Who's behind the notes? Discover Lin-Manuel Miranda: The Revolutionary Voice of Modern Theater
"How Far I'll Go" is a song written by Lin-Manuel Miranda for Disney's animated film "Moana," released in 2016. Here are some interesting facts about Lin-Manuel Miranda and the song:
Lin-Manuel Miranda's Involvement: Lin-Manuel Miranda, the renowned composer, lyricist, and actor best known for creating the hit Broadway musicals "Hamilton" and "In the Heights," was approached by Disney to write songs for "Moana." "How Far I'll Go" is one of the standout tracks from the film.
The Song's Inspirations: Lin-Manuel Miranda revealed that he drew inspiration from his own experiences growing up in the neighborhood of Inwood in Manhattan, as well as his Puerto Rican heritage, when writing "How Far I'll Go." The song's lyrics convey Moana's longing to explore the world beyond her island, which resonates with Miranda's own upbringing in a culturally rich environment.
Nominated for Academy Award: "How Far I'll Go" received widespread acclaim and was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Original Song at the 89th Academy Awards in 2017. It competed against another song from "Moana," "We Know the Way," also composed by Lin-Manuel Miranda.
Performed by Auli'i Cravalho: In the film, the character Moana is voiced by Auli'i Cravalho, who also performs "How Far I'll Go." Cravalho's rendition of the song received praise for its emotional depth and beautiful vocal delivery.
Multiple Versions: The song "How Far I'll Go" appears several times in the movie, with different versions performed by Auli'i Cravalho and included on the film's soundtrack. The song's reprises reflect Moana's evolving journey throughout the story.
Commercial Success: "How Far I'll Go" became a commercial success, reaching high chart positions in multiple countries and earning a Platinum certification from the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA).
Cultural Impact: The song's themes of self-discovery and adventure resonated with audiences of all ages and contributed to the film's cultural impact. It has been covered by various artists and has become a popular choice for singing competitions and school performances.
Live Performances: Lin-Manuel Miranda and Auli'i Cravalho performed "How Far I'll Go" live at several events, including the 2017 Academy Awards ceremony, where the song was nominated. Their performance received a standing ovation.
Impact on Lin-Manuel Miranda's Career: Lin-Manuel Miranda's involvement in "Moana" and the success of "How Far I'll Go" further solidified his reputation as a talented songwriter and composer, enhancing his already impressive career in musical theater and entertainment.
"How Far I'll Go" is a pivotal song in the "Moana" soundtrack, capturing the film's central theme of self-discovery and adventure and showcasing Lin-Manuel Miranda's exceptional songwriting talents.