not everything is literal. Everything that happens in the song isn't actually happening, it is all symbolic. And she isn't meaning to complain, she is trying to explain how she feels to Maribel but also lie and assure her that she can handle all the pressure she is under. She admits that she feels worthless if she can't do the task she is assigned. She asks who she is if she can't be of service and conquer ever obstacle. Then you have lines like about how it is finally starting to get to her because she thinks she is about to reach her limit. She doesn't know how much longer she can go and they're about to reach the straw that breaks the camels back. They're about to finally tip and she'll fail.
Actually, Hercules specifically actually did avoid fighting the Cerberus. He asked Hades to loan it to him as a favor.
The two instances of the Titanic ship in this movie is interesting because the ship at the time was very famously known to be "unsinkable" and we all know what happened next. It had its own pressure to survive its voyage and it didn't. I've watched the video multiple times and just went "yea the titanic sinks" but I think the added history of its reputation before that is important to the context of the song and Louisa's character too.
Ah, that's a very interesting observation. The Titanic was unsinkable, yet it sunk. Luisa is unbreakable, but will she break?
I thought it was a nice allegory for her character too, esp when she compares her "toughness" to the "crust of the Earth" which is the thinnest of the Earth's layers. Both depictions showcase how she's perceived by others as being nigh invulnerable but she's understands that she's not.
Hercules didn't fight Cerberus. His task was to kidnap him, but he spoke to Hades who let him borrow him as long as the pup wasn't harmed. Still, such a sick line
Maybe the titanic represents her in that it was thought to be unsinkable but it sunk just how she is sinking under the pressure of expectations
Hits especially hard when you realize it says Madrigal on the side of the ship, so she's literally keeping the family from sinking/going under
It's the core issue of the movie: Abuela has, for understandable reasons, been reducing her descendants to the powers they offer their families, and then asking them to shine--to excel--at those powers. Without room for rest, or asking for help. You are your power, and it's what justifies your existence in the family and community. And it's all suppressed. Basically, it's a GREAT story about a dysfunctional family beginning to heal.
I've watch A LOT of reactions to this song, and you are the first I've seen to think the song was about Luisa being able to do anything only to then realize this song is a cry for help. All other people I've seen react to it either think this is an empowering song about being able to do anything or catch from the moment the song says "under the surface" that Luisa is in pain.
Personally, I thought the message was obvious. She feels that her only worth is her strength, and without it she would lose her identity and worth. She feels the pressure being the strong one that everyone expects to solve things and take all their burdens, but it's chipping away at her. Maybe they only listen to the big loud parts of song, lol.
It's like the old thing about breaking stone. You don't need brute force, even water dripping on it over a long period of time can break through.
I've seen a lot of them too since this is my favourite song and right away I thought it was a clear cry or help as well, like Luisa isn't in denial, she is stressed and she knows it. I just watched a therapist react/explain this song (mistake on my part) who I found was blaming Luisa without really ever acknowledging the community and family putting so much on her, called her the hero archetype (which as a writer, I hate those archetypes) when she was just wanting to help and do her part (with pressure to be constant) in things and ways that honestly only she can do. When people boil characters down to an archetype without ever acknowledging the character made from it, it feels like it strips them of their humanity (“they're just another warrior type, innocent type,” whatever) and this movie has such real characters that I relate so closely to all six grandkids.
Especially the last part, it seems like a clear cry for help. The pain is so real when her head bows during her “whoa-oh-ohs” and I felt it so strongly. I've never seen someone else make that connection before either!
@@almightyshippo1197 “Pressure like a drip, drip, drip” it wasn't sudden, it built over time, yes!
It also reminds me of “boiling a frog”. If you put a frog in hot water, they'll jump out immediately but if they're in water as the temperature rises they won't ever notice, till it's too late.
Finally, that's a form of torture; Chinese Water Torture. They would drop water over long periods of time on people's foreheads! Just three drops from a tap and I'm extremely annoyed, so that sounds like a nightmare.
@@rebelblackstone6066 That therapist sounds like a walking red flag.
@@only1one1me Depending on who you ask, they all do, lol. But yeah, I thought so too and decided to not waste my time on any more of her videos.
