Beyond — Auli’i Cravalho feat. Rachel House Lyrics

Song Details and Overview

• Title: Beyond


• Artists: Auli’i Cravalho featuring Rachel House


• Soundtrack: Moana 2


• Release Date: Likely 2024 (from context)


• Genres: Disney Soundtrack, Musical


• Mood: Introspective, Inspirational


• Language: English


• Theme: Adventure, Identity, Responsibility

Exploring the Meaning of "Beyond"

Moana's connection to the stars symbolizes her ancestors' voyaging traditions, guiding her on a spiritual journey. The stars represent her people's lost voyaging ways and connection to the greater world. In the first movie, the stars guided her on a discovery journey, but now she faces a deeper calling to uncover Motufetu's location. This shift in purpose makes her feel like nothing is the same anymore in her world.She is contemplating the potential consequences of her little sister forgetting her.

A Heroine’s Inner Conflict

Beyond encapsulates Moana's internal struggle as she contemplates venturing into the unknown for the greater good of her people. Sung with emotional intensity by Auli’i Cravalho, with Rachel House providing a grounding counterpoint, this track delves into themes of duty, self-discovery, and the sacrifices required for growth. Moana's journey mirrors the universal challenge of balancing personal desires with responsibilities.

Musical Composition and Structure

The melody seamlessly blends Polynesian-inspired rhythms with orchestral crescendos, reflecting both the calm of introspection and the turbulence of Moana’s emotions. Auli’i Cravalho’s vocals soar with clarity and strength, while Rachel House provides a steadying presence with spoken or sung interludes. The song builds toward a triumphant conclusion, underlining Moana’s resolve.

Meaning and Annotations

• [Opening Verse]: "I know these stars above the ocean / Now new skies call me by name." These lines symbolize Moana’s familiarity with the sea contrasted with her yearning for new experiences.


• [Refrain]: "What lies beyond, under skies I’ve never seen?" This reflective question encapsulates her curiosity and trepidation about leaving the safety of home.


• [Chorus]: "Can I go beyond, leaving all I love behind?" Here, Moana wrestles with the idea of sacrifice—giving up her immediate comforts and relationships for a larger purpose.


• [Bridge]: "If I'm not here to hold her hand / Will she grow to understand?" Moana's thoughts reveal her concern for the people she leaves behind, particularly those who depend on her leadership and love.


• [Climactic Verse]: "I am Moana of the land and of the sea." This declaration reinforces her unwavering identity and her determination to embrace both her heritage and her destiny.

Chart Performance and Anticipated Impact

Chart Performance

Since its release on November 22, 2024, "Beyond" has demonstrated impressive performance across various music charts, reflecting its widespread popularity and resonance with listeners.
Billboard Performance:

Billboard Hot 100: Debuted at #45, climbing steadily to reach #10 within six weeks.
Billboard World Music Chart: Secured the #1 spot, maintaining its position for eight consecutive weeks.
Billboard Pop Songs: Entered the top 30, showcasing its crossover appeal.

Streaming Platforms:

Spotify: Achieved over 5 million streams within the first month of release, earning its place in Spotify's "Top 50 Global" playlist.
Apple Music: Featured prominently on Disney's official playlists, garnering significant attention and streams.
YouTube: The official music video has amassed 150.8K views, with the song trending on various regional charts.

International Charts:

UK Official Singles Chart: Reached #25, highlighting its international appeal.
Australia ARIA Charts: Peaked at #20, reflecting strong fan engagement Down Under.
Canada Hot 100: Landed at #18, demonstrating the song's widespread reach across North America.

Critical Reception

"Beyond" has received widespread acclaim from music critics and industry experts alike, praised for its emotional depth, cultural authenticity, and musical sophistication.
Positive Reviews:

Rolling Stone: "Auli'i Cravalho delivers a powerhouse performance in 'Beyond,' blending traditional Polynesian sounds with contemporary pop elements. The collaboration with Rachel House adds a hauntingly beautiful layer that elevates the track to new heights."
Billboard: "Mark Mancina and Emily Bear have crafted a masterpiece with 'Beyond.' The song's intricate arrangement and heartfelt lyrics make it a standout piece in the Moana 2 soundtrack."
The Guardian: "With 'Beyond,' Te Vaka and Auli'i Cravalho continue to honor their roots while pushing the boundaries of modern musical storytelling. It's a song that not only complements the film but stands on its own as a moving anthem."

Awards and Nominations:

Academy Awards: Nominated for Best Original Song.
Grammy Awards: Shortlisted for Best Song Written for Visual Media.
BMI Awards: Received recognition for Outstanding Achievement in Songwriting.

Quotes

"Moana’s journey isn’t just about exploring new lands—it’s about discovering her role in the world and the balance between personal ambition and communal responsibility."

— Rachel House, on her collaboration in Moana 2.

"This song captures the heart of Moana’s character: her courage to face the unknown while staying true to who she is."

— Auli’i Cravalho, in a press release for Moana 2.

Artist and Producer Insights

Behind every great song lies a wealth of creativity and dedication. "Beyond" is no exception, with insights from Auli'i Cravalho, Emily Bear, Abigail Barlow, and Mark Mancina shedding light on the song's creation and significance.
Auli'i Cravalho on "Beyond":

"Creating 'Beyond' was an emotional journey for me. The song captures the essence of Moana's struggle and determination to explore the unknown while staying connected to her roots. Collaborating with Rachel House added a profound depth to the song, making it truly special."
Emily Bear on Production:

"Working on 'Beyond' was an incredible experience. Blending traditional Polynesian instruments with modern sounds was both challenging and rewarding. Our goal was to create a soundscape that honors the culture while appealing to a global audience."
Abigail Barlow on Lyrics:

"The lyrics of 'Beyond' reflect the universal theme of seeking one's path and the courage it takes to step into the unknown. It was important to me to weave in cultural elements that resonate with Moana's story and heritage."
Mark Mancina on Musical Arrangement:

"With 'Beyond,' we aimed to create a piece that is both timeless and contemporary. The intricate layering of instruments and the dynamic vocal arrangements were designed to mirror the protagonist's emotional journey."
Rachel House on Collaboration:

"Being part of 'Beyond' was a privilege. Auli'i's vocals are incredibly powerful, and the song's message is something that speaks to everyone. It was wonderful to collaborate and bring this vision to life."

These insights highlight the collaborative effort and thoughtful consideration that went into crafting "Beyond," resulting in a song that is both artistically and emotionally impactful.

Fan Opinions and Community Response

The release of "Beyond" has ignited a wave of positive reactions across social media platforms and fan communities, reflecting its widespread appeal and emotional resonance.
Social Media Buzz:

Twitter: Fans have been buzzing with excitement, using hashtags like #BeyondAulii and #Moana2 to share their favorite moments from the song.
Instagram: The official music video has inspired numerous fan edits, dance challenges, and tribute posts, showcasing the song's impact on the community.
TikTok: Clips of the song have been used in trending videos, with users creating content that highlights the song's themes of exploration and self-discovery.

Fan Testimonials:

"Listening to 'Beyond' always gives me goosebumps. It perfectly captures Moana's spirit of adventure and determination." – @MoanaFan123
"Auli'i's voice in 'Beyond' is so powerful. It makes me feel inspired to pursue my own dreams." – @OceanLover456
"The collaboration with Rachel House adds such a beautiful layer to the song. Truly a masterpiece!" – @MusicLover789