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This page was made Song of the Month for March 2021.

"Poor Unfortunate Souls" is a song from Disney's 1989 animated film The Little Mermaid. It features Ursula tricking and manipulating protagonist Ariel into making a deal with her so she may become human, but at a cost. The song was performed by Ursula's voice actress, the late Pat Carroll.

A cover of the song was used in the 2017 television movie Descendants 2, performed by Ursula's daughter, Uma, played by China Anne McClain.

The song would later be used in the 2023 live-action remake of The Little Mermaid, this time performed by Ursula's actress Melissa McCarthy.

Lyrics[]

I admit that in the past I've been a nasty
They weren't kidding when they called me, well, a witch
But you'll find that nowadays
I've mended all my ways
Repented, seen the light, and made a switch
True? Yes.

And I fortunately know a little magic
It's a talent that I always have possessed
And here lately, please don't laugh,
I use it on behalf
of the miserable, lonely and depressed
(Pathetic.)

Poor unfortunate souls
In pain, in need
This one longing to be thinner
That one wants to get the girl
And do I help them? Yes, indeed

Those poor unfortunate souls
So sad, so true
They come flocking to my cauldron
Crying "Spells, Ursula, please!"
And I help them? Yes I do

Now it's happened once or twice
Someone couldn't pay the price
And I'm afraid I had to rake 'em 'cross the coals
Yes I've had the odd complaint
But on the whole I've been a saint
to those poor unfortunate souls

[Have we got a deal?]

[If I become human, I'll never be with my father or sisters again.]

[That's right! But you'll have your man. Life's full of tough choices, isn't it? Oh, and there is one more thing. We haven't discussed the subject of payment. You can't get something for nothing, you know.]

[But I don't have-]

[I'm not asking much, just a token, really, a trifle. You won't even miss it. What I want from you is: your voice.]

[My voice?]

[You've got it, sweetcheeks. No more talking, singing, zip!]

[But with out my voice, how can I-]

You'll have your looks. Your pretty face! And don't underestimate the importance of body language! Ha!

The men up there don't like a lot of blabber
They think a girl who gossips is a bore!
Yes, on land it's much preferred
for ladies not to say a word
And after all, dear, what is idle prattle for?

Come on, they're not all that impressed with conversation
True gentlemen avoid it when they can!
But they dote and swoon and fawn
on a lady who's withdrawn
It's she who holds her tongue who get's a man!

Come on, you poor unfortunate soul
Go ahead! Make your choice!
I'm a very busy woman, and I haven't got all day
It won't cost much. Just your voice!

You poor unfortunate soul
It's sad but true
If you want to cross the bridge, my sweet, you've got the pay the toll
Take a gulp and take a breath, and go ahead and sign the scroll
Flotsam, Jetsam, now I've got her, boys
The boss is on a roll!
This poor unfortunate soul!

Beluga Sevrgua, come winds of the Caspian Sea
Larynxes Glacydis Ad max Laryngitis la voce to me

[Now... Sing!]

[Keep singing!]

I admit that in the past I've been a nasty
They weren't kidding when they called me, well, a witch
But you'll find that nowadays
I've mended all my ways
Repented, seen the light, and made a switch

And I fortunately know a little magic
It's a talent that I always have possessed
And here lately, please don't laugh
I use it on behalf
Of the miserable, lonely, and depressed

Poor unfortunate souls
In pain, in need
This one longing to be thinner
That one wants to get the girl
And do I help them?
Yes, indeed

Poor unfortunate souls
So sad, so true
They come flocking to my cauldron
Crying, "Spells, Ursula, please!"
And I help them!
Yes I do

Now it's happened once or twice
Someone couldn't pay the price
And I'm afraid I had to rake 'em 'cross the coals
Yes I've had the odd complaint
But on the whole I've been a saint
To those poor unfortunate souls

Poor unfortunate souls
In pain, in need
This one longing to be thinner
That one wants to get the girl
And do I help them?
Yes, indeed

Poor unfortunate souls
So sad, so true
They come flocking to my cauldron
Crying, "Spells, Ursula, please!"
And I help them!
Yes I do

The men up there don't like a lot of blabber
They think a girl who gossips is a bore!
Yes on land it's much preferred for ladies not to say a word
And after all dear, what is idle prattle for?