The titanic was advertised as "unsinkable" it's surface was supposedly so tough its skin so thick, that nothing could hurt it. The titanic is in the song because Luisa is perceived the same way. People trust in her strength, in her capabilities and never think, "hey, maybe we're putting too much on her" instead they just keep adding expectations, requests, obligations and depend on her to make their lives easier with no real regard to what that's doing to her. She feels like if she were to say no that bad things would happen or things wouldn't get done because she is the ONLY ONE who can do it.
This whole song is about toxic dependency, anxiety and finally breaking under all the pressure she's put under.
its about having too much expectation put on your shoulders and how that can break anyone, even if you happen to be super strong. everyone has a breaking point. it also deals with not wanting to let others down if you happen to break under the pressure that others put on you.
Yep. Feel like a lot of older siblings have claimed this as their anthem.
The gist is a family has a magic enchantment that gives them superpowers. The younger girl didn't get a power and something's gonna break the enchantment and ruin all their superpowers. The older sister is literally the Older Sister. She's super strong and everyone expects her to be able to bear any burden. The movie's message is basically "Don't hold your kids/grandkids up to impossible standards and value them for who they are."
The Donkeys are there because she's carrying them from one farm to the other when the little sister comes and starts the song.
I think the Donkeys were chosen to be there from a narrative perspective because they are the symbol of the beast of burden.
“I’m not asking anymore questions bro”
*seconds later* more questions
All the songs in this movie are great, I would especially recommend “We Don’t Talk About Bruno” if you haven’t gotten to that one yet.
You remember from ‘The Family Madrigal” how all the family have powers- except for Mirabel. Luisa’s power is exceptional physical strength, so she is routinely expected to do a lot of (literal) heavy lifting, but here it is also a metaphor for the weight of mental / emotional burdens as well
Bruno is definitely next on the list! Shh Shh Shh
“Can a unicorn be donkey-based?” Always got the hard-hitting questions on this channel 😂
yes, her ability is strength, so her family always expect her to carry all the weight of the family and be strong enough. Never allowed to show weakness
This song hit hard as I'm the one in the middle of all my family drama that ends up playing mediator and peacekeeper. It becomes A LOT with everyone coming at you at once, but you never want to ignore them because they are family. Even when my mom passed away everyone turned to me to talk to, but I couldn't talk to anyone else because I'm "the strong one" as my sister put it. The only difference is instead of being the oldest sibling, I am the youngest of six.
Yeah, it's a stereotype that it's the eldest, and frequently it is the eldest because expectations of the eldest child tend to be much higher, but it can fit anyone that ends up being that "strong one" role in the family.
I hope you have someone close to you that gives you the support and comfort you give your family. You deserve it.
@@haven311 thank you for the kind words
There's a lot I want to say type that would explain a lot of her song, but since you haven't watched the movie, I don't want to spoil it. I strongly suggest you watch the movie - it's really good.
The line, "I'm pretty sure I'm worthless if I can't be of service" is important. All the Madrigal kids have been raised to use their gifts in service to the family and the community. They are defined by their gifts. Luisa is the strong one - she's carrying donkeys, breaking rocks, moving churches, etc. Some of the "Give it to your sister..." lines are probably things she's heard since she got her gift.
The titanic keeps showing up for the metaphor. The ship was said to be unsinkable but was sank by that iceberg. She's practically indestructible as per the song yet the pressure that is building up under the surface threatens to break her. So in the metaphor she is the titanic about to meet the iceberg.
You HAVE to see the movie to get the full context....makes everything so much more meaningful.....also Lin Manuel Miranda (of Hamilton) is an EPIC talent.
What I enjoyed was that when she started she had a really deep voice but after she really got into the song she started using what I assume is her "real" voice. People will sometimes deepen their voice to project a strong character and hide who they really are. I.e Elizabeth Holmes.
“Give it to your sister and never wonder if the same pressure would’ve pulled you under” - favourite line in the song. Since she has super strength she’s expected to be able to carry it all. With no one in the family (except maybe admirable) at the time thinking if they’d have been able to do what she does. If the same pressure would have pulled them under.
