An Anthem That Crossed the Horizon
You know the one. It starts with a quiet, yearning question and builds into a soaring chorus that became a global phenomenon. “How Far I’ll Go,” the centerpiece of 2016’s “Moana,” wasn’t just a song; it was a mission statement for anyone who’s ever felt
the pull of a world beyond their own reef. Penned by the prodigious Lin-Manuel Miranda, it perfectly captured Moana’s inner conflict and unbreakable spirit. The track snagged an Oscar nomination and lodged itself in the cultural consciousness, becoming a karaoke staple and a source of empowerment. It set an incredibly high bar for Disney animation, blending authentic Pacific musical textures, courtesy of composer Mark Mancina and Samoan musician Opetaia Foa’i, with Miranda’s signature Broadway-pop sensibility.
A New Call 'Beyond' the Reef
So, what is the lyric everyone will be ready to sing again? In “Moana 2,” the spiritual successor to that anthem has already been revealed: “Beyond.” The song sees an older, more seasoned Moana, now 19, wrestling with a new kind of challenge. Where the first film was about self-discovery, the sequel’s plot revolves around a larger quest to reconnect the scattered peoples of Oceania after receiving a call from her ancestors. The lyrics to “Beyond” reflect this shift from an internal journey to a communal responsibility. “Winds have changed, tides turn me far away from shore,” she sings, acknowledging a duty that is “bigger than before.” It’s a more mature, perhaps more somber, reflection of her leadership role, capturing the weight of her new mission.
A Surprising New Musical Crew
While the spirit of the music feels familiar, there’s a significant change behind the curtain. Lin-Manuel Miranda, whose work was so integral to the first film's success, did not return for the sequel. His schedule was booked with projects like “Mufasa: The Lion King,” opening the door for new talent. Taking the helm as the primary songwriters are Abigail Barlow and Emily Bear. If their names ring a bell, it’s because they are the Grammy-winning duo behind the viral sensation “The Unofficial Bridgerton Musical,” which started on TikTok. Their selection marks a historic moment for Disney, making them the youngest and first all-female songwriting team to score a Disney animated feature. They join the returning Mark Mancina and Opetaia Foa'i, who ensure the sequel's soundscape remains rooted in the authentic Polynesian musicality that gave the original its soul.
From 'I Am' to 'We Are'
The change in songwriters and Moana’s evolving journey signal a thematic shift. The first film was a classic “I want” story, culminating in Moana’s powerful declaration: “I am Moana!” The sequel, however, is a “we need” story. Moana is no longer just finding herself; she is tasked with finding others and rebuilding a community. This is reflected in songs like “We’re Back,” an ensemble piece celebrating the return to voyaging, and “What Could Be Better Than This?,” sung with her new crew. Even Maui, voiced again by Dwayne Johnson, gets a new motivational anthem called “Can I Get a Chee Hoo?,” which serves to rally Moana when her confidence wavers. According to the new songwriters, the goal was to mature Moana's voice to reflect her growth, giving the music deeper layers to explore her moments of indecision and resolve.
