Poor Unfortunate Souls

"Poor Unfortunate Souls" is the big Broadway style villain number featured in The Little Mermaid. The music was composed by Alan Menken while the lyrics were by Howard Ashman. The song is performed by Ursula (Pat Carroll ) and is sung to persuade Ariel to give up her voice for the one she loves, Prince Eric.

Lyrics
Ursula:

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 my lady, 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

The men up there don't like a lot of blabber

They think a girl who gossips is a bore!

Yet on land it's much prefered for ladies not to say a word

And after all dear, what is idle babble 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On a lady who's withdrawn It's she who holds her tongue who get's a man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 o'' ''f the Caspian Sea  Larynxes  Glacydis  Ad max  Laryngitis la voce to me''

(Now Sing)

Deleted Lyrics
These lyrics were meant to be heard just before Ursula tells Ariel the price of her deal in an attempt to convince her that going on land is the right choice, despite never being able to see her family again.

Come on, I know you need a little magic

And magic is my specialty du jour

Don't just stand there looking sick

Would I kid you? Play a trick?

Like I told you, I don't do that anymore

So I think you ought to take my little bargain

Yes, I think you ought to make my little deal

Sure, it's hard to leave your life

But you could be a prince's wife

Why don't you let me take that dream and make it real?

Come on, you poor unfortunate soul

Poor child! Poor fish!

Aren't you glad you brought your problem

To a lady you can trust?

Won't you let me grant your wish?

You poor unfortunate soul

Poor sweet! Poor dear!

Aren't you lucky that I'm ready

With a potion and a plan?

Aren't you glad you came and asked

If I could help you? And I can

When a mermaid comes to Ursula

She always gets her man

You poor unfortunate soul!