I really wish they would have shown the next 5 seconds, of Mirabel wrapping her arms around her sister and saying "I think you are carrying way too much."
That is probably the first time in her life that Luisa has ever heard someone say that.
The answer to every question he asked: it's a cartoon, they can draw whatever they like, don't need a reason to do so
Never seen anyone ever say that the message of surface pressure is to "just push through the hard work" lol as if Luisa's entire thing isn't that she's pushing through it and that's what's hurting her
Donkeys are a metaphor. They’re a domesticated working animal known for carrying heavy loads and other people. She feels like even if she gets that unicorn (relaxation) she’s still just a beast of burden toiling and pretending to be something she’s not. The whole song is full of metaphors. The “Titanic” has the family last name “Madrigals” on it.
Bro this guy takes everything literally
Luisa’s with “run with the ball” scene is a reference to Atlas holding the world on his shoulders.
You're asking what is the titanic is doing here but if you look carefully you can see "MADRIGAL" written on the side of the boat. It's not the titanic, it's the family that is going to crash into an "iceberg" of problem that she think she must be the one to break by herself. Damnit I love this song!
This isn't complaining, this is honesty. And it's worrisome that you read an honest expression of someone reaching the very end of your rope as someone complaining. That perspective can make people in your life that are under the same kind of pressure feel like you aren't someone that's safe to go to for help.
Even if you're not being judgmental, it's still judgmental language, and that can still cause harm. 💙💙
anybody else just wanna say it a cartoon every time he ask how she did something or talking bout that ANIMATED donkey🔓
My girls (5 and 2) are obsessed with this movie right now I watch it like 3-6 times a day on my days off. She is like the Mexican version of Hercules except given powers through magic.
Edit: Colombian not Mexican
Except she's Colombian.
I highly recommend you watch the movie. Each song makes more sense and you learn each character and the story.
This is my favorite Disney/Pixar song since Un Poco Loco. That line where she goes "give it to your sister is doesn't hurt and/ see if she can take every family burden" is great
I liked this movie and the sound track better than Coco, and Coco was good.
Did you notice the ship had the name Madrigal on it? Everything in this song has more than just a singular meaning/symbolic reference, and that's what I love so much about it.
MrLboyd swerving the family trauma in this song like Keanu in the matrix
The donkeys are used as a visual metaphor for how she feels “what purpose does a donkey have other than hauling stuff? And if it can’t do that is it useless?”
i don't think she's complaining as much as voicing her worries and fears about not being enough
Donkeys are usually meant to carry heavy loads, large cargo which would be difficult for groups of people to carry were as a single donkey could do the work of 10 people, which Luisa(the one singing) is comparing herself to the donkeys carrying the burden of others.
The titanic at the time when it was built was said to be unsinkable since it was made of the strongest known steel at the time, Luisa is seen as unbreakable no matter what she task she is given, she would not break.
When she question if heracles ever said "no" she may have meant if heracles ever wanted to run away when he was on his quest(as cerberus is the guardian of the underworld to make sure the dead stay dead).
she even sees herself as useless if she cannot handle whatever task she is given, she never complains about the work she is given not even to family.
He is like “I bet if she talked to her family, they’d help her”. XD. Oh, he has no idea how wrong he is.
Can’t wait to see him react to the actual movie.
The ship is basically a metaphor for the family. On the surface the family and their gift is practically untouchable, but the truth is that it too can even sink and fail. Nothing is impossible or for certain undestructable. That is why the ship is named "Madrigal".
as others have said, for full context of the story, watch the movie. it puts each song into a new perspective
You need to watch the movie she isn’t complaining her family just see her as strong just because she’s physically strong doesn’t make her mentally strong
I can see that lots of people have already pointed it out but, the donkeys are pack animals. they serve as a metaphor for how she feels she is/is treated by everyone who relies on her.
Ok, just for reference, a lot of the visuals are meant to be symbolic and not taken too literally. Also, funny how flying through the sky isn't commented on in the slightest, but 2 donkey unicorns breaks all the immersion.
I feel that the Titanic imagery is more metaphorical. Louisa is basically the Titanic because, as the captains bragged that “not even God himself can sink the ship”, so to do Louisa’s parents brag that Lousia can handle “everything”.
