Introduction

How Far I’ll Go is a popular song from the Disney movie Moana, released in 2016. The song was written by Lin-Manuel Miranda, the creator of the hit Broadway musical Hamilton, and performed by Auli’i Cravalho, who played the lead role of Moana in the movie. The song has become a fan favorite and has been covered by many artists.

History of the Song

Lin-Manuel Miranda was approached by the producers of Moana to write songs for the movie. He wrote How Far I’ll Go as the signature song for the character of Moana, who is a young girl on a quest to save her island. The song was inspired by Miranda’s own experiences growing up in New York City and feeling like an outsider. He wanted to capture the universal feeling of wanting to explore and discover new things.

Lyrics of How Far I’ll Go

Verse 1:
I’ve been staring at the edge of the water
Long as I can remember, never really knowing why
I wish I could be the perfect daughter
But I come back to the water, no matter how hard I try

Chorus:
Every turn I take, every trail I track
Every path I make, every road leads back
To the place I know, where I cannot go
Where I long to be

Verse 2:
See the line where the sky meets the sea? It calls me
And no one knows, how far it goes
If the wind in my sail on the sea stays behind me
One day I’ll know, if I go there’s just no telling how far I’ll go

Chorus:
Every turn I take, every trail I track
Every path I make, every road leads back
To the place I know, where I cannot go
Where I long to be

Bridge:
And let me know, what’s beyond that line, will I cross that line?
And the line where the sky meets the sea, it calls me
And no one knows, how far it goes
If the wind in my sail on the sea stays behind me
One day I’ll know, how far I’ll go

Chorus:
Every turn I take, every trail I track
Every path I make, every road leads back
To the place I know, where I cannot go
Where I long to be

Meaning and Interpretation

How Far I’ll Go is a song about the universal human desire to explore and discover new things. The character of Moana is torn between her duty to her people and her own personal desires. She longs to explore the ocean and discover what lies beyond her island, but she also feels a sense of responsibility to her family and her community. The song captures the tension between these two desires and the struggle to find a balance between them.

The lyrics of the song also speak to the idea of following your dreams and pursuing your passions, even if it means going against the expectations of others. The line “I wish I could be the perfect daughter” reflects the pressure that many people feel to conform to societal norms and expectations. The song encourages listeners to follow their own path and not be afraid to take risks and explore new horizons.

Conclusion

How Far I’ll Go is a powerful and inspiring song that has resonated with audiences around the world. Its universal themes of exploration, self-discovery, and following your dreams have made it a favorite among fans of all ages. Whether you’re a fan of Moana or just love great music, the lyrics of How Far I’ll Go are sure to inspire and uplift you.