They're not all that impressed with conversation
True gentlemen avoid it when they can
But they dote and swoon and fawn
On a lady who's withdrawn
It's she who holds her tongue who gets a man

Come on you poor unfortunate soul
Go ahead!
Make your choice!

I'm a very busy woman and I haven't got all day
It won't cost much
Just your voice!

(Yeah, yeah)

Poor unfortunate soul
It's sad
(So sad)
But true
If you want to cross the bridge
You've got the pay the toll
Take a gulp and take a breath
And go ahead and

(Come on you)

Poor unfortunate souls
In pain, in need
This one longing to be thinner
That one wants to get the girl
And do I help them?
Yes, indeed

(Come on you)

Poor unfortunate souls
In pain, in need
They come flocking to my cauldron
Crying, "Spells, Ursula, please!"
And I help them!
Yes I do!

I admit that in the past I've been a nasty
They weren't kidding when they called me kinda strange
But you'll find that nowadays
I've mended all my ways
Repented, seen the light, and made a change

And I fortunately know a little secret
It's a talent that I always have possessed
And dear lady, please don't laugh,
I use it on behalf
of the miserable, the lonely, and depressed, pathetic!

Poor unfortunate souls
In pain, in need
This one longing to be thinner
That one wants to get the girl
And do I help them? Yes, indeed!

Those poor unfortunate souls
So sad, so true
They come flocking to me crying
"Will you help us, pretty please?"
And I help them? Yes I do!

The men up there don't like a lot of blabber
They think a girl who gossips is a bore!
Yes, on land it's much preferred
for ladies not to say a word
And after all dear, what is idle prattle for?

They're not all that impressed with conversation
True gentlemen avoid it when they can
But they dote and swoon and fawn
on ladies who withdrawn
It's she who holds her tongue who gets a man

Poor unfortunate souls
Go ahead! Make your choice!
I'm a very busy person and I haven't got all day
It won't cost much. Just your voice!

Those poor unfortunate souls
So sad, so true
If you wanna cross the bridge, my sweet, you've got the pay the toll
Take a gulp, take a breath, go ahead, sign the scroll
Nick and Kevin, now I've got her, boys
The boss is on a roll

You poor unfortunate souls
In pain, in need
This one longing to be thinner
That one wants to get the girl
And do I help them? Yes, indeed!

Those poor unfortunate souls
So sad, so true
They come flocking to me crying
"Will you help us, pretty please?"
And I help them? Yes I do!

Those poor unfortunate souls

[Ha ha ha ha ha ha! Oooh!]
I admit that in the past I've been a nasty
They weren't kidding when they called me, well, a witch
But you'll find that nowadays
I've mended all my ways
Repented, seen the light, and made a switch
To this!

And I fortunately know a little magic
It's a talent that I always have possessed
And dear lady, please don't laugh,
I use it on behalf
Of the miserable, the lonely, and depressed
[Pathetic!]

Poor unfortunate souls
In pain, in need
This one longing to be thinner
That one wants to get the girl
And do I help them?
Yes, indeed!

Those poor unfortunate souls
So sad, so true
They come flocking to my cauldron
crying "Spells, Ursula, please!"
And I help them? Yes, I do

Now, it's happened once or twice
Someone couldn't pay the price
And I'm afraid I had to rake 'em 'cross the coals
Yes, I've had the odd complaint
But on the whole I've been a saint
To those poor unfortunate souls

Now here's the deal
If you dare, there's a potion I'll prepare
Just consume it, you'll be human
Three whole days up above
By the end of day three
Listen up, this is key!
Just convince Mr. Prince
And get a kiss of true love

If I do?

Ursula: Lucky you
You stay human, through and through
You can go, wed your beau
And be totally divine

And if not?

