Step aside, Disney Renaissance, there’s a different kind of animated royalty taking over our “For You” pages. If you’ve found yourself misty-eyed listening to a sweeping orchestral ballad from a non-Disney 90s animated film on TikTok recently, you’re not alone. The music from Don Bluth’s Thumbelina and Richard Rich’s The Swan Princess, both released in 1994, is experiencing a remarkable resurgence, enchanting a new generation and reminding millennials of a cherished cinematic past. But why do these particular soundtracks continue to resonate so deeply after all these years?
The answer lies in a potent combination of heartfelt nostalgia, masterful songwriting, and the unique emotional landscape these films inhabit.
For many who grew up in the 90s, these movies were staples of their video collections. They offered a different flavor of animated magic, often tinged with a touch of melancholy and a darker, more emotionally resonant tone than their Disney counterparts. This is especially true of Don Bluth’s signature style, which didn’t shy away from peril and heartache, making the moments of triumph and love feel all the more earned.
At the heart of this enduring appeal are the soaring love songs that anchor both films. Barry Manilow, the legendary songwriter behind the music of Thumbelina, gave us not just one, but two unforgettable ballads. Before the grand romantic gesture of “Let Me Be Your Wings,” there is the quiet, hopeful yearning of “Soon.” Sung by the incredible Jodi Benson (who also voiced Ariel in The Little Mermaid), “Soon” is a masterpiece of gentle optimism. Set to a simple, yet beautiful melody, the song perfectly encapsulates Thumbelina’s innocent dream of finding someone who will love and understand her. Its lyrics, “I know there’s someone, somewhere… I’ll find my rainbow soon,” are a universal expression of hope that resonates just as strongly today, explaining its quiet but steady presence in nostalgic online spaces.
Then there is the epic duet, “Let Me Be Your Wings.” The song, a moderately slow ballad primarily in the key of F Major, is a masterclass in musical romance. Its gentle, inviting melody and heartfelt lyrics create an intimate and unforgettable expression of love and devotion. On TikTok, you’ll find countless creators performing heartfelt covers, using the audio for wedding videos, and simply basking in the pure, unadulterated romance of the song.
Similarly, “Far Longer Than Forever” from The Swan Princess, with music by Lex de Azevedo and lyrics by David Zippel, captures a powerful sense of longing and enduring love. The melody, which some have noted shares a similar soaring quality with a certain Beauty and the Beast ballroom anthem, is undeniably epic. It’s a song built on a grand, orchestral scale, perfectly mirroring the high stakes of Princess Odette and Prince Derek’s cursed romance. The TikTok trend reflects this, with users often using the song to express their own epic love stories or to simply revel in the unabashedly romantic and dramatic nature of 90s animation.
Beyond the ballads, the full scores of both films contribute to their lasting impact. They are filled with a lush, orchestral sound that was characteristic of the era’s animated features. This was a time when animated films, regardless of the studio, were often treated with the same musical seriousness as a live-action blockbuster. The result is music that feels rich, complex, and emotionally layered, capable of transporting listeners back to the first time they witnessed these stories unfold.
This resurgence on a platform like TikTok is a testament to the timeless quality of this music. In an age of fleeting trends and algorithm-driven content, the enduring appeal of these songs speaks to a collective yearning for the sincere, unapologetically romantic, and emotionally resonant storytelling that defined a generation of animated classics. So next time “Soon,” “Let Me Be Your Wings,” or “Far Longer Than Forever” graces your social media feed, take a moment to listen. You’re not just hearing a song from an old movie; you’re experiencing a piece of cinematic history that continues to find new wings and fly.