I wish the lyrics were appreciated more. It's so deep and emotional and relatable.
Unicorn just means one horn. Though, even if we go with the common/pop mythology, they're mostly horselike, so I think you can get away with donkeys.
Arguably, I'd say you could get away with llamas, alpacas, and camels, too, as long as it translates to "horselike" to the audience and isn't something that normally has horns.
Idk, I think a goat unicorn would be pretty cute. I also thought it kind of translates into how taking a break is literally a fantasy for Luisa, as unlikely as flying through pink clouds on a donkey-corn.
No shame, I cried when I saw this for the first time. A feeling of such heavy responsibility someone us have always had was put into words.
Actually he didn't want to fight cerberus... He asked for help to fight him from hades himself... Something Louisa doesn't ever do.
The titanic was supposed to be an unsinkable ship which represents Luisa. The Iceberg is the pressure/fear/anxiety/etc that she has, it doesn't look massive on the surface but under, it runs deep. People on the ship represents her family and people in their town that depends on her.
1:39 that is the complete wrong take on it 😂 She's singing about just because people are strong and reliable, doesn't mean that they can handle the pressure that is placed upon them by others, who just expect them to be super reliable because they're used to it. Hercules being a prime example, he is seen as an icon of strength and invincibility, but imagine how much pressure and stress he would be under to maintain other peoples expectations of him. Constantly feeling like he can never live up to or meet peoples expectations because they are so high.
The Titanic references are a pretty clever analogy for the whole movie.
Encanto should win Oscar and Grammy for best animated movie and best movie soundtrack
I love when he's confused by the non-digetic parts of scenes in animated musicals lol
He’s so relaxing to listen to 🤩
She feels like she has to protect everyone no matter what comes this way.
Heracles didn’t fight Cerberus, Hades just let him borrow Cerberus. I don’t know how much that changes the line in the song but I thought it was cool
bestie the visuals are just visuals
You aren't kidding when you say this is a hit song. It's currently #10 on the Hot 100, and basically the whole soundtrack is on there somewhere.
Nah dog, it was the pressure her Abuela was putting on her and the rest of the fam, especially since she's the strongest in the town
I read somewhere online that because she's older than maribel, she's more aware of the real danger that Abuela faced before the family found the miracle. She's maybe nineteen and feels 100% responsible for the safety of their family if they end up attacked again given the nature of her gift. Notice how protective she is of her sister.
I think that the Hercules verse is more of like, you really never care for your heroes well being, you just expect them to do the job whether they're up for it or not. That's what people think heroes do. They don't get to do what they want, they just have to suck it up and do what's expected of them. Because that's the only way that they feel valuable or worthy of love
These songs are taking over the charts in the uk. The bruno song is right up there at the top. Good reaction.
I've heard a lot of reactions to this song. Most artists who listen will cry. Will relate. You are the First and only artist I've heard genuinely care and worry about not only her but us as the viewers. The only person who gave genuine advice. You don't know me but I appreciate you.
Unicorn literally means “one horn,” so anything with a single horn is technically a unicorn. Shoutout to all the band members who now know how special they are. 😎📯
That feeling when he says that she just should talk to family about being under pressure, but the whole movie is about the whole family being pushed in frames of impossible expectations and im just.... It hit me into feels even now
"Was Hercules ever like "Yo, I don't wanna fight Cerberus"?"
"...No. No. He never did that."
Comedic genius.
The Titanic imagery, if you pay close enough attention, the name of the boat is Madrigal because it symbolizes that she would do or break anything that could potentially harm her family. Because she is super strong, it's her job as the strong one to protect her family. There's a line where she's says, "Can I somehow preserve this?" then Luisa proceeds to fix Mirabel's crooked glasses as a symbol to show that she's the older sister and its her job to do whatever she can to protect her sister. Especially in the case of Mirabel. Mirabel is the baby. Luisa is the middle child and also feels like she can't be of service if she isn't helping out her village. That speaks on so many levels. This entire song is just so relatable. Idk maybe it's because I'm the middle child. I have an older sister and younger sisters, so maybe that's why I am so emotional about this song. 😭