Then guess what girl
You turn back into a mergirl
Same as you once were girl
But that tail will be mine
Don't be shy, dear
What will it be?
You want the guy, dear?
Leave it to me

But what about my father? And my family?

Ursula: Hmm. Sorry, dear
There's no way to spin it
Life's full of tough choices, innit?
One last thing, silly me
Did I mention there's a fee?
Nothing choice, just your voice
No more talking, singing, zip

Not a word?

Not a note, not a whisper from your throat
Show some spine, you'll be fine
Honey, here's a little tip:

You'll have your looks... your pretty face... and don't forget to underestimate the power of body language!
[Ha ha ha! Whoo-oo-oo! Yeah!]

The men up there don't like a lot of blabber
They think a girl who gossips is a bore!
And on land it's much preferred for ladies not to say a word
And after all, dear, what is idle prattle for?

Come on you poor unfortunate souls
Go ahead! Make your choice!
I'm a very busy woman and I haven't got all day
It won't cost much. Just your voice!

You poor unfortunate soul
So sad, but true

If you want to cross the bridge, my sweet, you've got the pay the toll
Take a gulp, take a breath, and go ahead and sign the scroll
Flotsam, Jetsam, now I've got her, boys
The boss is on a roll!
You poor unfortunate souls!
Yeah!

Beluga, sevruga, come winds of the Caspian Sea...
Larynxes, glaucitis, et max laryngitis, la voce to me!

Now, sing!

(Ah ah ah, ah ah ah
Ah ah ah, ah ah ah)

[Keep singing!]

(Ah ah ah, ah ah ah
Ah ah ah, ah ah ah...)

[Ha ha ha ha ha! Wa ha ha ha ha!...]

Other Appearances[]

  • The song was featured on the following albums:
    • The Little Mermaid (An Original Walt Disney Records Soundtrack)
    • The Little Mermaid (An Original Walt Disney Records Soundtrack) [Special Edition]
    • The Little Mermaid (Motion Picture Soundtrack) [Walt Disney Records: The Legacy Collection]
    • The Little Mermaid Greatest Hits
    • Classic Disney - Volume I
    • McDonald's Celebrates Disney Music - Volume 2: Rascal Songs
    • Disney's Greatest - Volume 3
    • Disney Villains: Simply Sinister Songs
    • ICON: Disney Villains
    • Cruella's Favorite Villain Songs
  • An instrumental version was featured on the album Disney's Karaoke Series: The Little Mermaid
  • The song's demo, performed by Howard Ashman, was featured in the album Howard Sings Ashman.
  • The song appears in the Broadway musical, sung by Ursula's actress, Sherie Rene Scott.
  • The song was covered by the Jonas Brothers for The Little Mermaid Special Edition Soundtrack, with slightly altered lyrics.
  • The song appears in the HalloWishes firework shows at Disney Parks.
  • The song appears in The Little Mermaid: Ariel's Undersea Adventure ride at Disney Parks.
  • The song appears in the show Voyage of The Little Mermaid at the park Disney's Hollywood Studios.
  • The song appeared in the 2019 television special The Little Mermaid Live! performed by Queen Latifah as Ursula.
  • The song was performed on the jukebox musical revue On the Record.

Gallery[]

Images[]

Videos[]

Official[]

Covers[]

See Also[]

