The Meaning Behind The Song: If I Never Knew You [from Disney's Pocahontas] by Shanice - Beat Crave (2024)

The Meaning Behind The Song: If I Never Knew You [from Disney’s Pocahontas] by Shanice

In the 1995 animated musical, Pocahontas, the love ballad “If I Never Knew You” was cut from the film’s original theatrical release. However, it was later added in the 2005 special edition release and has since become a favorite among fans of the movie.

The song is a duet sung by the characters Pocahontas and John Smith, with the version on the soundtrack performed by Shanice and Jon Secada. The lyrics portray the deep love between the two, with lines like “If I never held you, I would never have a clue how at last I’d find in you the missing part of me.”

But for those who are unfamiliar with the song, what is the meaning behind it?

Let’s delve into some key themes:

The Overcoming of Cultural Differences

One of the main themes of Pocahontas is the struggle between the English settlers and the Native Americans. While the two groups face many conflicts and misunderstandings, the relationship between Pocahontas and John Smith shows that love can overcome even the most divisive cultural differences.

In “If I Never Knew You,” the two express a desire to understand each other completely. The lyrics “If I never knew this love, my heart would have been empty. Oh, I’m grateful for the love we have and for the strength to say, ‘If I never knew you, I’d have lived my whole life through empty as the sky, never knowing why lost forever’” demonstrate their willingness to bridge the gap between their different backgrounds.

The Power of Love

At its core, “If I Never Knew You” is a love song. The lyrics speak to the overwhelming emotion of being in love and the profound changes it can bring about in a person’s life.

Through the words “If I never knew you, I’d be safe but half as real, Never knowing I could feel, a love so strong and true,” Pocahontas and John Smith express that their love is so powerful that it has fundamentally changed who they are as individuals.

The Pain of Loss

Despite their love and devotion to each other, Pocahontas and John Smith are ultimately separated due to the conflict between their peoples. This theme of loss and heartbreak is reflected in the lyrics of “If I Never Knew You.”

When Shanice sings, “I never thought I’d know a love like the one you’ve shown me,” she is expressing her deep sadness at the thought of losing that love. The lyrics “If I never held you, I would never have a clue how at last I’d find in you the missing part of me” demonstrates the extent to which the two characters have become a part of each other’s lives.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Who originally sang “If I Never Knew You” in Pocahontas?

The original version of the song was performed by Judy Kuhn and Mel Gibson in the film. However, the version on the soundtrack was performed by Shanice and Jon Secada.

2. What made Disney cut the song from the original theatrical release of Pocahontas?

The song was cut due to negative feedback from test audiences, who reportedly found it “too slow” and felt it disrupted the movie’s pacing.

3. What inspired the lyrics of “If I Never Knew You”?

The song was written by composer Alan Menken and lyricist Stephen Schwartz. According to Schwartz, the song was inspired by the idea of two people who are in love but are from different worlds.

4. Was “If I Never Knew You” nominated for any awards?

Yes, the song was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Original Song at the 68th Academy Awards in 1996.

5. Did Shanice write “If I Never Knew You” for Pocahontas?

No, Shanice did not write the song. She was chosen to perform on the soundtrack for the special edition release of the movie.

6. What other songs did Shanice sing for Disney?

Shanice also performed the hit song “Colors of the Wind” from Pocahontas, which won the Academy Award for Best Original Song in 1996.

7. Is “If I Never Knew You” included in the stage adaptation of Pocahontas?

Yes, the song is included in the stage adaptation of the musical.

8. What is the meaning behind the title of the song?

The title refers to the idea that Pocahontas and John Smith’s love has completely transformed their lives. Without each other, they would be fundamentally different people.

9. Why was “If I Never Knew You” added back into the special edition release of Pocahontas?

The decision to add the song back into the movie was due to the overwhelming positive response from fans of the film.

10. Are there any covers of “If I Never Knew You”?

Yes, many artists have covered the song, including Celine Dion and The Backstreet Boys.

11. What other movies has Shanice contributed music to?

Shanice has also recorded music for the movies “The Meteor Man,” “Beverly Hills Cop III,” and “The Adventures of Pinocchio,” among others.

12. Has “If I Never Knew You” ever been performed live by the original artists?

Yes, Shanice and Jon Secada performed the song live at the Academy Awards ceremony in 1996.

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