"Silence is Golden" is a deleted song from Disney's 1989 animated film The Little Mermaid. It was going to feature Ursula trying, and succeeding, to convince Ariel to give up her voice in exchange of become a human, the song was a precursor of "Poor Unfortunate Souls" which ended up replacing it.
The only recorded version is a demo performed by the song's lyricist Howard Ashman.
Lyrics
You won't sing, you won't speak
Not a word, not a squeak
Not a peep, not a squeal
That's the price, love, that's the deal
But silence, silence is golden, my dear
Up there, they hate chatter
So what does it matter
If you become mute
[Nobody likes a loudmouth!]
I mean it
Silence, silence is golden, my dear
Don't you think you should try it
They'll say she's so quiet, so shy and cute!
Well take it or leave it, that's all, that's the bargain
Go on, take a stand, make a choice
Remember you’ll get the legs and the lungs and the prince
All I get is the voice
And you’ll be
Silent, but silence is golden, sign here
There’s no choice for you since
You’re in love with a prince
But relax, I’ve been told
Silence is gold!
[Okay, I'll sign!]
Beluga Sevrgua, come winds of the Caspian Sea
Larynxes Glacydis Ad max Laryngitis la voce to me
Now here goes
Ankles and toes
Almost complete
Legs and feet!
Enjoy it
Deploy it
This form yours to keep dear
I've done it, you're human
Good luck and breath deep, dear!
Silence is golden!
Other Appearances
- Howard Ashman's demo was featured in the album The Music Behind the Magic.