           DisneyNavbox Songs

Disney Animated Flims
Hi-Diddle-Dee-DeeI've Got No StringsHi-Diddle-Dee-Dee (Reprise)The Coach to Pleasure IslandNight on Bald MountainHit the Big Boss (For a Raise)Pink Elephants on ParadeMan ReturnsFee-Fi-Fo-FumHeadless HorsemanSing, Sweet NightingaleThe Walrus and the Carpenter'Twas BrilligPainting the Roses RedMarch of the CardsWho's Been Painting My Roses Red?The Unbirthday Song (Reprise)A Pirate's Life (Is a Wonderful Life)A Pirate's Life (Reprise)The Elegant Captain HookThe Siamese Cat SongCruella De VilMad Madam MimI Wanna Be Like YouTrust in MeThe Phony King of EnglandHeffalumps and WoozlesA Huntin' ManThe Horned KingThe World's Greatest Criminal MindGoodbye, So SoonPoor Unfortunate SoulsLes PoissonsPoor Unfortunate Souls (Reprise)Home on the RangeBelleGastonGaston (Reprise)The Mob SongPrince Ali (Reprise)Be PreparedStampedeThe Virginia CompanyThe Virginia Company (Reprise)Mine, Mine, MineSavages, Pt. 1Savages, Pt. 2The Bells of Notre DameOut ThereHellfireParis BurningAnd He Shall Smite the WickedThe Gospel Truth IIPerfect WorldKronk's Theme MusicThe Firebird Suite(You're The) Devil in DisguiseYodel-Adle-Eedle-Idle-OoFriends on the Other SideFriends on the Other Side (Reprise)Healing IncantationMother Knows BestMother Knows Best (Reprise)The Backson SongMarch of the OreoLove is an Open DoorWolvesKakamoraShinyKnow Who You AreAt All CostsThis Is The Thanks I Get?!Knowing What I Know Now

Pixar Films
La CucarachaKronos UnveiledRollin' in the RearviewSongbirdSong of Mor'duRemember MeMuch Needed AdviceLa LloronaMidnight, The Stars And You

Animated Sequels
I'm Looking Out for MeForget About LoveYou're Only Second RateWelcome to the Forty ThievesAre You In or Out?Don't Fall in LoveThings Are Not What They AppearMy LullabyNot One of UsJunkyard Society RagHere We Go Another PlanFeel Like a MillionPerfectly PerfectJust One Mistake

Other Animated Films
Everybody's Got A Laughin' PlaceIt's a "B" MovieCutting EdgeWorthlessKidnap the Sandy ClawsOogie Boogie's SongGloomius MaximusI, Ivan KrankPetey's King of FranceChains of LoveIt's Our House NowIf I Ruled the WorldSidekicks and HenchmenThe Frigate That Flies

Live Action Films
We Won't Be Happy 'Till We Get It!Castle In SpainFidelity Fiduciary BankThe Happiest Home in These HillsPassamaquoddyEvery Little PieceBill of SaleScroogeMarley and MarleyCome Little ChildrenI Put a Spell on YouShiver My TimbersA Professional PirateSecret of SurvivalLittle GirlsEasy StreetLittle Girls (Reprise)Bravo, Stromboli!The KrakenDavy JonesFabulousNorth Pole, North PoleHello, Little GirlStay with MeAgonyLast MidnightOnce Upon A DreamMy Jolly Sailor BoldMermaidsRainbow Connection (Moopets Version)Let's Talk About MeI'm Number OneI'll Get You What You Want (Cockatoo in Malibu)Rotten to the CoreEvil Like MeEvilWays to Be WickedWhat's My Name?Chillin' Like a VillainIt's Goin' DownWhat a ShameQueen of MeanCall Me CruellaSympathy for the DevilOne Way or AnotherTie the Knot TangoThe Coachman To Pleasure IslandThe Witches Are Back

Animated Series & Shorts
The Skeleton DanceWho's Afraid of the Big Bad Wolf?Der Fuehrer's FaceThe Best of EverythingFat Cat StompThe Lobster Mobster's MobThe Beddy Bye BluesYou Wouldn't Want to Mess With Me (Part 1)You Wouldn't Want to Mess With Me (Part 2)Evil LullabyMy TownOne Good ManYzmopolisBoom-Da-BoomLet's Slay The BeastMortimer MouseCedric the GreatAll You DesireHelping HandA Kingdom of My OwnThis Fliegel Has LandedWendell's WayMy Evil DreamsMy Power Will Be Crystal ClearGet WickedOn Your/My OwnLord Dominator's ThemeLet the Pun Fit the CrimeMandrake's Evil JamI'm the Bad GuyTonight We StrikeJackal StyleOutta the WayPanic and RunLions Over AllWe'll Make You a MealBring Back a LegendI Have A PlanBig Bad KengeWe're the SmartestLet Me Make You ProudLet Me Make You Proud (Reprise)Ready As I'll Ever BeI'm Gonna Run This DumpLi'l Ol' MeWeirdmageddon ThemeWe'll Meet AgainYou Can't Catch MeDon't Look NowThe Art of the StealWe've Got Dance PowerSky PiratesDecay IncantationWaiting in the WingsCrossing The LineWaiting in the Wings (Reprise)Nothing Left to LoseGoblin JailGlomTales Theme SongI'm Not Very NiceHeartstomperSasha Theme Song TakeoverWhatcha Playin’?If We’re Gonna Play Owl House…Blame It on TobyKilljoyEvil As Can Be

Deleted Songs
Rolling Along to Pleasure IslandI'm OddBeware the JabberwockNever Smile at a CrocodileThe Pirate SongEvil - EvilThe Mighty HuntersDon't Buy a Parrot from a SailorThe Creation of Cruella De VilHow Much You Mean to Me/Court Me SlowlyNot in Nottingham (Prince John Demo)Silence is GoldenAll Good Things Must EndArabian Nights (Reprise 1)Arabian Nights (Reprise 2)Why Me?Humiliate the BoyMy Finest HourBe Prepared (Reprise)Snuff Out the LightPerfect World (Yzma)Gonna Get My WishYou're YouLife's Too ShortIt's Gonna Get WeirdHans of the Southern Isles (Reprise 2)

Theatrical Songs
Another PyramidLike Father Like SonMeMaison Des LunesChow DownThe Madness of King ScarIt's Never Too LateI Want the Good Times BackSweet ChildLes Poissons (Reprise)I Want the Good Times Back (Reprise)Sweet Child (Reprise)Sweet Child (Reprise)Diamond in the RoughMake a Little NoiseFlower of GoldThe Bottom LineThe Bottom Line (Reprise)Hans of the Southern IslesHans of the Southern Isles (Reprise)I Knew I Smelled A RatPrologue'Night, Kittens

Video Games
I Love FurPuppies, Oh, PuppiesThe Rat TangoGo Bananas in the Coconut TreeA Mood for FoodRunVillains of a SortThe Heartless Has ComeSquirming EvilOne-Winged AngelDr. Finkelstein's SongHail to Mr. OogieCasino ClashA Filthy FinaleOrganization XIIIThe 13th StruggleUrsula's RevengeIt's a Small WorldOpeningThe Mad Doctor Isn't MadI'm Falling ApartThe Fall of PrescottThe Mad Doctor's PlanMad Doctor's Wonderful World of EvilPiece of My World

Promotional Songs
Honest JohnMonstro the WhaleIf You Wanna See Some Strange Behavior (Take a Look at Man)The Legend of Davy JonesCruellaI'm Gettin' Good at Being BadShadow ManDo What I Wanna DoLove is a Magical Mystery

Parks
Hawaiian War ChantYo Ho (A Pirate's Life for Me)Grim Grinning GhostsBurrow's LamentFriend Like IagoUh-Oa's SongGuardians of the Galaxy Monsters After Dark

           The Little Mermaid Navbox Songs

Films
Poor Unfortunate SoulsLes PoissonsPoor Unfortunate Souls (Reprise)Just One MistakeJust One Mistake (Reprise)

Television
The Lobster Mobster's MobThe Beddy Bye BluesYou Wouldn't Want to Mess With Me (Part 1)You Wouldn't Want to Mess With Me (Part 2)Evil Lullaby

Musical
I Want the Good Times BackSweet ChildPoor Unfortunate SoulsLes PoissonsLes Poissons (Reprise)I Want the Good Times Back (Reprise)Sweet Child (Reprise)Poor Unfortunate Souls (Reprise)

Other
Silence is GoldenAll Good Things Must EndUrsula's RevengeGonna Get My Wish

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